Most people only freeze the obvious things: meat, bread, and maybe some vegetables. But your freezer is a powerful tool for preventing food waste that you are probably underusing. Here are 20 foods you might not know you can freeze, along with how to do it properly.
Dairy and Eggs
1. Eggs (Without Shells)
You cannot freeze eggs in their shells (they will crack and make a mess), but you can freeze them cracked. Whisk whole eggs with a pinch of salt, pour into an ice cube tray or muffin tin, and freeze. Each cube equals roughly one egg. They last 12 months and work perfectly in scrambles, baking, and omelets.
2. Cheese
Hard and semi-hard cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Gouda) freeze well for up to 6 months. Shred before freezing and use directly from frozen in cooking. The texture becomes crumbly, so it is best for melting and cooking rather than slicing. Soft cheeses like brie and cream cheese can also be frozen but become grainy; use them in cooking.
3. Milk and Cream
Both freeze for up to 3 months. Leave 1-2 inches of headspace in the container for expansion. After thawing, shake well (the fat may separate). Best used in cooking, baking, and smoothies rather than drinking straight, as the texture changes slightly.
4. Yogurt
Freeze yogurt in ice cube trays for smoothies, or in individual containers for eating. The texture becomes slightly grainy upon thawing, but stirring helps. Frozen yogurt cubes make smoothies extra thick and creamy.
Produce
5. Avocados
This surprises most people. Halve ripe avocados, remove the pit, peel, and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They last 4-6 months. The texture softens upon thawing, making them ideal for guacamole, smoothies, and dressings, but not for slicing on toast.
6. Fresh Herbs
Chop herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, or rosemary and pack into ice cube trays. Fill each well with olive oil or water, freeze, and store the cubes in a freezer bag. Drop a cube directly into soups, sauces, and stir-fries. Lasts 6 months.
7. Bananas
Peel ripe bananas, cut into chunks, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Perfect for smoothies and banana nice cream. They last 6 months. Never freeze with the peel on (the peel turns black and becomes impossible to remove).
8. Tomatoes
Whole tomatoes can be frozen on a baking sheet and then bagged. The skin slips right off after thawing. The texture becomes soft, so they are perfect for sauces, soups, and stews but not salads. Lasts 8-12 months.
9. Corn on the Cob
Blanch ears of corn in boiling water for 4 minutes, plunge into ice water, dry, and freeze in bags. Alternatively, cut kernels off the cob and freeze flat in bags. Lasts 8-12 months.
10. Ginger
Freeze whole, unpeeled ginger root. When you need some, grate it directly from frozen with a microplane. It grates much more easily when frozen than fresh. Lasts 6 months.
Baked Goods and Grains
11. Cooked Rice
Spread cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool, then portion into freezer bags, pressing flat. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave with a splash of water. Lasts 6 months. This is a massive time-saver for weeknight meals.
12. Cooked Pasta
Slightly undercook pasta (al dente minus 1 minute), toss with a small amount of olive oil, and freeze in portions. Reheat by dropping into boiling water for 30-60 seconds or microwaving with sauce. Lasts 2-3 months.
13. Pancake and Waffle Batter
Pour batter into a freezer bag, label, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use normally. Or better yet, cook the pancakes/waffles first and freeze them. Toast from frozen for instant breakfasts.
14. Cookie Dough
Scoop cookie dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a bag. Bake directly from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to the baking time). Having cookie dough ready means fresh-baked cookies in 15 minutes. Lasts 3 months.
Prepared Foods and Miscellaneous
15. Hummus
Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers with a drizzle of olive oil on top (to prevent drying). Thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may be slightly grainy; stir well before serving. Lasts 4-6 months.
16. Nut Butter
Peanut butter and almond butter freeze well in their original jars (leave headspace) or portioned into ice cube trays. Especially useful for smoothie prep. Lasts 6 months.
17. Wine
Leftover wine can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored in bags for cooking. Add a cube or two to sauces, stews, and risottos. Do not plan to drink thawed wine; the flavor changes. Lasts 3-6 months.
18. Citrus Juice and Zest
Squeeze lemons, limes, or oranges into ice cube trays and freeze. Zest before juicing and freeze the zest separately in a small bag. Always having frozen citrus on hand makes cooking and baking much easier. Lasts 6 months.
19. Homemade Stock and Broth
Freeze in ice cube trays, muffin tins, or measured portions in bags. The cube size is perfect for deglazing pans and adding flavor to rice. Lasts 4-6 months.
20. Cake and Muffins
Baked cakes (unfrosted), muffins, and quick breads freeze beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature. Frosted cakes can be frozen too; freeze uncovered first until the frosting hardens, then wrap. Lasts 2-3 months.
Freezing Best Practices Recap
- Cool all food to room temperature before freezing
- Remove as much air as possible from bags and containers
- Freeze items flat when possible for faster freezing and thawing
- Label everything with the date and contents
- Use frozen items within the recommended timeframe for best quality
Related: How to Freeze Vegetables Without Losing Nutrients: Step-by-Step
Related: How to Prevent Freezer Burn: Causes, Prevention, and Fixes
With so many freezing options, keeping track of what is in your freezer can be a challenge. Clove AI helps you track all your stored food, including frozen items, and sends reminders before quality starts to decline.