We all know that the freezer is a great place to store raw meat, casseroles and sweet, icy treats for later. But many everyday ingredients also keep surprisingly well frozen — which is great if you've got leftover items, like to stock up during a big sale or just sleep a little better with a fully stocked larder.

The only thing better than eating buttermilk pancakes in your pajamas is eating buttermilk pancakes in your pajamas without making a last-minute grocery store run. Freeze buttermilk in ice cube trays, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. The cubes will last for 3 months.

Homemade pudding and ice cream call for lots of yolks — good thing you can freeze the orphaned whites for up to 12 months. Turn them into coconut macaroons, angel food cake or even marshmallows. For best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that frozen whites don't always whip up to a foam as well as fresh ones.

Brown-baggers, rejoice: Both unopened and opened packages of lunchmeat will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.