35+ Foods You Can Freeze You May Have Not Known About

Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

Here is a long list of items that you can freeze so that next time you find them in the manager’s special section, you can stock up!

You also may want to check out our post on 12 easy make-ahead freezer meals. Also, you may be interested in these freezer meal cookbooks

If you know of any other foods we could add to this list, please let us know in the comments!

Applesauce

Whether you’re preparing for busy mornings or quick snacks, it is available in pouches or cups and is freezer-friendly for extended storage. Ensure the cups are carefully handled to prevent breakage when taken out of the freezer.

Avocados

Certain foods can be conveniently frozen after peeling and cutting, offering versatility in their usage. For instance, avocados can be frozen for later use in guacamole, providing a quick and creamy twist. They also serve as convenient ice cubes in smoothies, enhancing both texture and nutrition. Freezing these foods expands their culinary possibilities.

Bread (and other baked goods)

Keep the freshness of your bread and baked goods by freezing them. To defrost, simply pop the freezer bag and a slice or two in the toaster for a quick and convenient way to savor your favorite baked treats. This ensures that you always have a delightful and freshly thawed option ready to enjoy.

Buttermilk

Make the most of your buttermilk by freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, ensuring a convenient and practical way to preserve this versatile ingredient.

Baby food

Preserve baby food efficiently by freezing it in ice cube trays, and later transferring the cubes to a freezer bag. However, exercise caution and avoid storing baby food in glass jars, as they may shatter into unsafe shards during freezing. This method allows for easy portioning and convenient thawing when needed.

Bacon

For convenient use, freeze raw bacon in individual strips, rolled up and separated by wax paper. This method ensures easy retrieval and allows you to thaw only the desired amount, streamlining your cooking process and minimizing hassle.

Broth

When freezing broth, avoid using cans or glass jars. Opt to freeze the entire batch or portion it into individual ice cubes, depending on your intended use. This ensures flexibility and convenience when incorporating broth into your recipes.

Butter

Preserve by freezing it in straight cubes, facilitating effortless portioning. When ready to use, conveniently defrost in the fridge to maintain the butter’s quality. This method ensures the availability of frozen butter for seamless integration into your culinary creations.

Casseroles

Conveniently preserve casseroles by freezing them in cubes. This method offers versatility for various recipes, whether you’re planning make-ahead freezer meals with casseroles or treating yourself to the delightful flavors of a tater tot casserole. Enjoy the ease and flexibility of frozen casserole cubes in your culinary endeavors.

Cheese

When freezing cheese, be aware that blocked cheese might turn crumbly upon thawing. To prevent this, either not freeze cheese, pre-slice it before freezing or reserve it for use as shredded cheese in your culinary endeavors. This ensures a more favorable texture when incorporating frozen cheese into your recipes.

Chips

Surprisingly, freezing chips in a freezer bag is an effective method to maintain their freshness. This also offers a quick and convenient snack option as they only take a few minutes to defrost. Preserve the crunch and flavor of your favorite chips with this simple and efficient freezing technique.

Chocolate

Achieve optimal preservation by storing chocolate in the refrigerator for a few days before transferring it to the freezer. This gradual cooling process ensures the chocolate maintains its texture and flavor. Enjoy the same delightful taste and quality even after freezing with this effective preservation method.

Cooke dough (homemade)

Enhance convenience by freezing homemade cookie dough in individual scoops. This allows you to bake as many or as few cookies as desired at any time. For a standout recipe, try the delightful sour cream sugar cookies, ensuring a delicious treat whenever you crave freshly baked cookies.

Corn on the cob

When freezing corn on the cob, anticipate a change in texture that may make it less suitable for spreading on bagels. Instead, consider using it for baking to fully appreciate its flavor and consistency. This ensures you can still enjoy the deliciousness of frozen corn on the cob in different culinary applications.

Cream cheese

Freeze cream cheese even doing so alters its texture, making it less suitable for spreading on toast fresh bagels. However, this transformed consistency lends cottage cheese itself well to baking, where it can enhance the richness and creaminess of various recipes.

Eggs

For efficient freezing, crack eggs into greased muffin tins, breaking up the yolks before transferring them to freezer bags. Keep in mind that after thawing frozen eggs, they may have a slightly stiff texture, making them ideal for baking, especially when using an electric mixer.

Flour

Freezing flour is a smart strategy for long-term storage, providing protection against weevils. This simple method guarantees that your flour stays fresh and free from pests, ensuring it’s ready for use whenever you need it.

Fruit (berries, bananas, lemons/limes)

While fruits like berries, bananas, and lemons/limes may not defrost well for plain consumption, they prove excellent for enhancing smoothies lemon juice, and baking. Transforming older frozen bananas into delicious banana bread is a particular favorite!

Garlic cloves

Freezing garlic cloves is a convenient way to ensure you always have this essential ingredient on hand. Simply peel and chop the cloves before freezing, allowing for quick and easy incorporation into various recipes, enhancing your dishes with the rich and aromatic flavor of garlic.

Ginger

Freezing ginger not only extends its shelf life but also enhances its usability. Grating frozen ginger becomes easier, allowing you to effortlessly add a kick of freshness to your culinary creations. This method ensures you always have ginger on hand for a burst of flavor in your dishes.

Grains

Quinoa, farro, and bulgur are among the grains that freeze well, providing a convenient way to extend their shelf life. Similar to flour, freezing also acts as a protective measure against potential weevil infestations, ensuring your grains remain fresh and pest-free for extended periods.

Half-and-half

While half-and-half freezes quite well, it’s essential to note that heavy cream does not maintain its texture and quality when frozen. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid freezing heavy cream for optimal culinary results.

Herbs

Effectively preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in an ice cube tray or trays with olive oil. This method prevents them from becoming limp and adds a flavorful element to your dishes when you’re ready to use them in your fresh salad greens. Enjoy the convenience and enhanced taste of frozen herbs for a burst of freshness in your cooking.

Jams and jellies

When it comes to jams and jellies, freezing is an excellent method for prolonging their shelf life and ensuring that your homemade strawberry jam, for example, remains a delightful treat for an extended period.

Meat

Meat, including lunch meat, roasts, and hamburgers, freezes well and is an essential component of our thrifty grocery strategy, allowing us to make the most of manager’s specials and stay within our $42 weekly budget.

Milk

When freezing milk, simply remove half a cup before freezing to prevent the jug from splitting due to expansion. This precautionary step is especially useful when taking advantage of discounted milk products during our monthly meal planning.

Nuts

To maintain the freshness of nuts, freezing proves invaluable as it halts the degradation of oils that occurs after a few weeks at room temperature, ensuring their prolonged shelf life and preserving their rich flavors.

Pasta (cooked)

Freezing cooked pasta is a time-saving hack for busy days, providing the convenience of a quick meal whenever needed. If you’re a pasta lover, try our instant pot spaghetti recipe for a delicious twist on this classic pasta dish. Enjoy the ease and versatility of frozen cooked pasta for effortless meals.

Pasta sauce

We love using pasta sauce for lasagna and mini pizza muffins. To preserve pasta and spaghetti sauce well, consider freezing it. This ensures that you have a ready supply for making lasagna and mini pizza muffins whenever you desire. The freezing method helps maintain the sauce’s quality, providing convenience and versatility in your culinary adventures.

Peanut butter (organic)

Rice (cooked)

It’s great to have a bunch of cooked rice when you want to make chicken and broccoli curry casserole. It’s a time-saving strategy that ensures you have a versatile base ready whenever the craving for a delicious meal strikes.

Smoked fish

For optimal preservation, the best method to freeze smoked fish is to vacuum-seal it first. This ensures a tight seal, minimizing the risk of freezer burn and maintaining the fish’s flavor and texture.

Sugar

Sugar does not require refrigeration and can be stored in a cool, dry place. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight, sealed container, to prevent moisture absorption. This simple storage method helps maintain the quality of your sugar for an extended period.

Tortillas

Tortillas can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference. Keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to an airtight container to maintain freshness. If storing for an extended period, consider freezing them for a longer shelf life, with layers separated by parchment paper for easy retrieval. Defrost in the fridge, not in the microwave.

Tofu

Freezing tofu alters its texture, making it denser, but it’s an excellent food for freezing. This process changes its consistency, allowing for diverse culinary applications when used in dishes like stir-fries or smoothies.

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