# Please recommend some GOOD frozen food **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 22, 2019, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993 "2019-02-22T00:49:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/41 "2019-02-24T18:59:43Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > …Did you know you can jar your own soups and stews in glass bell jars? Doesn’t need freezing, saves freezer space and you take the metal lid off and you can nuke it in the jar… I make jelly, and I buy a gallon of maple syrup and can it in smaller portions that will fit in the fridge after I open them. And my parents used to make pickles and can them, and I’d do that if I liked pickles enough. But I am shy of doing “real” canning of anything that isn’t too sour and sweet to host botulism. I just don’t trust myself to be careful enough to can foods safely. ---
**Author:** ![Airk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Airk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airk)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/42 "2019-02-25T16:23:21Z")
I can’t recommend a specific brand (because I honestly have no idea what the brand I always buy is called. it’s made locally and labelled largely in Chinese) but most frozen dumplings/gyoza are pretty good. You’ll want to boil them, rather than microwave them, but it’s still quick and easy. Serve with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/43 "2019-02-25T17:27:25Z")
I love to deep-fry frozen burritos. Microwaved, they really are crappy, IMO. But deep fried (get the oil to ~325 F, and 3-4 minutes on each side if the oil doesn’t cover them, less if it does), with salsa, cheese, and/or sour cream, they are very tasty (and cheap). Not terribly healthy, though, most likely. Also, I really like frozen Jamaican beef patties. Mine have microwave instructions but are much better in the oven. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2019, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/44 "2019-02-26T02:47:13Z")
> [@dorvann](#): > > You can add me to the list that would recommend Stouffer’s. Their lasagnas are excellent. As well as their stuffed peppers. > > Stuff I would **NOT** recommend: > > Michelina’s entrees. I tried some but wasn’t that impressed. > > Celeste frozen pizzas. Horrible. > > Hot Pockets. They are a good way to burn your mouth when you bite into them and hot cheese or sauce comes squirting out. > > Frozen burgers/chicken sandwiches. The ones that come with the bun. In experience the buns just get soggy. For example: > [https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Spicy-Chicken-Sandwiches-2ct-15-5oz/16213449](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Spicy-Chicken-Sandwiches-2ct-15-5oz/16213449) yes. Stouffer’s lasagna is great, especially the meat lovers version (is this fairly new?) which has pepperoni. The mac and cheese is good but you have let it sit for a few minutes, otherwise it is too soupy. White Castle burgers are pretty good frozen if you like White Castle. Frozen not that much different from the real. Not frozen, just refridgerated, but Newman’s Own pepperoni and sausage pizza is the best I have had. Hell, all of Newman’s Own food I’ve had is good. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2019, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/45 "2019-02-26T03:08:46Z")
This thread has reminded me of Trader Joe’s. I used to go every week when I lived in Rhode Island, forgot about them when I moved back to Jersey. I remember these being good. Turkey corn dogs- [https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/4690](https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/4690) I know I will be reminded of a lot of other stuff as I browse the site, like the Indian food. I’m going tomorrow night when I get off work ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2019, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/46 "2019-02-26T16:37:39Z")
I’ve posted this before…not a main dish per se, but [Ray’s frozen bagels and bialys](https://www.raysnewyorkbagels.com/) are as close to the real thing as this former NYer has found, fresh or otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/47 "2019-02-26T17:19:56Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Stouffers is the best, readily available frozen food. The mac & cheese (esp if you mix with a small envelope of tuna and a handful of frozen mixed veggies). Their stuffed green peppers are quite good and their regular lasagna (haven’t tried the veggie lasagna). Even their spaghetti decent. Stouffers Lasagna Italiano is good enough that I’ve thought about keeping one or two at home for a quick fix. I will eat it at work, no prob. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2019, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/48 "2019-02-27T03:06:41Z")
Just finished a TJs chicken tikki masala with rice. Very good but I had forgotten the portion size is not very big. Bot lucikly I remembered to get some frozen garlic naan. I’ve made personal pizzas with that before ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/49 "2019-02-28T05:41:34Z")
> [@Airk](#): > > I can’t recommend a specific brand (because I honestly have no idea what the brand I always buy is called. it’s made locally and labelled largely in Chinese) but most frozen dumplings/gyoza are pretty good. You’ll want to boil them, rather than microwave them, but it’s still quick and easy. Serve with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Nah, briefly pan fry them in a bit of oil. A thin cheap nonstick works great. Add a bit of water until they’re steamed, then let that evaporate and let them fry again to sear the bottoms. Totally worth it. The jamaican patties mentioned upthread bake rather quickly in a toaster oven. I’m also a fan of frozen pretzels for an ultra quick snack. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/50 "2019-02-28T13:53:47Z")
In addition to frozen, Trader Joe’s has a variety of pouch stuff that I get all the time. [For example - Tikka Vegetables](https://www.traderjoes.com/FearlessFlyer/Article/4680) ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/51 "2019-03-01T06:39:13Z")
Costco frozen has Edamame (soy beans in the pod). Microwave the frozen little packet for 3 minutes, cut open the bag, salt and pepper the outside to taste, and you’ve got a decent protein rich veggie side or snack. Costco, at least in my neck of the woods, has some pretty good Indian food that’s microwaveable but not frozen. Ditto for things like soups, Pho, etc. ---
**Author:** ![singular1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/52 "2019-03-01T19:36:52Z")
If you’ve got a Safeway nearby, try their [Signature Kitchens Thai Style Coconut Chicken](https://www.instacart.com/safeway/products/167479-signature-kitchens-thai-style-coconut-chicken-9-oz). Mr. singular and I have it at least twice a week, and it’s only $2.50 - $2 on sale! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2019, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/53 "2019-03-02T00:47:09Z")
I’ve tried most brands of frozen Mexican dishes and been disappointed. The only one I keep in my freezer is MexiWraps beef and cheddar wrap. I’ve never tried microwave them. I assume you they can be zapped. I Cook 30 mins at 400 in a oven. MexiWraps also has spicy chicken, shredded beef & green chile, and several breakfast wraps. I get them at Walmart and Sams Club. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2019, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993/54 "2019-03-02T01:55:45Z")
> [@singular1](#): > > If you’ve got a Safeway nearby, try their [Signature Kitchens Thai Style Coconut Chicken](https://www.instacart.com/safeway/products/167479-signature-kitchens-thai-style-coconut-chicken-9-oz). Mr. singular and I have it at least twice a week, and it’s only $2.50 - $2 on sale! I’m impressed with some of the cheapo Signature Kitchens entrees. The Chicken Tikka Masala is pretty good, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-some-good-frozen-food/829993.md?page=2)