Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (2024)

By Sophie Van Tiggelen 7 Comments

Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (1)

All of the seasoned AIPers I know are unanimous on this one fact: if you plan ahead, it will be so much easier to be successful on the Autoimmune Protocol. There is nothing worse, in my opinion, to find yourself hungry with nothing safe to eat in the house! That’s when you might reach for something convenient but not so healthy. The name of the game is “plan ahead“!

How can you do that? Well, a good way to have food on hand is to batch cook. Batch cooking means cooking larger quantities so you have leftovers for several meals after. You do the work once in the kitchen, but you can make it last for several days. If you are worried about eating the same thing for several days in a row, you can also freeze your leftovers in small portions for later use.

But which AIP recipes are the best for batch cooking and freezing? Not all recipes are suitable for this purpose. That’s why I went on the hunt to find the best recipes that will give you the most bang for your buck!

I have asked some of my AIP blogger friends to give me THE ONE recipe (suitable for batch cooking and freezing) they keep going back to, week after week, because they think it is just the best! That one recipe you love so much that you have it on repeat at your house and you never tire of it. Below are their responses (as well as my two favorite batch cooking recipes from the blog!).

1 – The Best Pressure Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soupfrom Sophie Van Tiggelen at A Squirrel in the Kitchen

A good chicken vegetable soup is worth its weight in gold, and if you can make it happen in 20 minutes or less in your Instant Pot pressure cooker, it is priceless!

Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (2)
2 – Slow Cooker Sage Pulled Porkfrom Sophie Van Tiggelen at A Squirrel in the Kitchen

There are very few meats that look as appetizing to me as a hot-out-of-the-slow-cooker pork shoulder. This sage pulled pork is not an exception! The taste is incredible and I never tire of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (3)
3 – Coconut Curried Chicken from the Paleo AIP Instant Pot Cookbook

Curry lovers will rejoice with this quick, flavorful, and perfectly compliant rendition using chicken and fresh vegetables.

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4 – Quick and Easy Shredded Chicken from the Paleo AIP Instant Pot Cookbook

This shredded chicken can be used in so many meals: in tacos, on salads, in soups, even enjoyed on its own!

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5 – Magic Chili from Mickey Trescott at Autoimmune Wellness

If you are looking for a quick, simple “chili” recipe free from the usual offenders in conventional variety–beans, tomatoes, and nightshade spices–be sure to give this a try!This is winter cooking at its best, a nice meaty one-pot stew with bone broth, lots of herbs, and flavors that intensify the next day.

Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (6)
6 – Paleo Chicken Pot Pie (AIP) from Jaime Lubich Hartman at Gutsy by Nature

If you thought that creating an AIP chicken pot pie witha creamy filling and a delicate biscuit topping was impossible, think again! Enjoy thisquintessential American comfort food in a version that is compatible with the requirements of the Autoimmune Protocol!

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7 –Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables from Mickey Trescott at Autoimmune Wellness

This simple recipe can be adapted to use whatever roots you have on hand – any type of beet, carrot, sweet potato, yam, turnip, rutabaga, etc. Use whatever is freshest and most available to you.

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8 – Quick Shepherd’s Pie with Golden Horseradish Mashfrom Kate Jay at Healing Family Eats

This cozy and comforting dish can be on your table in less than 45 minutes! The secret? Keeping the sauce at a brisk simmer, cooking the roots at the same time, and assembling the dish while everything is still hot so all you need do is set it under a hot broiler to brown and bubble.

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9 – Venison Meatballs from Maria Krummen at Zesty Paleo

Meatballs are excellent for breakfast and they are extremely easy to prepare. All you have to do in the morning is warm them up and add a healthy carb and veggies.

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10 – You Won’t Believe It’s Tomato-Free Ragu Bolognesefrom Joanna Frankham at Joanna Frankham Health Coaching

The thing about Bolognese is that, while it does take a long time to come to its full flavor potential, because you’re making a largeamount, you have enough to feed a crowd. In fact,once you portion it out and pop it in your freezer, this recipe makes enough for eight to ten servings.

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11 – Beef and Broccolifrom Laura Vein at Sweet Treats

This recipe comes together pretty quickly with minimal prep, minimal planning ahead, and minimal clean up. Sometimes, simple, easy, and delicious is just what’s needed!

Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (12)
12 – Hearty Beef Soup from Erin at Enjoying This Journey

The heart is one of the best ways to introduce (even if on the sly) someone to organ meats. Heart cooks very much like a roast or steak when sliced thinly and is incredibly versatile.

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13 – Fennel-Herbes de Provence Sausage from Martine Partridge at Eat, Heal, Thrive

This sausage recipe is utter juicy deliciousness and, like any good AIP recipe, can be eaten at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.Pair this with a side of your favorite sautéed greens and you’re set!

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14 – Instant Pot Bone Broth from Eileen Laird at Phoenix Helix

When you simmer the bones, you release a lot of nutrition into the broth. Bone broth isespecially beneficial for reducing inflammation and helping our bodies heal. So keep calm and broth on!

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Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (17)

About Sophie Van Tiggelen

Sophie Van Tiggelen is a passionate foodie, recipe developer, author, and photographer. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2009, she used the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) to reverse her condition, and today, Sophie lives a full and vibrant life free from the anxiety and flare-ups that often accompany autoimmune diseases. With her food and lifestyle blog, A Squirrel in the Kitchen, Sophie shares her AIP experience and empowers others to develop new habits to promote good health and wellness. Through years of experience, she has developed simple strategies to be successful on AIP, including numerous mouth-watering, allergen-free recipes that everyone (even those without autoimmune diseases) can enjoy. Sophie is on a mission to make the Autoimmune Protocol - and all that it encompasses - more accessible and sustainable for anyone looking for a more nutritious, more delicious, more health-conscious life.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (18)Erin says

    This is a fantastic list, Sophie! So many people ask for freezer friendly meals in the AIP FB groups.

    Reply

    • Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (19)Sophie Van Tiggelen says

      Thanks Erin 🙂 There is something for everyone in this list for sure!

      Reply

  2. Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (20)Gita says

    Thanks Sophie, always looking for batch cooking ideas !

    Reply

  3. Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (21)Chante says

    I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos’ after 20 years of symptoms. I am delighted with your blog. Thanks for putting in the hard work!

    Reply

    • Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (22)Sophie Van Tiggelen says

      Thank you so much for your positive feedback Chante! Welcome and do not hesitate to ask any question! Good luck, Sophie

      Reply

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  1. […] permitting, a slow cooker and an Instant pot are great small appliances for batch cooking! Check out my “Slow Cooker Recipe Roundup” for inspiration. Do you know about this […]

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  2. […] week. If this is something you are interested in, you can find batch cooking recipes here, here, and […]

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Top 14 AIP Recipes for Batch Cooking and Freezing - A Squirrel in the Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How long can you freeze batch cooked meals? ›

The labels will help you keep track of what needs using up next – most will need to be eaten within three months. To avoid meals getting forgotten at the back of the freezer, it can be useful to put your newest portions at the back and in turn bring your older items to the front.

How do you freeze food in a batch? ›

If you're short of containers, put a plastic bag or clingfilm inside one, pour the food into it and put it in the freezer. Once it's frozen, take the food out of the container and store it in the clingfilm or plastic bag.

Is batch cooking and freezing healthy? ›

By having batch cooked food stored in your fridge or freezer, you are less likely to eat impulsively, saving you money and helping you to eat more healthily. Eat healthier meals – When you batch cook food, you are more likely to incorporate healthy and nutritious ingredients.

Does shepherd's pie freeze well? ›

Wrap cooled pie in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with contents and date; place in freezer. For best quality, serve within 2-3 months; however, shepherd's pie will remain safe indefinitely, stored at 0° F. When ready to eat, thaw for about 24-hours in the refrigerator.

What foods cannot be frozen? ›

Here are 12 common ingredients that don't freeze well due to quality issues and safety concerns.
  • 01 of 12. Milk. ...
  • 02 of 12. Mayonnaise. ...
  • 03 of 12. Cream Cheese. ...
  • 04 of 12. Cucumbers. ...
  • 05 of 12. Zucchini. ...
  • 06 of 12. Lettuce and Cabbage. ...
  • 07 of 12. Tomatoes. ...
  • 08 of 12. Baked and Boiled Potatoes.
Oct 5, 2022

Which food is not okay to freeze? ›

Milk, yogurt, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, and soft cheeses all become inedible once frozen, since they separate and curdle upon defrosting, changing the texture and consistency entirely.

What are three foods that don't freeze well? ›

Foods That Do Not Freeze Well (SP 50-766)
FoodsUsual use
Icings made from egg whitesCakes, cookies
Cream or custard fillingsPies, baked goods
Milk sauces and graviesFor casseroles or gravies
Sour creamAs topping, in salads
15 more rows

Can you cook batch cooked meals from frozen? ›

One of the simplest ways to approach batch cooking is to make one base recipe which can be adapted into different dishes. There's no need to eat the same thing all week – you can freeze the base in portions and then defrost and use in different dishes.

How long do homemade meals last in the freezer? ›

Cold Food Storage Chart
FoodTypeFreezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
EggsQuiche with fillingAfter baking, 2 to 3 months
Soups and stewsVegetable or meat added2 to 3 months
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry2 to 6 months
Chicken nuggets or patties1 to 3 months
49 more rows
Sep 19, 2023

Can you reheat batch cooking from frozen? ›

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to defrost everything in the fridge before reheating; it is fine to pop your leftovers into a pan, the microwave or the oven to reheat straight from frozen.

Can you freeze already prepared meals? ›

Can You Freeze Anything for Meal Prep? The short answer is that pretty much any food can be frozen. The US Department of Agriculture explains that you can freeze almost any food, except eggs in their shell and canned products. However, you may not want to eat every food after it has been frozen.

Can I freeze mashed potatoes? ›

Yes, you can. Freezing mashed potatoes is a great way to plan for the holidays or avoid wasting any leftovers. Read on to learn how to freeze mashed potatoes for later. You'll also find the best way to reheat frozen mashed potatoes so they are still amazingly fluffy and creamy.

Can you cook food and then freeze it? ›

After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods. If previously cooked foods are thawed in the refrigerator, you may refreeze the unused portion. Freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.

What foods can be prepared ahead of time? ›

18 Make-Ahead Main Courses
  • 01 of 18. Short Rib Chili. ...
  • 02 of 18. Kale-Artichoke Stuffed Shells. ...
  • 03 of 18. Garlic-Butter Rib Roast. ...
  • 04 of 18. Spinach Lasagna. ...
  • 05 of 18. Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Salad. ...
  • 06 of 18. Seafood Gumbo. ...
  • 07 of 18. Miso-Red Bean Patties. ...
  • 08 of 18. Hanetsuki Gyoza (Dumplings with “Wings”)
Apr 12, 2024

What food can be frozen twice? ›

Juice concentrates ferment very quickly, so if left out to thaw, there is a high risk of it being contaminated by bacteria and toxins. Foods that you can thaw and refreeze that will have a similar taste and texture include meats, such as beef and pork, poultry, such as chicken, and seafood.

How many times can you cook and freeze food? ›

According to senior food editor Rick Martinez and Robert Ramsey, chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, you can refreeze and re-thaw food—but just because you can doesn't mean you should. At ICE, Ramsey and his colleagues have a blanket rule: "If something's been frozen once, that's it."

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