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Is Your Freezer Set to the Right Temperature?

Freezers are one of the most helpful kitchen appliances of all time. They allow cooks to stock up on groceries on sale, preserve veggies and fruits in season, stash freezer meals and provide endless trays of ice cubes. To make sure that food stays safe and fresh, you’ll want to keep it properly chilled. What’s the average freezer temperature for optimal performance? Read on.

The Ideal Temperature Range

The freezing point for water and many foods is 32º Fahrenheit, so you might think that your freezer would be safe set around there. Wrong! The ideal temperature for freezers is 0º Fahrenheit. The colder temp ensures that food freezes through, and prevents deterioration. Make sure your freezer is at this temperature before you freeze food.

Does a Colder Temperature Mean More Freezer Burn?

Nope. Freezer burn occurs from exposure to air, not excessive chill. To prevent freezer burn, which causes an off taste and texture, wrap food tightly. Bonus points if you wrap food in two different materials: a plastic freezer bag, which you can press the air out of, and then a second layer of aluminum foil.

The Other Key to Freezer Performance

While a low-temperature setting is crucial, there’s another key element to ensuring that the freezer works properly: circulation. Freezers need proper airflow to maintain the proper temperature and keep every zone of the freezer equally chilled. Don’t cram the freezer full, and avoid blocking the fan. The same rules apply to keep your fridge temperature safe, too.

More Tips for Optimal Freezing

  • Defrost your freezer regularly, to keep it working efficiently (and prevent ice build-up from taking up valuable real estate!)
  • When adding food to the freezer, consider putting it in the back to encourage yourself to eat foods that have been frozen longer
  • Use a freezer thermometer to keep track of the temp

Food kept in a freezer at the proper temperature will keep safe indefinitely, though the texture and flavor will deteriorate the longer it’s kept. Learn exactly how long frozen food lasts.

100 Freezer Meals to Keep on Hand
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recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets

Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets

My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

This versatile side dish was dairy-good with the steaks we grilled and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole ever-popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma
Italian Turkey Sandwiches

Italian Turkey Sandwiches

I hope you enjoy these tasty turkey sandwiches as much as our family does. The recipe makes plenty, so it's great for potlucks. Plus, the leftovers are just as good. —Carol Riley, Ossian, Indiana
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana; today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef Pies

Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef Pies

My kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give them their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas

Mexican Chicken Alfredo

One family member likes Italian; another likes Mexican. They’ll never compromise when this is on the menu. —Tia Woodley, Stockbridge, Georgia
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Hawaiian Pork Roast

Hawaiian Pork Roast

Bananas, liquid smoke and soy sauce flavor this fall-apart-tender pork roast. It's just like the kind I enjoyedat the luaus I went to in Hawaii. —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop single servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
Mini Shepherd's Pies

Mini Shepherd's Pies

These savory little pies may be made with simple convenience items, but I'm just as confident serving them to drop-in company as I am to my husband and three boys. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti

Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti

This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Ham & Collards Quiche

Ham & Collards Quiche

I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my Southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it's a meal in one. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Hungarian Short Ribs

Hungarian Short Ribs

This is a special meal in our house—as soon as I get ribs, I know which dish my family will ask me to make. My husband and I have three children, so I've learned to be a versatile cook! —Joanne ShewChuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones

Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones

When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Forgotten Jambalaya

Forgotten Jambalaya

During chilly months, I fix this slow cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Tasty Burritos

Tasty Burritos

My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chicken Enchilada Bake

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti

Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti

This is my husband’s favorite dish. He always requests it, even for holidays! You’ll love the variety of cheeses and spices that jazz it up. It’s restaurant-quality, but at a quarter of the price! —LuAnne Wallace Bennett, Powder Springs, Georgia
Minestrone with Turkey

Minestrone with Turkey

I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Penne and Smoked Sausage

Penne and Smoked Sausage

My sausage pasta is a must-try dish. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Garden Turkey Burgers

Garden Turkey Burgers

These moist burgers get plenty of color and flavor from onion, zucchini and red pepper. I often make the mixture ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator. Later, after helping my husband with farm chores, I can put the burgers on the grill while whipping up a salad or side dish. —Sandy Kitzmiller, Unityville, Pennsylvania
Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Here’s my idea of pub food made easy: biscuits flavored with Buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese. They're my Friday night favorite. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Thai Coconut Beef

Thai Coconut Beef

My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Fans of spicy chicken wings will love this rendition that turns it into pizza. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original. —Shari DiGirolamo, Newton, Pennsylvania
Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Sausage Bread Sandwiches

Sausage Bread Sandwiches

I make these sandwiches in my spare time and freeze them so they’re ready when needed, such as for tailgating parties when we attend Kansas State football games. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Vegetable Strata

Vegetable Strata

We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Pepperoni Pizzazz

Pepperoni Pizzazz

I've fixed this hearty main course for buffets, potluck dinners and even for company at my home. Keep the recipe handy, because you'll certainly be asked for it when you contribute it to an event. —Marge Unger, La Porte, Indiana
Favorite Chicken Potpie

Favorite Chicken Potpie

Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. This is the best chicken potpie recipe to have on hand when company comes over. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Potato Chip Chicken Strips

Potato Chip Chicken Strips

This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
West Coast Snappy Joes

West Coast Snappy Joes

Meet my California-inspired sloppy Joe. Load it up with whatever toppings you like, or pour the filling over noodles. It's incredible on mac and cheese. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Sausage & Swiss Chard Lasagna

Sausage & Swiss Chard Lasagna

Rustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Korean Beef and Rice

Korean Beef and Rice

A friend raved about Korean recipes for bulgogi—beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger—so I tried it. It's delicious! Dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup

Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup

A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Chicken Tater Bake

Chicken Tater Bake

You'll please everyone in the family with this inviting and filling dish. It tastes like a chicken potpie topped with Tater Tots. —Fran Allen, St Louis, Missouri
Lemony Chickpeas

Lemony Chickpeas

These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Muffin-Tin Pizzas

Muffin-Tin Pizzas

I just baked these mini pizzas and the kids are already demanding more. The no-cook pizza sauce and refrigerated dough make this meal a snap. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Three-Cheese Kielbasa Bake

Three-Cheese Kielbasa Bake

My aunt originally made this hearty casserole for family gatherings. Now I enjoy fixing it for my family any night of the week. What a great way to sneak in some garden veggies. —Kate Beckman, Hemet, California
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup

Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup

I'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
Chicken Broccoli Shells

Chicken Broccoli Shells

This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Chicken Neapolitan

Chicken Neapolitan

I often prepare a weeks worth of recipes on the weekend and freeze them so I can quickly have dinner ready for our hungry teenage boys after one of their many sports activities. Served over noodles, this moist chicken with a flavorful sauce is a favorite.—Joan Williams, Baltimore, Maryland
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake

Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake

I've taken this hot dish to potlucks and it's received rave reviews. There's never a morsel left. Best of all, it's a simple, healthy and hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Mushroom Broccoli Quiche

Mushroom Broccoli Quiche

I take this dish to many of my family’s picnics because it's always such a hit. Serve it at any time of day. Quiche makes a great side or meatless main course—and, of course, it's a tasty addition to brunch. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Ham & Swiss Stromboli

Ham & Swiss Stromboli

This is a treat to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, Alabama
BBQ Country Ribs

BBQ Country Ribs

I created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a magazine. The original called for much more oil. I usually triple the sauce and keep some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas
Cornbread Chicken Bake

Cornbread Chicken Bake

To make the most of leftover cornbread, try this hearty main dish casserole. It's moist, delicious and good on any occasion. —Madge Britton, Afton, Tennessee
Turkey Mole Tacos

Turkey Mole Tacos

In contrast to traditional tacos, these taste complete as is, without further garnishes or sauces. I’ve also made this using bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs and increasing the cooking time appropriately. —Helen Glazier, Seattle

The post Is Your Freezer Set to the Right Temperature? appeared first on Taste of Home.



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