The correct leftover food storage containers can help frugal families save big on their grocery bills by helping keep last night’s extra mashed potatoes and meatloaf fresh for a future meal.
Tips for Using Leftovers
A leftover beef roast or cooked chicken lends itself nicely to next night’s fajita dinner. Cut the meat in strips and add to sautéed onion, then sprinkle lemon juice and cumin or chili powder. Dish the meat into warmed flour tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and salsa.
Surplus spaghetti from last night’s meal? Make spaghetti pie with 3 to 4 cups of leftover spaghetti, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix all and place in a buttered Pyrex dish or pie plate. Top with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Following are some food storage options for refrigerated leftovers, available for purchase online.
Glass Food Storage Bowls
Pretty enough the grace the table, these pint-sized clear glass bowls from Crate & Barrel come with a plastic lid that seals out air. The heat-resistant bowls are stackable as well as dishwasher and microwave safe. Price: $1.75 each. Shipping starts at $5.50.
Classic Tupperware Bowls
The classic Wonderlier Tupperware bowls are a staple of many kitchens. Prepare, store, and serve food in these all-purpose bowls. A set of three bowls includes a 6-cup, 8-3/4-cup, and 12-cup bowl, all with lids. The colors are varying shades of blue. Price for the set: $29. Shipping is 10 percent of order, plus $4.
Sharper Image Food Storage Containers
Sharper Image calls its containers the FresherLonger Miracle Food Storage set, touting its silicone-locking system as an airtight assault on food spoilage. The containers are made of odor-impermeable polypropylene and the lids feature a snap on each side to lock out air. This 12-piece set contains four 10.6-ounce containers; two 28.2-ounce containers; two 44-ounce containers; two 49.4-ounce containers; one 137.6-ounce container; and one 246.9-ounce container. The two largest containers come with a removable interior tray that drains away water and all are dishwasher and microwave safe. Price for the set: $49.95, shipping is $8.95.
Rubbermaid Collapsible Bowls
Save space in your kitchen cabinets with Rubbermaid’s Collapsible Food Storage Containers, available at major retailers and also at Space Savers. Available in 2.5-, 4- and 6-cup sizes, these collapsible bowls fold flat for storage and also allow users to vary the size of the container to fit the amount of food or liquid stored inside. Dishwasher (top rack), microwave, and freezer safe. Price: starts at $5.99. Shipping varies.
Stainless Steel Food Storage
These stainless steel watertight food containers, available from Wisemen Trading and Supply, come with an airtight steel lid for those who want to reduce their food’s contact with plastic. The 5-cup bowls serve as mixing bowls, serving bowls, and food storage containers. Lids lock with three sturdy clamps. Price: $11.25 each. Shipping is $5.50.
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