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Ever wonder what else you can freeze besides the usual suspects? You'll be surprised at how many foods can be stashed in the freezer to stay fresh longer and cut down on waste. From eggs, butter, cheese, and herbs to cookie dough + SO much more!--- Here are 10+ Surprising Foods That Can Be Frozen. Your freezer is about to become your new best friend!
Ever stared at your overflowing fridge, wondering how to save those soon-to-spoil groceries? You’re not alone—we’ve all found ourselves googling “Can I freeze [this item]?” Haha! Confession.... If you looked at my search history you would find a lot of things like--- Can you freeze butter? Can you freeze milk? Can you freeze eggs? And so on Haha! Enter my list of 10 Surprising Foods That Can Be Frozen! I was inspired to write this after creating this post on How To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks!
With grocery prices climbing, it’s the perfect time to rethink our food priorities, stretch our budgets, repurpose leftovers + cut down on waste. Freezing food you can’t eat right away is a game-changer for keeping your groceries (and money) out of the trash. This list includes dairy products, like milk + cheese, fruits, grains like rice + quinoa, and a whole lot more that will surprise you!
I’ve compiled a list of the top things I freeze --- Some of these foods totally surprised me like butter, milk + cheese, and I love that I’m wasting less food now!
Ever find yourself wondering if cheese can be frozen? The answer is YES!! Cheese can be a game-changer in the freezer. Shred or slice cheese before freezing, then store it in airtight bags or containers. After defrosting, cheese might be a bit crumbly but works perfectly in cooking + baking—think casseroles, pasta bakes, pizzas, and grilled cheese sandwiches. NOTE: Cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and feta don’t freeze well, as they can become grainy, watery, or crumbly
And as for milk.... Yes! You can freeze milk too! Freezing milk is a great way to extend its shelf life --- Simply pour the milk into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and seal it tightly. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the milk in the fridge and give it a good shake before pouring, as it may separate a bit during freezing.
Yes, you read that right! You can freeze eggs! Crack them into a bowl, beat lightly, and pour into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the egg cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use them for scrambled eggs, omelets, or baking like this Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Everything Breakfast Casserole. NOTE: Don't try to freeze whole eggs ---- They can expand and crack, making a mess.
Fresh herbs freeze beautifully. Chop herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro, then freeze in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Simply pop a cube into your cooking to instantly add fresh, vibrant flavors to soups, stews, pasta + sauces.
Garlic and ginger can be minced and frozen in small portions as well. Store them in ice cube trays or small airtight containers, then use them directly in your dishes for convenience and a burst of fresh flavor. You can also freeze ginger whole and grate it directly from frozen, which makes it easy to add to recipes without any prep work.
Freezing cookie dough is a lifesaver for quick, fresh-baked treats. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly, and freeze until solid. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the log into rounds and pop them onto a baking sheet. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for delicious cookies anytime.
If you were wondering if you can freeze butter ---- The answer is YES!! Butter freezes like a charm and is super handy for all your baking + cooking needs. Just keep sticks or chunks of butter in their original wrapping or pop them into airtight containers.
When you're ready to use it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight for best results. TIP: In a pinch, you can also use the microwave's defrost setting to quickly bring it to room temperature the frozen butter for spreading, baking, or cooking up a storm!
Just scoop out the flesh, mash it with a bit of lemon juice, and store it in an airtight container. When thawed, avocado is perfect for guacamole, avocado toast, and smoothies—though it might be a bit different in texture from fresh, it still adds that creamy goodness we all love!
Freezing bananas is super simple and perfect for smoothies or baking. Just peel the bananas and place them directly into a freezer bag or airtight container. One tip: don’t freeze them with the peel on, as it’s a real headache to remove once they’re frozen. Once frozen, they’re ready to use in your favorite recipes, from smoothies to banana bread, or even as a quick, cool snack!
Sauces freeze wonderfully and can save you tons of time in the kitchen. Pour pesto, tomato sauce, or other sauces into ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
You can also freeze sauces in jars or airtight containers for larger portions. You can even freeze stir-fry sauces, curry sauces, and gravy this way. Just thaw as needed and use in pastas, pizzas, stir-fries, or as a quick dip.
Baked goods like muffins, bread, brownies and cakes freeze beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature or warm in the oven or microwave for a fresh-tasting treat.
Cooked grains like quinoa and rice are perfect for freezing. Spread them out on a baking sheet to cool and then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth for quick + easy meals!
Nuts, seeds, and flours (especially nut flours) can go rancid quickly, so freezing is a great option. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Use directly from the freezer in baking, cooking, or as a snack, and enjoy the fresh flavor longer.
There you have it— 10 Surprising Foods That Can Be Frozen. I hope these help you make the most of your groceries and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals! If you are looking for any meal inspiration check out my "What To Eat This Week" series for some seriously delicious + healthy eats.
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