Postpartum Prep Series: Always Be Doubling

One of the kindest things you can do for yourself before your baby arrives is to always be doubling. In those last few weeks of pregnancy, whenever you’re cooking something that freezes well, double the recipe and stash half away. It’s a simple rhythm: cook once, eat twice. You’ll be amazed at how much future-you appreciates this when the baby’s here and you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without the effort.

This lamb ragù is one of our go-to dishes for exactly that reason. It’s rich, cozy, and freezes beautifully. I love serving it over pasta, but it’s equally good spooned over polenta or tucked into a baked potato. After a long day (and maybe a long night), pulling a container of this from the freezer and having dinner ready in minutes feels like a small miracle.

Soups, stews, and sauces are some of the best things to double and freeze. They hold up well, reheat perfectly, and are easy to stretch into a full meal with a quick side of rice, pasta, or good bread. It’s all about making your future life easier and more nourishing.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, Eat to Feed by Eliza Larson has some excellent freezer-friendly recipes that are designed with postpartum recovery in mind. Try her Tom Kha Chickpeas, Sweet Potato Peanut Stew, or Carrot Ginger Congee —each one is nutrient-dense, satisfying, and just as delicious reheated as the day you made it.

Foods That Freeze Well

When you’re filling your freezer, these foods tend to be the stars of the show:

• Soups and stews (especially those with beans, lentils, or meats)

• Sauces and ragùs, like marinara, bolognese, curry, or chili

• Cooked grains, such as rice, quinoa, or farro (just add a splash of water when reheating)

• Casseroles and lasagnas—either baked and cooled, or assembled and frozen before baking

• Meatballs, burger patties, or shredded meats for quick protein options

• Pesto, broth, and homemade stocks—freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning

• Muffins, pancakes, and quick breads for easy breakfasts or snacks

• Cookie dough (need we say more? ;))

Foods That Don’t Freeze Well

Some foods just don’t love the freezer as much, and it helps to know before you double:

• Dishes with a lot of cream or dairy (like cream-based soups or sauces) can separate or become grainy after thawing

• Cooked pasta tends to get mushy; it’s better to freeze the sauce and cook fresh noodles later

• Leafy salads or fresh greens wilt and lose texture

• Soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese can change texture when thawed

• Fried foods lose their crispness and often become soggy

A little planning goes a long way. As you prep, label everything clearly with the name and date, and keep a running list on your freezer door so you know what’s waiting for you. When your baby arrives, you’ll have a freezer full of wholesome meals ready to nourish you through those early weeks.

You’ll thank your future self every time you open that freezer! We also highly recommend your cabinets are stocked with quick and nourishing snacks, but that's a blog post for another day :)