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18 Casserole Recipes That Freeze Well

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Make-Ahead Meals

We've all got those busy nights where cooking dinner is impossible. Instead of hitting up the nearest drive-thru, plan ahead and pack your freezer with ready-to-bake casseroles. These hearty, make-ahead meals are ready to pop into the oven whenever you need them, and they provide your family with a hot, homemade meal with almost no effort at all.

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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

The chicken, broccoli, and rice in this dish are all coated in that classic casserole base: cream of chicken soup. Because you prepare and cook it all on the stovetop before it goes in the oven, you can freeze it before baking. Add the cracker topping in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Recipe: The Cozy Cook

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Easy Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole goes by a few names (including the morbid funeral potatoes!), but everyone loves it no matter what you call this side dish. Freeze it without the cornflake topping, which you should add right before baking.

Recipe: I Heart Naptime

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Make-Ahead Lasagna

Move over Stouffer's, because pulling a homemade lasagna out of the freezer is so much better than store-bought. You don't even need to cook the noodles before layering them with homemade meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Freeze this one unbaked.

Recipe: Culinary Hill

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Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Black beans and sweet potatoes make a wonderful pair, especially when they're mixed with smoky, earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika in this recipe. Use your favorite canned enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese, then freeze before baking.

Recipe: Taste of Home

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Swedish Meatball Casserole

Frozen meatballs are a time saver whether you plan to freeze the final product or not. Instead of the typical tomato sauce, these get a creamy stroganoff treatment. Don't skip the allspice and nutmeg in the sauce because it's what gives it that distinctive stroganoff flavor.

Recipe: The Recipe Critic

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Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

Olive Garden doesn't have anything on this version of one of its popular dishes. Marinara sauce is mixed with alfredo and five different cheeses for an indulgent casserole. It's vegetarian, but you can add ground beef or Italian sausage if you like.

Recipe: Taste of Home

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Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

If your family enjoys classic broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole, this is a version that includes diced ham for some protein (it's a great way to use up leftover ham!). Everything is cooked before going into the casserole dish, so just wrap it tightly before baking to throw in the freezer.

Recipe: The Cook

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is a popular casserole made with a creamy sauce, bell peppers, shredded chicken, and cheese. This recipe includes a simple homemade sauce instead of using canned cream soup, but you could use it in a pinch.

Recipe: Spend With Pennies

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Taco Rice Casserole

The recipe for this Mexican-inspired taco rice casserole is written for two 9-by-13-inch pans, so you'll have one for now and one for the freezer. Ground beef, beans, and corn are seasoned and layered on top of rice. Put out fresh taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for everyone to add to their plate.

Recipe: Eating on a Dime

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Easy Make-Ahead Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is just like shepherd's pie, except it's made with inexpensive ground beef instead of lamb. There's tons of flavor in this thanks to Dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce, and it's got a layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top. Freeze this one in the casserole dish before baking.

Recipe: Pudge Factor

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Poppy Seed Chicken

Poppy seed chicken is a Southern staple casserole with shredded or cubed chicken in a creamy sauce with poppy seeds and buttery Ritz crackers on top. If you want to add a little zip, throw in some lemon zest and a little juice, too. Serve it with buttered egg noodles or rice and a salad.

Recipe: Southern Living

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Make-Ahead Cabbage Rolls

This is a simple recipe for a favorite comfort food. Onions, celery, and a little lemon flavor the easy tomato sauce that the cabbage rolls simmer in. Since the beef in the filling is cooked, it works well to freeze before baking.

Recipe: Taste of Home

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Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

This vegetarian version of a shepherd's pie is made with carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions, green beans, and celery for a healthful take on the classic dish — and make meatless Mondays so much easier. The mashed potatoes are mixed with tons of sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Recipe: Simply Recipes

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Chicken and Biscuit Cobbler

This chicken and biscuit cobbler is a freezer meal that's worthy of a holiday. White wine, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs flavor the filling. On top, you dollop homemade buttermilk biscuits studded with bacon for an indulgent layer.

Recipe: Southern Living

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Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Sour cream noodle bake is a classic, homestyle recipe that's pure comfort in a casserole dish. Curly egg noodles are mixed with sour cream and cottage cheese, then topped with a simple tomato ground beef mixture and cheese. Freeze this one before baking.

Recipe: Food Network

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Dinners aren't the only meals with make-ahead casseroles. A hearty weekend breakfast is easy with this sausage, mushroom, and cheese strata. Because it contains raw eggs, you'll want to freeze this one after baking, and then reheat in the oven.

Recipe: Simply Recipes

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Both ham and chicken make this a protein-packed casserole. Broccoli and whole wheat pasta add fiber, and a creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard brings it all together. Assemble the casserole and then freezer before baking.

Recipe: Eating Well

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Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

You may never want another potato again when you try this loaded cauliflower casserole. It's got all the good stuff — bacon, cheese, and chives — mixed into a creamy cauliflower base. Bake this one before freezing for an easy future side dish.

Recipe: Small Town Woman

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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This No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Is 100x Easier Than Baking A Cake

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When I was growing up, Maria cookies were a staple often found in my mama Nena's (my grandma) pantry or offered as a snack alongside a hot cafecito (coffee) at night. These beloved cookies are typically seen in both Mexican and Mexican American homes. So it should come as no surprise that one of the most adored desserts in Mexico is the carlota de queso y limon (lemon cream cheese icebox cake), which calls for layers of Maria cookies sandwiched in between a creamy lemon filling.

Similar to what happens in a tiramisu or an icebox cake, the Maria cookies (with a texture that's reminiscent of graham crackers) soften as they sit, creating an almost cake-like result. While the lemon and cream cheese can stand alone in the filling (as they're both rich and flavorful), I always reach for a touch of vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk to highlight their flavors. Sweetened condensed milk not only acts as the main sweetener, but also adds delicious caramel and toffee-like notes. Finished with a light and fluffy layer of whipped cream, this carlota de queso y limon brings back a hint of childhood nostalgia, whether you grew up with it or a variation of a lemon icebox cake. Its simplicity lets the dessert shine, which makes it not only a summer must-have, but also the perfect dessert for when you need something sweet, slightly refreshing, and, most of all, comforting.

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

Why You'll Love It

Incredibly easy and satisfying. In just 20 minutes, you can have a beautiful dessert with the ideal amount of tartness. It's so good, it screams summer.

The creamy filling is the best. Blend cream cheese, lemon, and lime together for the ideal amount of richness and moisture. This mixture softens the cookies just right to create a cake-like texture.

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Key Ingredients in Carlota De Queso y Limón

Sweetened condensed milk: The perfect sweetener for the creamy and rich filling.

Vanilla extract: Balances the sweetness and flavor of the filling while providing added depth.

Lime zest: Enhances and brightens the citrus flavor without being overpowering.

Maria cookies: While the citrus would be considered the star of the show, this dessert would be nothing without these famous cookies — they contribute both texture and flavor.

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

How to Make Carlota De Queso y Limón

Make the filling. Blend sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, and vanilla extract together in a blender until smooth.

Start layering! Arrange a single layer of Maria cookies, breaking them as needed, in an 8×8-inch square baking dish. Dollop some of the cream cheese mixture over the cookies and spread into an even layer. Repeat layering the cookies and cream cheese mixture two more times, using up the cream cheese mixture at the end. Arrange the remaining Maria cookies on top (there should be 5 cookie layers and 4 cream cheese mixture layers).

Make whipped cream. Beat the remaining heavy cream and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed (or whisk by hand) until medium peaks form. Spread evenly over the top cookie layer.

Refrigerate, then serve. Cover lightly and refrigerate until the cookies soften, a minimum of 4 hours. Uncover and garnish with more crushed Maria cookies and the remaining finely grated lime zest before serving.

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

Helpful Swaps

Graham crackers can be used instead of Maria cookies, as they have a similar texture and crunch. This makes them ideal for moisture absorption, and the crackers soften in a similar manner when combined with the fillings.

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Calling all sweet-lovers! Dessert Island is the place where you'll find impossibly delicious recipes you'd happily be stranded with. As a professional baker I've picked up plenty of little tips and tricks for making a cake (or bar! Or cookie!) worthy of a special occasion, but easy enough to pull off on a Tuesday. In this column I'll drop a new dessert every month that you'll want to drop everything to bake. Follow along and find the recipes here.

Carlota De Queso y Limón Recipe

Anyone can pull off this beloved no-bake Mexican dessert. The hardest part is waiting!

Prep time 20 minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 3/4 cups cold heavy cream, divided

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 medium lemons)

3 teaspoons finely grated lime zest (from about 1 large lime), divided

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 1/2 medium limes)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 (7-ounce) packages Maria cookies (about 44 cookies), divided, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Blend 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, 8 ounces room-temperature cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the cold heavy cream, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together in a blender on medium speed, stopping and scraping down the sides of the blender as needed, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes total.

Arrange a single layer of Maria cookies (up to 9), breaking them as needed, in an 8x8-inch square baking dish. Dollop 1 heaping cup of the cream cheese mixture over the cookies and spread into an even layer.

Arrange 9 of the Maria cookies over the cream cheese mixture, then top with another 1 cup of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat layering the cookies and cream cheese mixture two more times, using up the cream cheese mixture at the end. Arrange the remaining 9 Maria cookies on top (there should be 5 cookie layers and 4 cream cheese mixture layers).

Beat the remaining 1 cup cold heavy cream and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed (or whisk by hand) until medium peaks form. Spread evenly over the top cookie layer.

Cover lightly and refrigerate until the cookies soften, at least 4 hours or up to overnight. Uncover and garnish with more crushed Maria cookies and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest before serving.

Recipe Notes

Substitutions: Graham crackers can be used instead of Maria cookies.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4 days; the cookie layers will soften further.

28 DIY Baking Kit Recipes And Products

Baking has long been a cherished pastime, a blend of art and science that fills our homes with heavenly aromas and our bellies with sumptuous treats. Yet, the challenge of gathering ingredients and mastering recipes can turn this delightful activity into a daunting task. Enter DIY baking kits: a game-changing solution that brings joy back into baking. These innovative kits come packed with pre-measured ingredients, foolproof recipes, and even handy utensils, offering a streamlined process for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. No more last-minute grocery runs or elaborate ingredient lists; these kits deliver all you need straight to your doorstep. In this roundup, we're unveiling 28 standout DIY baking kits that promise to make your kitchen escapades not just easier but also more enjoyable. From scrumptious cookies and brownies to sophisticated pastries and bread, there's something here for everyone. Jump to: 1. DIY Baking Kit Gift Set For Beginners In A Jar Perfect for those who are new to the baking world, this kit combines essential tools and decorative elements. It makes learning to bake an exciting and straightforward adventure. 2. DIY Triple Chocolate Cupcake Kit This complete cupcake set satisfies intense chocolate cravings while also serving as a comprehensive gift. It's especially useful when you're tasked with bringing dessert to a gathering. 3. DIY Sourdough Starter Kit Gifting a sourdough starter kit offers the joy of baking bread from scratch. With ongoing 'feedings,' this living gift can be a long-lasting kitchen companion for the dedicated baker. 4. DIY Chewy Cranberry Choc-nut Cookie Kit Who can resist a blend of cranberries, white chocolate, and macadamias? This jar offers the essentials for a delightful homemade cookie experience, making it an impeccable gift for any occasion. 5. DIY Apple Pie Cookie Kit Fruity, spiced biscuits are a jar twist away. With this kit, you can gift the essence of a comforting apple pie transformed into easy-to-make cookies. Perfect for teachers or autumnal gatherings. 6. Lasagne Recipe Kit For those intimidated by cooking or in need of a kitchen break, this lasagne kit is a lifesaver. All the ingredients and seasonings are neatly packaged, making homemade lasagne a breeze. 7. DIY Baked Camembert Kit Cheese lovers, rejoice! This DIY Camembert kit offers a delicious, warm, gooey treat paired with boozy sultanas. It's an upscale yet simple appetizer, ready in just a few minutes. 8. Duff Goldman DIY Baking Set for Kids by Baketivity Famous baker, Duff Goldman collaborates with Baketivity for a kid-friendly kit that's both educational and fun. Vacuum-packed ingredients and a step-by-step recipe ensure a memorable bonding and learning experience. 9. DIY Baking Kit For Kids Let your kids dive into the joy of baking with this colorful kit. 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Young Chefs Sprinkles Cupcake Baking Kit with Pre-Measured Ingredients Designed for kids between 4-12, this kit aims to make baking a family affair. It includes step-by-step instructions, helping parents and kids create cupcakes together while learning essential kitchen skills. 14. Baketivity Homemade Pretzels and Bagels Baking Kit Bundle This kit brings the bakery into your kitchen. It offers the dual satisfaction of crafting your own pretzels and bagels while ensuring gourmet-level taste. It's a fun, fulfilling experience for all snack enthusiasts. 15. DIY Little Chef's Baking Kit Perfect for a child who's a budding baker. This kit is specially designed with kid-friendly utensils and ingredients, ensuring both safety and fun. It makes for a thoughtful, personalized gift for young foodies. 16. DIY Christmas Cookie Kit The ultimate gift for cookie enthusiasts, this kit is designed to spread joy during the holiday season or any time of year. With an assortment of cookie cutters and mixes, it's a delightful box of cookie-crafting goodness. 17. Rainbow Bagel Baking Kit If you've always wanted to bake your own vegan NY-style everything bagels, here's your chance. The kit includes all the essentials, along with a recipe card to guide you through the bagel-making process. 18. DIY Finnish Cardamom Roll For those interested in international cuisines, this kit lets you dive into Scandinavian baking culture. You'll have the opportunity to make delicious cardamom rolls, all with premium ingredients and authentic recipes. 19. DIY Cinnamon Roll Kit Ideal for sweet tooth cravings, this kit provides all the dry ingredients needed for creating the fluffiest cinnamon rolls. With easy-to-follow instructions, it's suitable for date nights, anniversaries, or as a family baking project. 20. DIY Homemade Baking Kit If you're looking for a comprehensive baking experience, this homemade kit neatly packs various ingredients and tools into a large cookie jar. It combines the charm of a gift jar with the practicality of an all-in-one baking kit. 21. DIY Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix In A Jar A jar filled with the perfect blend of ingredients for chocolate chip cookies provides a hassle-free baking experience. Great for beginners or busy people who still crave that homemade touch. 22. DIY Brownies In A Jar This layered jar of brownie ingredients offers a chic and budget-friendly gift option. It is ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or when a chocolate craving hits you unexpectedly. 23. DIY White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies In A Jar You'll love the convenience of having a pre-measured mix of delightful white chocolate and cranberry cookies. Handy for a quick treat or for impressing unexpected guests. 24. DIY Oatmeal Chocolate Almond Cookies In A Jar This jar makes gifting a personalized experience, especially for Reese's Peanut Butter Cup enthusiasts. Satisfies the need for something sweet, crunchy, and nutty, all in one. 25. DIY Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar Cowboy cookies from a jar mix combine various textures and flavors, making it a fun and engaging baking project. Excellent for family bonding or individual culinary exploration. 26. DIY Snickerdoodle Mix in a Jar This Snickerdoodle mix ensures you have a classic cookie recipe on hand whenever you need it. It's great for last-minute dessert needs or unexpected guests craving something sweet. 27. DIY Chocolate-Nut Cookies This colorful jar is a visual treat before it even hits the oven, especially if you coordinate the candy-coated chocolate pieces to the season. It's a lovely way to add festivity to your kitchen. 28. DIY Coconut Crunch Cookie Mix You'll appreciate the mix of textures in these cookies, from flaky coconut to crunchy cornflakes. It's ideal for when you're in the mood for a cookie that's outside the usual.

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