About 15 years ago I was obsessed with etiquette as a homemaker. I did have a full-time job, but I loved being a new wife and a new homeowner. It was a hobby of mine to invite guests over and to entertain. But it got expensive. Throughout my obsession, I read books on little hacks to be the perfect host(ess) on any budget. One trick I still practice today will be a game changer for you:
Keep frozen appetizers in your freezer, always.
Right? Simple. You probably already do this. From my experience, we invited people over so often that many times they visited because they asked to come over. It got to the point where I didn’t even need to make plans, friends and family would show up and stay a while. I’d like to think one reason is because I always had something good to eat for any hungry appetite. But not every time was I able to cook up a full menu.
The Best Frozen Foods to Always Have
To be clear, I don’t mean TV dinners, though my brother does favor those quick options. What I found works best are ones that I still do a little prep work with but are fast enough for any surprise visit. Please note, I am a vegetarian but still consider my guests’ diets.
- Frozen meatballs (beef and/or vegan)
- Potstickers (pork and/or vegetarian)
- Tater Tots (who doesn’t love these)
- Stir Fry Vegetables
- Chicken Tenders or Cutlets (poultry and/or vegan)
- Pizza
- Ground Protein for burritos (turkey, beef, or soy)
You can always throw the meatballs in a saucepan with barbeque sauce. I make my own BBQ sauce in less than five minutes: date syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke. You can equally have premade jarred condiments available to make this process extra easy.
I like to make a pot of white rice and have the sauces on hand. I find it pairs well with any frozen food to help make a complete meal. If you have fresh ingredients, salads are great, too. Your only food prep is to run the oven or heat something up on the stove, add some seasonings, and pair it all together.
How Frozen Foods Save You Money
Nowadays we can DoorDash any dinner to feed our guests, but I have recently stopped doing this. Delivering food this way costs almost double the price as picking it up. Not to mention, you can heat up meatballs and BBQ sauce in less time than it takes your Dasher to send you that “food delivered” photo. If you look at frozen meals at your grocery store, you’ll find they are a fraction of the price from any restaurant and just take a few minutes to prepare.
Trust me when I say, it’s a life saver to keep these treats in your freezer. Your guests will love it, since it’s still semi-homecooked, and you’ll save a ton of money.
Everyone wins here!
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