I really like to double the recipe when I’m making casseroles. Or sometimes I make a single recipe of a casserole that makes a 9×13 and place it in 2 8×8 pans. Then we have one for that night and another one for a later date. When it’s something like Chicken Spaghetti, I just dump it all in a freezer bag and lay it flat in the freezer to freeze. Then I can stand it up on end or lay it flat, depending on how much room is in my freezer.

But when it’s a layer casserole, like Baked Ziti, I can’t dump it in a freezer bag! That wouldn’t be too pretty! First I spray the bottom of my baking pan with vegetable spray. Then I form a criss cross pattern with aluminum foil leaving extra to fold over the top. Then I spray the inside of the aluminum foil with vegetable spray. I next assemble my casserole like normal in the pan. Finally I fold the ends of the foil over the casserole, pinching the seams together. I put the pan in the freezer for a few hours- or most times I forget it’s there and leave it overnight! When it’s frozen solid I turn the pan over and pat the bottom until the casserole pops out. I then place the casserole in a freezer bag and stick it back in the freezer until I need it. I normally write on the bag what type of casserole, how long to bake it and at what temperature. Now I have a meal for the future and I haven’t tied up my baking pan!

When I’m ready to bake my casserole, I let it thaw just enough so that I can peel the foil off of it. I then put it in my baking pan and thaw completely before I bake it like directed.

When I’m ready