16 Comforting Dishes to Bring to Any New Parent
Freezer-friendly casseroles to the rescue.
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Congratulations, someone you know just had a baby! It's a wonderful time in their lives when every single day brings them something new and exciting to experience. But boy (or girl!), it can be exhausting. As new mom Alex Drummond puts it: "It is full-time mental gymnastics." The last thing the new family wants to do is figure out what to eat, especially in those first few weeks and months.
That's why one of the best gifts you can get new moms and dads is a ready-made meal. Where to start? Try these comforting dishes to bring new parents. Among them, you'll find family meals that will not only nourish them, but are easy just to pop it in the oven or microwave to reheat. Think: comfort food like easy casseroles and freezer-friendly soups for lunch and dinner. You'll also find make-ahead breakfast ideas and snacks so every meal of the day is covered.
You can bring your recipe in a disposable pan as a large meal or pre-portion in to-go containers so they don't have to worry about washing or returning dishes. Just remember to write instructions on the top for them so they know what it is, how to store it, and how to reheat. That way, you make life as simple as can be during this challenging time. They'll remember your thoughtful gesture way after the baby has grown out of that cute onesie!
Slow-Cooker Bolognese
Ree notes this recipe "could feed a small army," which is great for many of their meals ahead. Freeze it in batches and label accordingly; then, all they have to do is defrost, reheat, and boil some pasta.
Get Ree's Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
If you want to know the Drummond family recipe that Ree makes to tote to all of her grown kids when she visits, this casserole is it! It can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
Get Ree's Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Sheet Pan Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches
Imagine how good new parents will feel when they can wake up to a piping hot breakfast sandwich! Individually wrapped, they just take a minute or two in the microwave to reheat.
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is full of veggies and a ton of protein, just what new parents need to be healthy and nourished. Plus, servings can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave in just a few minutes.
Get Ree's Lentil Soup recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, so not all comfort food has to be healthy. Sometimes all new parents want is something ooey, gooey, and sweet. Ree's legendary cinnamon rolls are the answer. Plus, they're freezer friendly!
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
The Best Lasagna Ever
Let's face it: There's nothing more comforting than a warm tray of lasagna. It can be frozen for up to three months and then simply defrosted and baked for 30 minutes for a hearty meal any night of the week.
Get Ree's Best Lasagna Ever recipe.
Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Dessert for breakfast, but make it healthy? It's possible with this make-ahead baked oatmeal. You can bring it over ready to bake or already baked and pre-portioned to be reheated.
Get the Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal recipe.
Black Bean Chili
Ree's a huge fan of reheating chili for a comforting, warm bowl any time of day. And with so many chili recipes, it'll be easy to pick their favorite (like this black bean version!) and make a giant batch.
Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.
Freezer-Friendly Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie has layers of meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes that makes the ultimate all-in-one meal. Bonus: They won't even have to defrost it to reheat. Just pop it in the oven for a bit longer.
Morning Glory Muffins
Full of good-for-you ingredients like apples, carrots, raisins, and pecans, these muffins are also just sweet enough to satisfy that morning craving. They store really well in the fridge and freezer, too!
Get the Morning Glory Muffins recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
No new parent would turn down the opportunity for a couple scoops of homemade mac and cheese. It'll last in the fridge for up to two days unbaked and another three once baked... not that it will last that long.
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Hamburger Soup
Ree and her kids love this soup so much that her daughter Alex makes it for her hubby Mauricio when he's under the weather. Meat, veggies, and potatoes are the recipe for curing what ales you!
Get Ree's Hamburger Soup recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie
Imagine a new mom's face when she peels back the aluminum foil to reveal a full, ready-to-bake chicken pot pie. Best day ever! All she's gotta do is pop it in the oven and dinner is done.
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
Spicy Chex Mix
Yes, snacks are necessary for an energy boost. This recipe can last for a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer, so they can also serve some when guests come over to see the new family member.
Get the Spicy Chex Mix recipe.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Can you really go wrong with broccoli-cheese anything? It's so comforting! And when you add chicken and rice, it becomes a full meal in one heaping scoop. Thankfully, it freezes well, too.
Get Ree's Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.
Breakfast Cookies
Picture this: Mom or Dad wakes up in the morning, pops some frozen cookies on a tray and bakes 'em up hot and fresh in just a few minutes. Glorious! They're packed with nutrition, so they can feel extra good about that decision.
Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.
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