When a recipe says a casserole can be frozen

[Danestress]

do you typically bake it, cool it, and then freeze? Or do you just assemble, freeze and bake when ready to eat?

 

I am making three King Ranch Chicken Casseroles today - just to stock up the freezer. It has layers of tortillas, chicken and onions, cheese, and a mix of soup, spicy tomatoes and broth.

 

So would you assemble and freeze? Or bake first?

 

This particular book is called "Just Casseroles" and it has a ton of casserole recipes, many of which indicte they can be frozen, but there are no directions for freezing!

[Snickerdoodle]

Assemble and then freeze.

[Adrianne]

I have frozen casseroles both ways and they come out about the same.

 

Just remember to label it with instructions so you don't cook it twice!

[In The Great White North]

If you want to be able to reheat in the microwave, bake first. Otherwise, it doesn't much matter (especially fi the chicken is pre-cooked).

 

Recipe??:)

[The Governess]

I assemble and then freeze. I agree with the PP who said to make sure you label, so you know if it needs to be cooked all the way through or just warmed up. I always label if there is raw meat inside too, so I know when I am handling it and to make sure I cook it until done. :001_smile:

[Mrs Mungo]

It depends on what it is. When I freeze King Ranch Chicken casserole I cook it, let it cool, cut it into squares and freeze them in ziplocs. That way it's easy to reheat individual portions which is nice because hubby can take it for lunch or whatever.

[newlifemom]

It depends on what it is. When I freeze King Ranch Chicken casserole I cook it, let it cool, cut it into squares and freeze them in ziplocs. That way it's easy to reheat individual portions which is nice because hubby can take it for lunch or whatever.

 

What a great idea.