the present invention relates to improved packages which include a rigid or semi - rigid tray having a single thermoplastic overwrap comprising a polymeric laminate surrounding the tray and having a front panel and an opposing back panel . the inventive packages also include a continuous seal circumscribing a recessed cavity of the tray which comprises a heat seal formed by heat sealing a portion of the front panel to the peripheral flange of the tray . advantageously , when the tray is removed from the overwrap , a portion of the first film separates from the laminate and remains peelably sealed to the flange of the tray and thus , may serve as a lidding film for the container . since the recessed cavity is still covered , the container may then be placed directly in a microwave or conventional oven to thaw and / or cook the food container within the package without first removing the lidding film .