From Frozen to Fabulous Easy Recipes that Will Impress

Whether you’ve invited over your new neighbors or your in-laws are coming by for dinner, there are some times when you really need your home-cooked meal to make an impression. But most of us don’t have all day to cook up a fancy meal. Luckily, there are a lot of ways that you can turn frozen foods into fabulous foods. Here are a few recipes that are sure to impress, but with simple ingredients that can be found in the freezer aisle.

Mozzarella Caprese Bites

Caprese bites make a fancy little appetizer for your guests as you put the finishing touches on dinner. You can add a unique twist to these refreshing bites by adding some mozzarella sticks! Simple cook the mozzarella sticks according to package instructions. Slice your cucumber and roma tomato, then assemble your caprese bites: cucumber first, a slice of tomato, and a fresh basil leaf. Then, slice the mozzarella sticks in half and place one half on each bite. Skewer with toothpicks to hold them in place, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Don’t have days to marinate steak for dinner? Not to worry. Start with some frozen, fully-cooked meatballs instead. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the meatballs in a casserole dish for 28 minutes (if you’re making a full bag). While they’re baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms and 2 diced garlic cloves. Cook for about 3 minutes, then set those on a plate.

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add an equal amount of flour to make a roux. Pour in 3 cups of beef stock and add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring often. When the meatballs are done, add them and the mushrooms to the sauce and cook until the mixture has thickened. Salt and pepper to taste, and serve over mashed potatoes for a delicious meal without the pricey steak.

Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding

Here’s a tasty dessert to wrap up your night with an excellent lasting impression. The basis for this bread pudding is frozen French toast sticks, which you’ll want to cut into 3 pieces per stick. Mix up 2 cups of half and half with 2 eggs, a can of pure pumpkin, half a cup of brown sugar, and a teaspoon each of pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Fold in your cut French toast sticks, as well as ¾ of a cup of golden raisins. Pour the mixture into a dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve this up with caramel sauce—either store-bought or homemade.

With mozzarella sticks, French toast sticks, and frozen, fully-cooked meatballs, your guests will think you’re a five-star chef, when you really just know how to work that freezer aisle!