19 Freezer-Friendly Side Dishes
Updated: Feb. 11, 2023
Stock the ol' chill chest with side dishes that freeze well. These easy-freeze sides are just what you need when you're tight on time.
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Spicy Cowboy Beans
These spicy cowboy beans are a perfect contribution to a potluck buffet any time of year. Instead of hours on the stove, they cook quickly in the pressure cooker and there’s no need to pre-soak the beans. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Freezer Sweet Corn
People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have “fresh” corn any time of the year. —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota
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Homemade Pierogi
Pierogi, dumplings stuffed with a filling, make for a wonderful change-of-pace side dish. —Diane Gawrys, Manchester, Tennessee
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Slow-Cooked Ratatouille
I get my son to eat eggplant by cooking low and slow on this classic French veggie dish. A side of rice and garlic cheese bread also help. —Diane Goedde, Red Lodge, Montana
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Texas Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These creamy potatoes get their flavor burst from garlic and caramelized onions. Their savory goodness makes any meal better. —Richard Markle, Midlothian, Texas
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Scalloped Sweet Corn Casserole
This is my Grandma Ostendorf’s corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
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Dijon Veggies with Couscous
Coated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
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All-Day Red Beans & Rice
My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this authentic dish often. I appreciate how uncomplicated it is. And its smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
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Favorite Cheesy Potatoes
My family loves these potatoes. I make a large batch in disposable pans and serve them at all our get-togethers. The holidays aren’t the same without them. It’s also a super recipe for Christmas morning brunch. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
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Three-Bean Baked Beans
I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I’m always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
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Portobello Risotto with Mascarpone
Portobello mushrooms add a beefy flavor to this creamy classic. Each serving is topped with soft, buttery mascarpone cheese, which makes it extra special. —Carmella Ryan, Rockville Centre, New York
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Festive Corn ‘n’ Broccoli
This recipe is delicious and versatile. I often substitute a tablespoon of minced fresh basil for the dried, and two to three ears of sweet corn (about a cup cut fresh from the cob) for the Mexicorn. —Lucile Throgmorton, Clovis, New Mexico
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Golden Mashed Potatoes
When there’s no gravy with the meat, this is great to serve in place of regularly mashed potatoes. I make it often to take to picnics and church socials. My husband even made it for his family’s reunion one year when I couldn’t go!—Cindy Stith, Wickliffe, Kentucky
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Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here’s a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
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Green Bean and Cauliflower Casserole
I like to make a savory homemade cream sauce for the timeless green bean casserole. This time I added another vegetable for a delicious twist that sets my casserole apart from the rest! You can omit the vermouth if you’d like by substituting another half cup of chicken broth. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
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Mozzarella Sticks
I’m particularly fond of these tasty mozzarella sticks because they’re baked, not fried. Cheese is one of my family’s favorite foods. Being of Italian descent, I cook often with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
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Duo Tater Bake
I made this creamy and comforting potato dish for Thanksgiving and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. It’s a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British Columbia
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Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I’m sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AlabamaOriginally Published: May 15, 2021
