FREEZE
AHEAD
Most casseroles freeze well before baking, especially those with ingredients such as cooked chicken, beef, pasta and rice. Casseroles with hearty vegetables, including broccoli and potatoes, also freeze well. The exceptions are dairy-based casseroles with cream or milk, which can separate in the freezer.
how to freezE & THAW
TO FREEZE
Line pan with aluminum foil, with extra on ends to act as handles.
Prep recipe so it’s ready to bake; cover with foil.
Freeze until solid; lift casserole out of pan with foil handles.
Wrap frozen casserole in foil, label and replace in freezer.
TO THAW
Place frozen casserole in a pan and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Add toppings such as cheese or crushed crackers just before baking.
Bake casserole as directed. When done, the center should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
TIME-SAVERS
Rotisserie Chicken
Add protein to meals without increasing the prep time. Buy whole or shredded Hy-Vee rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy addition to casseroles.
Use no-prep ingredients from Hy-Vee to minimize your time in the kitchen.
Hy-Vee Short Cuts
These washed and cut fruits and vegetables
add extra nutrition and shorten prep time for any casserole recipe.
Frozen Veggies
Quickly add nutrients to casseroles by mixing in frozen veggies. To thaw, submerge the bag in cold water, or pour the vegetables into a colander and run cool water over them.
Jarred Sauces
Instead of spending time simmering sauces from scratch, use jarred sauce. Hy-Vee has plenty of gourmet choices, including Gustare Vita Alfredo and tomato sauces.
Produce that has been canned is just as easy to add to a casserole as frozen. Canned soups make a quick, simple sauce. Follow the recipe’s instructions for draining any extra liquid before stirring in canned foods.
CANNED FOODS
If you have casserole leftovers, divide them into individual portions for easier reheating. Then place in airtight containers or bags and store in the fridge for up to 4 days (refreezing may affect the texture). To quickly reheat and serve, microwave in a loosely covered microwave-safe dish until hot.
Refrigerate Leftovers
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