Freezing food is a time-saving trick most of us use to preserve staples like meat, fruit, and bread. But there are plenty of other ingredients that you may not realize you can freeze to make your meal prep even easier. Bet you didn’t know you could freeze these food items!
These 15 unexpected ingredients can be frozen and ready for whenever you need it!
Buttermilk
Buttermilk can often go to waste since most recipes only call for small amounts. Instead of tossing the extra, freeze it in ice cube trays or small containers. Perfect portions are ready to thaw and use in your next batch of pancakes, biscuits, or dressings.
Eggs
While you can’t freeze whole eggs in their shells, you can crack and freeze them individually or scramble them. You can also separate the whites and yolks for specific recipes. Frozen eggs are great for future baking, omelets, or any dish where eggs are a key ingredient.
Cut Vegetables
Pre-chopped vegetables can make meal prep much easier when you’re short on time. Most vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers, freeze well after being blanched or steamed briefly. They retain their nutrients when appropriately stored and are perfect for soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Herbs
Fresh herbs spoil quickly, but freezing them can extend their shelf life for months. Chop herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil. Simply pop a cube into your dishes for fresh flavor when cooking.
Butter
If you find butter on sale or just have too much, freezing it is an excellent way to store it for long periods. Butter can be frozen in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic. Thaw it in the refrigerator and use it like fresh butter in baking, cooking, or spreading.
Heavy and Whipped Cream
You can freeze heavy and whipped cream, though they may change slightly in texture. Heavy cream can be frozen in liquid form and then thawed for soups or sauces. Whipped cream can be frozen as dollops on a baking sheet and stored for individual servings on desserts.
Garlic
Garlic cloves can be peeled and frozen whole or minced. Freezing helps lock in their flavor and ensures you always have some on hand. Frozen garlic can be added directly to soups, sauces, or stir-fries without thawing.
Ginger
Fresh ginger root can be frozen whole, sliced, or grated. Freezing it makes it easier to grate when you need it for recipes, and it retains its spicy, aromatic flavor. This is especially helpful when using ginger in teas, stir-fries, or marinades.
Jalapeños
If you have a surplus of jalapeños or other spicy peppers, freezing them is an excellent way to preserve their heat. You can freeze them whole or sliced, depending on your preference. Frozen jalapeños work well in salsas, sauces, or spicy additions to chili and soups.
Celery
While celery may lose its crispness when frozen, it’s still perfect for cooking. Chop and freeze celery in soups, stews, and casseroles where texture is less important. This way, you always have a supply ready for flavoring stocks or bases.
Flour
Flour can absorb moisture and develop a stale taste over time, especially in humid climates. Freezing flour keeps it fresh and prevents it from going rancid or developing pests. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking it.
Pesto
Pesto freezes beautifully, so don’t worry if you’ve made too much for one meal. Freeze it in small portions, either in ice cube trays or small containers, to be used as a quick pasta sauce or sandwich spread. The frozen pesto will retain its vibrant flavor and color.
Gravy
Extra gravy doesn’t have to go to waste after a big meal. You can freeze it in small containers or ice cube trays. Thaw it in the microwave or stove, and it’s ready to pour over meats, mashed potatoes, or even sandwiches.
Breadcrumbs
Homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs can be frozen and used for future recipes. Place them in a resealable bag or container, and they’ll be suitable for breading chicken, topping casseroles, or adding to meatloaf. They retain their texture and are easy to use directly from the freezer.
Peppers
Whether chopped, sliced, or whole, Bell peppers can be easily frozen for later use. Their texture may soften, but they are perfect for cooked dishes such as stir-fries, fajitas, or casseroles. Just toss them into your recipe, no need to thaw them beforehand.
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