Batch cooking is a fantastic way to save time, but storing those meals can be tricky. Half-filled containers take up precious freezer space, while large portions often lead to waste. That all changed when I discovered the brick-stacking storage technique, which involves freezing food into tidy rectangular shapes using non-toxic bags.

With my silicone Souper Cubes, available at Amazon, I now have a freezer full of organized, easy-to-use meals for my family, eliminating bulky containers.

I was skeptical at first, wondering if this method was just a trend. However, by using it with durable storage containers and molds, I've freed up significant freezer space and minimized waste.

Understanding the Brick Stacking Food Storage Method

A block of frozen white rice is being held in the photo, showing the block freeze method with a Souper Cube silicone mold, with the rest of the batch in the background on a kitchen counter

Freezing meals like rice and stews into neat rectangular blocks ensures proper portion sizes, making them easy to stack and saving space compared to traditional containers.

The concept is simple: freeze food into compact, stackable portions, then bundle them for easy meal assembly. This method optimizes the use of freezer shelves, drawers, and door space.

My reusable and dishwasher-safe Souper silicone molds allow me to freeze a batch overnight, transfer the blocks to a non-toxic bag, and repeat the process the next day.

This method is a game-changer for busy households, especially for those like me who have mobility challenges. It also promotes sustainability by reducing food waste.

My Month-Long Experiment

Multiple stacked blocks of frozen white rice on a side plate
Stacked portions of rice in a non-toxic freezer bag eliminated the need for bulky containers, maximizing shelf space.
Multiple stacked blocks of deep green frozen Persian herby lamb stew (ghormeh sabzi) on a side plate
Freezing Persian ghormeh sabzi in blocks means no more wasted food, as I can defrost only what I need at any given time.

After testing this method with my Persian meals, I no longer deal with half-full containers or guesswork with portion sizes. These blocks have become essential for quick weeknight dinners when I'm too tired to plan ahead.

Thanks to the smaller block sizes, they thaw quickly in the microwave's defrost setting, taking only about 10 minutes to go from freezer to table.

Plus, my freezer is now neatly organized, a benefit I truly appreciate. Before, I struggled to fit containers among other frozen items, often leading to repetitive meals due to lack of space.

With this block-freezing technique, everything fits perfectly without wasting space on bulky containers.

Final Assessment: 10/10. This method has become my go-to for kitchen storage, making mid-week meals incredibly simple and hassle-free.

How to Implement This Method and Maximize Freezer Space

Three stacked blocks of Persian food in non-toxic freezer bags. It's space-saving and neat as the same amount of food would have required three or four food containers.

This method is exceptionally space-efficient; the same food would have needed multiple containers if not for this technique.

To get started, grab some silicone molds for freezing. I've become a huge fan of Souper Cubes, available at Amazon. They're thick, versatile, and can be used in both the oven and dishwasher (just avoid the BPA-free lids in the oven).

Fill the slots with food and freeze overnight. In the morning, if there's more to freeze, I simply decant and repeat.

Store the frozen blocks in reusable and dishwasher-safe silicone bags or BPA-free Ziploc bags, both available at Walmart. Group similar items together for easy tracking.

You can also combine blocks for meals, like pairing a curry with rice, so you can easily reheat without any extra thought.

This method is also great for batch prepping items like garlic puree or leftover tomato puree from opened jars.

Essential Items to Consider

Having the right non-toxic kitchen tools makes batch cooking easier and ensures your meals are free from harmful chemicals. Pair these tools with quality air fryers and slow cookers for a seamless cooking experience.

All prices were accurate at the time of publication.

Souper Cubes Freezer Tray With LidVersatile Freezer Tray Set

This multi-pack includes trays with various block sizes, making it easy to freeze exactly what you need. Thick silicone and steel rims allow for easy loading, while BPA-free lids keep odors out. Dishwasher safe.

Cella S/2 Silicone Collapsible Storage Squares W/attached LidsCollapsible Storage Squares

Made from silicone, these containers are free from toxic chemicals. They come with attached lids for convenience and collapse when not in use, saving space. Store food blocks together for quick meal prep.

Dishwasher Safe Reusable Storage Bags Stand Up - Bpa Free Reusable Sandwich Bags - Leakproof Gallon Freezer Bags, Silicone Food Storage Bags - Grey 12 Sandwich BagsStand-Up Silicone Bags

These reusable silicone freezer bags are dishwasher safe and can be used hundreds of times. The stand-up design simplifies loading with frozen blocks from your Souper Cubes. Perfect for freezing sauces and purees.

Jokari Adjustable Baggy Rack Stand 2 Pack Hands Free Food Storage Bag Holder Stand for Freezer and Sandwich Bags Clip Stand for Pouring Leftovers or Drying Reusable Ziploc BagsBaggy Rack Stand

Keep your bags open for easy transfer of food from your slow cooker with this helpful rack, allowing for mess-free pouring.

The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook: Easy and Wholesome Meals to Cook, Prep, Grab, and GoMeal Prep Cookbook

For those new to batch cooking, this book offers over 100 easy recipes that are simple to prep and freeze.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (scv700-S-Br), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or EntertainingMy Favorite Slow Cooker

This ceramic and stainless steel Crock-Pot is perfect for batch cooking, easily accommodating 10-12 portions. It cooks evenly and efficiently.