By Susan Werner 
When it comes to meal prep, convenience and versatility are key, especially if you lead a busy lifestyle. One increasingly popular method for storing frozen meals is using personal serving trays, such as the renowned Souper Cubes. These trays allow you to freeze individual portions, making it easy to enjoy homemade meals anytime without the hassle of preparation. Here’s how to effectively store frozen meals on personal serving trays, ensuring effortless dining.
What Are Personal Serving Trays?
Personal serving trays, like Souper Cubes, are specialized silicone molds designed for freezing food in specific portion sizes. They come in various capacities, such as 1-cup, 2-cup, and even smaller sizes that cater to diverse meal prep needs. The benefits include:
- Perfect Portions: Each compartment allows you to freeze food in controlled amounts, which prevents overeating and reduces food waste.
- Easy Removal: The flexible silicone material makes it simple to pop out the frozen meal, giving you access to single servings with ease.
- Space-Saving: Many trays are stackable, maximizing your freezer space while keeping meals organized.
How to Prepare and Freeze Meals Using Personal Serving Trays
Step 1: Choose Your Recipes
Start by selecting meals that freeze well. Popular choices include:
- Soups and Stews: These can be portioned easily into the trays, allowing for a soothing meal on demand.
- Casseroles and Lasagnas: Prepare and freeze individual servings to avoid leftovers lingering in the fridge.
- Curries and Saucy Dishes: These maintain flavor and texture well when frozen properly. Layer dishes with rice on top to prevent the rice from absorbing too much sauce.
- Smoothie Kits: Freeze dry ingredients in the tray and blend with liquids when you’re ready for a quick breakfast.
Step 2: Fill the Trays
Once your meals are prepared, fill each compartment of the trays. Keep in mind portion sizes and ensure there’s room for expansion as the food freezes. If you are freezing soups, for instance, be cautious with ingredients like pasta, which can soak up broth and become mushy.
Step 3: Cover and Freeze
Seal the filled trays with their snug lids to keep out odors and prevent freezer burn. Place them in the freezer, allowing the contents to freeze completely, usually taking about 24 hours depending on the ingredients.
Step 4: Label and Store
For easy identification later, label each tray with the meal name and the date. This practice will help you track freshness and plan meals efficiently.
Reheating Frozen Meals
When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply pop out a portion and transfer it to a microwave-safe container or cook directly in the tray if it’s oven-safe. Reheating times will vary, but generally, you can expect to warm dishes in the microwave for about 5-15 minutes depending on size and contents.
Tips for Successful Freezing and Reheating
- Undercook your food slightly when preparing meals that will be reheated later. For instance, pasta should be cooked for 1-2 minutes less than usual, allowing it to finish cooking as it heats up.
- Use frozen vegetables in your meals; they can save time and still deliver essential nutrients.
- Avoid freezing anything with a high water content (like potatoes or pasta in soup) to maintain texture.
Meal Prep Beyond Just Convenience
Storing frozen meals on personal serving trays doesn’t only streamline your daily cooking but also allows for thoughtful gifting during special occasions. Whether it’s helping new parents or providing meals for friends in need, a little effort could mean a lot to someone dealing with added stress.
In conclusion, by using personal serving trays like Souper Cubes, you can revolutionize your meal prep routine. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying quick, nutritious meals, all while managing your kitchen efficiently. Start preparing today and turn your freezer into a treasure trove of easy dining options!
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