For some of us, freezers are a place where frozen meals, ice creams, and leftovers take up space. However, for professional chefs, freezers are valuable territories where they can store ready-to-go ingredients and staples to help save prep time.
While we typically associate chefs with using fresh ingredients, many of their most important ingredients live within their freezers. A well-stocked freezer is a necessity for any professional chef, as it helps expedite cooking times and keep ingredients usable for longer periods of time.
To learn more about what chefs keep inside their freezer, we interviewed 14 chefs, asking them to break down some of their go-to items. From frozen vegetables to baked goods to pre-made broth, there were so many items we were surprised (and delighted) to learn that professional chefs keep on hand. After reading their picks, you just may be inspired to revive your own freezer with some of these suggested items.
Jake Peterson, chef and co-owner at Dēliz Italian Steakhouse
Based in Chicago, Chef Jake Peterson is an accomplished chef and co-owner of the acclaimed Dēliz Italian Steakhouse. Known for their incredible handmade pastas and other authentic Italian dishes, Peterson and his restaurant have gained a reputation for providing fresh, quality meals to their customers. When asked what he likes to keep handy in this freezer, Peterson noted: “I keep frozen vegetables like broccoli, corn, and cauliflower on hand.”…