freezing casseroles

[curlyjr]

A friend of mine is expecting a baby and I would like to make a few casseroles for her, freeze them and give them to her to heat up after the baby is born. However, I don't really know how the freezing/heating thing works. Do I bake the casserole first? What instructions do I give her? Is it ok to freeze them in those disposable aluminum things? Are there certain things that don't freeze well?

[curlyjr]

bump

[Megande]

That's a fabulous idea. I made a lot of casseroles to freeze before my son was born. Some things do freeze a lot better than others. Pasta dishes like lasagna are always a good bet. Soups also freeze very well. I cook all the individual ingredients and then assemble the casserole so that it only needs to be heated after being defrosted. I use those disposable aluminum pans, and the 8x8 size is a really good one, I think.

Here are two recipes that are easy and freeze well.

This makes 3 lasagnas. Either 8x8 or 10x6 pan size. I usually eat one and freeze three :)

2 (20-ounce) package Four Cheese Ravioli, frozen
1 large (32-ounce) container low-fat ricotta cheese
1 (10 to 16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (I don't measure this...I just thaw some spinach we have on hand)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup milk
2 cans Hunts Diced tomatoes, Roasted Garlic flavor (or you can use regular diced tomatoes and add spices yourself)
About 40 oz (around 5 small cans) of Hunts roasted garlic flavored tomato sauce or as needed (any flavored sauce works)
Italian seasonings
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I use the grated kind in the jar and just dump this in, too)
Mozzarella cheese

1. Combine ricotta cheese, spinach, eggs and milk in medium bowl. I like adding parmesan cheese, some mozzarella, some garlic, etc, to make it a little more flavorful)
2. Mix together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and italian seasonings (basil, garlic, oregano, whatever you have).
3. Line the bottom of each of three pans (about 10x6 or 8x8) with frozen raviolis. Cover raviolis with tomato/sauce mixture. Top with ricotta/spinach mixture. Sprinkle on some mozzarella cheese. Top each with remaining pasta and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Freeze two, eat one

Chicken broccoli casserole
4 large chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup'
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus some to put on top
1 pack (10 oz) frozen broccoli
1 cup mayo
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup minute rice (optional)

Cut chicken and cook (don't overcook!!). Put broccoli and rice in a bowl, cover with water, and microwave for about 6 minutes (doesn't have to be fully cooked). Spray two 8x8 or 10x6 pans with Pam. Place chicken on bottom. Put the broccoli on top of the chicken. Combine all other ingredients except almonds, and pour on top. Top with some cheese and almonds. Freeze. Allow to thaw in refrigerator at least overnight. Bake at 350 for until bubbly.

[maplekitty]

Yes, you can bake them first then freeze them. Or for things like lasagna, you just put it all together and then they would cook it. Your friend would just have to take it out maybe a day before, keep in the fridge, and then it would have to go back in the oven to heat up.

[curlyjr]

thanks for the replies! Another question, I have read that a lot of nursing mothers have to cut out dairy, any suggestions for a dish without dairy?