Big-batch cooking is a great way to get ahead, but it can create a new problem once dinner is over: a refrigerator filled with containers that may or may not get eaten before they spoil. Freezing leftovers helps, though large containers can be inconvenient when a recipe or lunch calls for only one serving.
A more useful method is to freeze food in amounts that match the way it will be used later. That can mean a single bowl of chili for lunch, a cup of sauce for pasta night or a small portion of broth to add depth to a skillet recipe. Having those portions ready can make homemade food feel much more convenient on a busy day.
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Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Storage Tray 5-Pack, $69.99 at Costco
Costco
Costco’s Souper Cubes Silicone Freezer Storage Tray 5-Pack is built to simplify that process. The set includes five lidded trays in three measured compartment sizes: two two-cup trays, two 1-cup trays and one smaller tray with half-cup sections.
The larger compartments can be useful for freezing individual meals such as chili, soup, curry or cooked shredded chicken. One-cup sections work well for prepared grains, sauce, beans or stock, while the smallest portions offer a practical place for pesto, pizza sauce, chopped herbs in oil or leftover canned ingredients.
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Measurement lines built into the trays show both cup and milliliter amounts, making it easier to portion food without pulling out extra measuring tools. The silicone construction is flexible, which can help when releasing frozen portions, and a reinforced rim adds stability while transferring filled trays from the counter to the freezer.
The trays are made with FDA food-grade silicone and are listed as free from BPA, lead, PVC and phthalates. They are dishwasher-safe and can be used in an oven up to 415 degrees; however, the accompanying lids are not oven-safe.
One simple strategy is to let a fresh pot of soup cool, fill the two-cup sections, cover the trays and freeze them flat. Once frozen, pop out each block, label it with the date and transfer the portions to a freezer bag. The empty trays can then be reused for the next meal-prep project.
Costco lists the five-pack under item No. 2050381. For cooks who want to make their freezer more organized, cut back on wasted leftovers and keep homemade meals within easy reach, this versatile set is a practical kitchen addition.
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