• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Grain Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole 30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Sides and Salads
      • Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
      • Snacks and Appetizers
      • Stews and Soups
    • Quick Meals
    • Videos
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbook
    • Favorite Products
    • eBooks
    • Printables
  • About
  • Start Here
    • About Gluten Free
    • Autoimmune Protocol
    • Anti-Inflammatory
    • What is Vegan
    • What is Vegetarian
    • What is Whole30
Home › Resources › Meal Plans

Easy Gluten Free Freezer Meals + Sauces

by Lindsay Cotter · 08/04/2022

GF
Gluten Free Freezer Meals and Sauces banner with various images of recipes in the background including sheet pan pancakes, pesto, spaghetti squash spaghetti, smoothie packs, and shrimp tacos

Find the best easy gluten free freezer meals and make ahead sauces that are guaranteed to take the stress out of meal prep with healthy recipes the whole family will love! 

Gluten Free Freezer Meals and Sauces banner with various images of recipes in the background including sheet pan pancakes, pesto, spaghetti squash spaghetti, smoothie packs, and shrimp tacos
Table Of Contents
show
  • What Are Freezer Meals?
  • Do Healthy Freezer Meals Exist? 
  • Not All Foods Freeze Well! 
    • Our Favorite Freezable Foods
  • Best Containers for Freezer Meals & Meal Prep
    • Reusable Silicon Bags
    • Leak Proof Glass Containers
  • Freezable Sauces + Our Top Gluten Free Freezer Meals
    • Make-Ahead Sauces for Every Occasion
    • Healthy Freezer Meals with Homemade Sauces
  • Example Freezer Friendly Meal Plan 

What Are Freezer Meals?

Freezer meals are just what they sound like! They’re meals that are made ahead of time (or leftover) and stored in the freezer. Think of the tv dinners you’ll find at your local grocery store. But, they don’t have to be full of processed foods and mystery ingredients! 

We love to make our own better-for-you versions right at home. They have all of the convenience you love but none of the unnatural added ingredients you don’t. Seriously, they’re a lifesaver when it comes to meal prep! 

Do Healthy Freezer Meals Exist? 

Yes! Just because food is frozen doesn’t mean it’s bad for you. In fact, in some cases, it might even be better for you than the fresh version!

a woman holding a plastic freezer bag full of food labeled stew

This is because fruits and veggies are frozen at the peak of their ripeness, meaning they retain their vitamins and nutrients. Meanwhile, depending on the season, fresh produce is picked, processed, and transported all before it is stocked on your grocery store shelf. As a result, it can lose quite a bit of its nutritional value by the time they get to you! 

For the best healthy freezer meals, we use a variety of fresh and frozen fruit and veggies paired with high-quality proteins and carb sources to keep you nourished. We’re all about reducing our waste, and some of the best ways to do that are by blanching your vegetables and freezing your produce and prepared meals before they go bad! Not only is this a great way to extend the shelf-life of your favorite foods, but it can also help preserve the nutrients too.

Not All Foods Freeze Well! 

Unfortunately, not all foods can be frozen and thawed to their former glory. Therefore, it’s just as important to know what you can’t freeze as it is to know what you can. Luckily, the list is short! In general, foods that contain a high water content and are delicate once cooked should not be stored in the freezer. 

This includes items like: 

  • Cabbage
  • Cucumbers
  • Potatoes
  • Egg Whites
  • Milk Sauces (like gravy)
  • Mayo
  • Jelly

For a more complete list, keep reading here! 

Our Favorite Freezable Foods

Check out a few of our favorite foods to keep on hand for healthy freezer meals, and find our best tips to help your produce last longer. 

healthy freezable foods graphic with bananas, berries, avocado, cooked rice, dark leafy greens, and blanched vegetables

For more freezer friendly foods and tips keep reading here! 

Best Containers for Freezer Meals & Meal Prep

The most important factor when it comes to picking the perfect containers for healthy freezer meals is moisture. If it gets into your food, it can result in freezer burn which causes meals to become tough and rubbery, and nobody wants that!

 For the best results, we opt for the following options. 

Reusable Silicon Bags

We love silicon these bags, because they allow us to squeeze out more moisture than we can with rigid containers. Plus, they take up less space so you can fit even more meals into your freezer! 

freezer bags full of food one labeled sauce and a second labeled muffins
freezer bags labeled fruit and muffins

Leak Proof Glass Containers

Glass containers like these are perfect for cooking in bulk. Pack in all your favorite proteins, casseroles, sauces, and more! They seal perfectly, stack well, and are a breeze to wash. Even better, they won’t leach out toxins like some plastic options do! 

a woman holding a stack of three Ello containers full of food for meal prep

Freezable Sauces + Our Top Gluten Free Freezer Meals

To keep our meal prep as simple as possible, we like to start with basic flavors and sauces. Then, all you have to do is add a few ingredients, and dinner is served! For this reason, we always have a sauce or two on hand. Take a look at a few of our favorites below, and keep reading to find out how to use them! 

Make-Ahead Sauces for Every Occasion

Keep these gluten free sauces on hand to spice up all your favorite meals!  

nightshade free nomato sauce
a small white bowl filled with cilantro pesto with a golden spoon dipping in the center
Homemade alfredo sauce in a gray bowl being dipped with a gray spoon

  • Nomato Sauce (Nightshade Free Tomato Sauce Alternative) – This recipe tastes just like marinara but is dairy free, nightshade free, and anti-inflammatory, too!

    Tip – Check out the comment section to learn how to preserve or can it for later.
  • Homemade Cilantro Pesto (Vegan Option) – Given a boost of flavor with fresh cilantro, this sauce is a fun take on traditional recipes! Dip, dunk, and drizzle it over pasta, eggs, and more!
  • Dairy Free Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce – This homemade alfredo sauce is made without dairy or nightshades and is full of hidden veggies.

    Tip – If freezing before using, skip adding the salt until you reheat, and adjust the seasonings once reheated.
  • Spring Pesto Sauces (Vegan Options) – Pesto made 3 ways packs a punch of flavor that’s dairy free, gluten free, and always tasty. We keep it on hand for veggies, pasta, and spring salads.
  • Homemade Sriracha (Whole30 Option) – Simple, fresh, and nourishing, this will become your new favorite hot sauce! Drizzle it over eggs, stir-frys, soups, and everything in between.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Anti-Inflammatory) – Made with simple ingredients and ready in 5 minutes, this red pepper sauce is perfect when paired with pasta, meat, seafood, and veggies.

    Tip – It’s best to freeze this sauce separate from the pasta and add it all together when you’re ready to serve! 
Pro Tip

Note: The key to creating homemade sauces that pack a heavy punch of flavor is to use fresh herbs! But don’t worry. You don’t have to run to the store right before you want to cook. Instead, extend the shelf life of your herbs with these easy preservation methods.

Healthy Freezer Meals with Homemade Sauces

Now that we’ve covered all the sauces, let’s move on to chat about how to use them! 

Vegetarian Freezer Meals

Plant-based eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring! Let us show you how we use a variety of sauces to make the best gluten free freezer meals without meat. 

plate of Instant Pot spaghetti squash pasta with nomato sauce and dairy free Parmesan cheese
vegan mushroom meatballs in a skillet with one meatball being scooped up with a spoon
uncooked ingredients on homemade vegetarian gluten free pizza on pizza pan


Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Nomato Sauce – Whip up this recipe in the oven or Instant Pot for a tasty low carb pasta alternative. It pairs well with any sauce, but we toss it together with our Nomato Sauce for a meal so good you won’t believe it’s not real spaghetti!

Tip – Freeze your squash raw or cooked. However, if you freeze it raw, you’ll want to use it within 2 months to prevent it from becoming soggy. 

Vegan Mushroom Meatballs in Pepper Sauce – Gluten free and meatless, these meatballs are ready in just under an hour and provide just a bit of heat for a meal you’ll love. There’s even a low carb option, too. Don’t Forget! You’ll want to keep the sauce separate from the meatballs when freezing. 

No Yeast Pizza Dough Pizza with Sauce of Choice – Is there anything better than pizza? The answer is yes – one that’s homemade and gluten free, of course! Whip up this pizza dough, and make it your own with whatever sauce you like best. Nomato sauce, alfredo, pesto …they all work!

Tip – Freeze the batter, or reheat cooked pancakes in the oven at 300° Fahrenheit until warm. 

Meat & Seafood Freezer Meals

Tired of dry and boring meat? Spice it up with these saucy recipes! 

Fettuccine Alfredo in a bowl with fresh herbs
overhead photo: large pot of peanut stew; wooden spoon stirring fresh herbs in
Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos

Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo with Dairy Free Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce – We took this classic comfort food and made it gluten free, vegetarian, high protein, and dairy free to fit all your needs. Tossed with our creamy alfredo, it’s loaded with veggies, too! 

Honey Sriracha Meatballs with Sriracha Sauce – Everyone’s favorite appetizer, these meatballs are made with whole food ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. 

African Peanut Stew – A unique recipe, this stew is packed full of warm flavors, is dairy free, and even has a vegetarian option, too! 

Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Nomato Sauce – Cooked long and slow, these shrimp are extra tender and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor. 

BONUS Freezer Meals for Breakfast 

We’re all about sauces, but there’s so much more you can freeze! Some of our favorite freezer meals include: 

sheet pan keto pancakes with toppings of sliced bananas, strawberries, and chocolate chips
orange oat coconut muffin side shot with white backdrop
bite sized no bake oatmeal cookies in a bowl

Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes – Stop cooking pancakes one at a time, and whip up a big batch in minutes! This recipe is not only packed with protein but is also gluten free, made without flour, and keto friendly!

Tip – Freeze the batter, or reheat cooked pancakes in the oven at 300° Fahrenheit until warm. 

Gluten Free Coconut Orange Muffins – Dairy free and made with a boost of protein, one bite of these muffins will transport your tastebuds to a tropical island. Tip – Store these muffins in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

Gluten Free No Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls – We took oatmeal cookies and made them helpful – in the form of a snack! We have these balls on hand at all times for quick snacks perfect for on the go.

Tip – These balls can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. We just recommend letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften! 

Pro Tip

Note: For the best results, let your meals and sauces thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

Example Freezer Friendly Meal Plan 

Now that you have all our favorite freezer meals, we thought we’d give you an example meal plan It’s a full day of eating you can prep in advance! 

four freezer bags full of food labeled stew, sauce, fruit, and muffins

Breakfast: Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes

Lunch: Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Gluten Free Tortillas

Snack: Gluten Free No Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls

Dinner: Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Vegan Meatballs

Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe? Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!

Jump To Comments
1059 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Gluten Free, Meal Plans Tags: breakfast, freezer friendly, freezer meals, gluten free, lunch, meal plan, meal plans, snacks

You May Also Like...

Vegetarian Meal Prep Redipces for the Entire Week Pinterest Image
Gluten Free Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes for the Entire Week!
Easy Healthy Crockpot Recipes Roundup Pinterest Image
Easy Healthy Crockpot Recipes Roundup
Cover photo for stress reducing meals + foods that lower cortisol
Foods That Lower Cortisol + Stress Free Meals
Cheap Gluten Free Meals for the Week + Grocery List cover photo
Cheap Gluten Free Meals for the Week + Grocery List
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Toni says

    08/10/2022 at 5:04 AM

    These are really awesome tips and ideas! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  2. Paula K says

    08/09/2022 at 10:25 AM

    What an awesome collection! I can’t wait to make my way through this list!

    Reply
  3. Rose Martine says

    02/04/2020 at 9:28 PM

    YUMMY!!!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog a couple of times and will now spend my afternoon reading 🙂

    Reply
  4. Cassie Thuvan Tran says

    10/02/2019 at 1:50 PM

    Ah, these freezer meals are such a great idea! I love freezing fruits like overripe bananas and blueberries as well as chopped kale, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, and so much more. The almond butter jelly bars though–definitely have to whip those up someday!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      10/02/2019 at 10:17 PM

      Thanks, Cassie! Yes, having those items ready at the go in your freezer is so helpful! Ahh, those almond jelly bars are a favorite around here! Hope you get a chance to make them!

      Reply
  5. madalin stunt cars 2 says

    07/30/2019 at 5:30 AM

    I made these last night and they were amazing! Definitely adding them to the rotation!!

    Reply
  6. Toni says

    06/27/2019 at 7:13 PM

    I’d be happy to try everything on this list!! They all look so good!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/28/2019 at 12:11 PM

      I think you’re gonna like it, friend!

      Reply
  7. Hadia says

    06/25/2019 at 5:27 AM

    What a great time saver plan, and the ideas are fantastic! I never realized that eggs can be frozen until I read your post. Interesting!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/25/2019 at 6:08 PM

      So glad, thank you! Yes, such a huge time saver, especially if your family goes through egg dishes like ours does 😉

      Reply
  8. Lex says

    06/24/2019 at 11:42 AM

    This is so great for summer! Can’t wait to give some of these a go.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/25/2019 at 6:13 PM

      I think you’re going to love it, Lex!

      Reply
  9. Phyllis says

    06/23/2019 at 2:37 PM

    The link for the printable PDF version of all the recipes included in this meal plan did not work for me. Love your recipes.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/23/2019 at 2:40 PM

      Just emailed you the PDF and updated link. Let me know if you got it! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    06/22/2019 at 7:32 AM

    Yes to freezer meals!! and I love all of these tips on eggs!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/22/2019 at 2:17 PM

      Thanks Alice! Let me know if you try any!

      Reply
  11. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    06/20/2019 at 3:16 PM

    What a delicious list of freezer meals Lindsay! Can’t wait to get a few of these on our menu!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/20/2019 at 10:23 PM

      Thanks Mary Ann! Let me know if you do!

      Reply
  12. Matt Robinson says

    06/20/2019 at 11:17 AM

    I always assumed frozen eggs wouldn’t quite work, but it looks like I’m wrong. I can’t wait to try these, all so helpful and they look delicious!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      06/20/2019 at 11:48 AM

      It’s a total game changer for sure! Let me know what you think!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in bowl - no bake protein bites
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • bowl of vegan kale soup with curried vegetables
    Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup {Vegan, Whole30}
  • gluten free roux pin
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • overhead photo: cranberry balsamic chicken on a baking sheet with serving spoon
    Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken {Paleo} + VIDEO
Cotter Crunch
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
YouTube
About · Studio · Shop · Contact

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Grain Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole 30

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Appetizers

More

  • Meal Plans
  • Quick Meals
  • Recipes with Video
  • Recipe Round Ups
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • About
  • Start Here

Copyright © 2022 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

1059 shares