24 Freezer-Friendly Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

Freezing food is a powerful way to save both time and money while reducing food waste. Many people think of freezing only meat, vegetables, and bread, but there are so many other freezer-friendly foods you might not realize can be stored this way!

Freezing is one of the best kitchen hacks to ensure you always have ingredients on hand for quick meals, while also extending the life of your groceries. Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a family gathering, or looking to stock up on essentials, this list of 24 foods will help you learn how to freeze food properly.

Essential Tools for Freezing Foods

Before you get started with your freezer meal prep, it’s important to have the right tools on hand:

• Freezer-safe containers or bags: Use airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and lock in freshness.
• Parchment paper: Helps separate items like tortillas or cookie dough so they don’t stick together when frozen.
• Freezer labels: Label your food with the date and contents to easily track how long it’s been stored.
• Ice cube trays: Perfect for freezing smaller portions of broth, sauces, or fresh herbs in oil.
• Vacuum sealer (optional): This is a great tool for extending the life of frozen foods by removing air, which prevents freezer burn and helps with long-lasting food storage.

1. Pasta

If you want to save time on busy weeknights, freezing pasta can be a huge help. The best types of pasta to freeze are heartier shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Thin pasta like angel hair or delicate noodles can become mushy when thawed.

• How to Freeze: Cook the pasta until just al dente (firm). Drain well, toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and spread it on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. After freezing, transfer it to freezer-safe bags and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freezer life: 1-2 months.
• Thawing: You can thaw pasta overnight in the fridge, or microwave it with a sprinkle of water. Another option is to drop frozen pasta directly into boiling water for a quick meal. This makes meal prep much easier for quick meals from the freezer.

2. Potato Chips and Pretzels

Surprisingly, freezing snacks like potato chips and pretzels can keep them fresh longer, especially if you buy in bulk or don’t snack often. Freezing these snacks helps maintain their crunch and prevents them from going stale.

• How to Freeze: Place unopened bags of chips or pretzels directly in the freezer. If the bag has been opened, transfer the contents to a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container.
• Freezer life: 6 months.
• Thawing: No need to thaw—enjoy straight from the freezer! Freezing snacks can even enhance their crunch, which is a great kitchen hack for keeping your snacks crispy.

3. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a pantry staple, and freezing it in small portions is one of the best ways to reduce waste while prepping for future meals. Whether you use it for soups, stews, or sauces, frozen broth ensures you always have a flavorful base on hand.

• How to Freeze: Pour the cooled broth into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion. After freezing, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.
• Freezer life: 4-6 months.
• Thawing: Add the frozen broth cubes directly to soups or stews while cooking, or thaw larger quantities overnight in the fridge. Batch cooking becomes easier with pre-frozen broth ready to go.

4. Rice

Freezing cooked rice is a great meal prep idea for busy families. It ensures you always have a quick side dish ready to go, and it can be used in stir-fries, casseroles, or served with protein.

• How to Freeze: After cooking, let the rice cool completely. Spread it on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the rice to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freezer life: 1-2 months.
• Thawing: Reheat rice directly from the freezer by microwaving with a sprinkle of water or thaw it in the fridge overnight. This is an excellent time-saving kitchen tip for making dinner faster.

5. Avocados

While you can’t freeze whole avocados due to their water content, freezing mashed avocado is a great option for freezing foods like guacamole or smoothies. This helps preserve ripe avocados for later use.

• How to Freeze: Peel and pit the avocado, then mash the flesh with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Spoon the mashed avocado into a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly.
• Freezer life: 3-6 months.
• Thawing: Thaw mashed avocado in the fridge overnight or use it directly in smoothies while still frozen. For guacamole, thaw and stir in fresh ingredients before serving.

6. Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil

If you have extra fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, freezing them in olive oil helps preserve their flavor for future use. This method is particularly helpful for people who love cooking with fresh herbs but can’t use them all at once.

• How to Freeze: Chop the fresh herbs and place them in ice cube trays. Cover with olive oil and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 6 months.
• Thawing: Add the frozen herb cubes directly to a hot pan when cooking, or thaw them in the fridge if needed for cold dishes. This freezing tip is perfect for those who like to use fresh herbs in recipes without worrying about waste.

7. Tomato Sauce

Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, freezing tomato sauce in smaller portions is a time-saver for future pasta nights, pizzas, or as a base for other dishes. This kitchen hack allows you to grab only the amount you need when cooking.

• How to Freeze: Let the sauce cool completely, then pour it into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to freezer-safe bags for long-term storage.
• Freezer life: 3-4 months.
• Thawing: Thaw tomato sauce in the fridge overnight or heat it directly from frozen in a saucepan on the stovetop.

8. Lemon and Lime Juice

Freezing citrus juice is a great way to prevent waste if you have leftover lemons or limes. The frozen juice can be used in cooking, drinks, or even for cleaning.

• How to Freeze: Squeeze the juice from fresh lemons or limes and pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the juice cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 3-4 months.
• Thawing: Thaw the cubes in the fridge, or use them directly in drinks or recipes without thawing.

9. Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is a freezer-friendly option that holds its texture well when frozen. This is a great food to freeze if you’re following a paleo or keto diet.

• How to Freeze: Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. Spread the rice on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cauliflower rice to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 3 months.
• Thawing: Sauté the cauliflower rice directly from frozen in a hot pan, making it an easy time-saving kitchen tip for healthy meals.

10. Minced Garlic

Instead of buying pre-minced garlic, freeze your own fresh garlic for future use. This is an excellent meal prep idea for anyone who loves cooking with garlic but doesn’t want to spend time mincing it every time.

• How to Freeze: Mince the garlic and spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then break it into chunks and store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 6 months.
• Thawing: Use frozen garlic directly in cooking—there’s no need to thaw.

11. Mashed Potatoes

You can freeze mashed potatoes if you prepare them properly, and they’re great to have on hand for quick meals. Adding extra butter or cream to the potatoes before freezing helps maintain a smooth texture.

• How to Freeze: Let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bags for easier storage.
• Freezer life: 2-3 months.
• Thawing: Reheat the potatoes in the microwave or oven, adding a little milk or butter if needed to restore creaminess.

12. Fresh Basil

Freezing fresh basil is a smart way to preserve it, especially if you have an abundant harvest. While freezing basil changes its texture, it’s still perfect for cooked dishes like sauces or soups.

• How to Freeze: Wash and dry the basil leaves, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 6 months.
• Thawing: Use frozen basil directly in cooked dishes or thaw in the fridge for garnish.

13. Homemade Burger Patties

Making and freezing homemade burger patties is a great way to have a quick, easy meal ready to go at any time. You can season the patties before freezing so they’re ready to grill or cook when you need them.

• How to Freeze: Form the burger patties and place parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Stack the patties and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 4-6 months.
• Thawing: Thaw the patties overnight in the fridge or cook them directly from frozen on the grill or stovetop.

14. Iceberg Lettuce

While freezing lettuce might seem unusual, it works if you plan to use it in soups, smoothies, or stews. Freezing changes the texture, making it softer and more suitable for cooked dishes rather than salads.

• How to Freeze: Wash and chop the lettuce, pat it dry, then freeze the pieces on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 1-2 months.
• Thawing: Use frozen lettuce directly in soups or smoothies—it won’t be ideal for fresh salads.

15. Fresh Corn

Freezing fresh corn during its peak season allows you to enjoy it year-round. Corn freezes particularly well and can be used in soups, casseroles, or as a side dish.

• How to Freeze: Blanch the corn on the cob for 3-5 minutes, then cool it in ice water. Cut the kernels off the cob and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 6-8 months.
• Thawing: Use frozen corn directly in soups or stir-fries, or thaw it in the fridge to use in salads or salsas.

16. Hummus

Hummus freezes well and is perfect for saving extra batches for later. While freezing may make it a little grainy, a good stir with some olive oil after thawing will bring it back to a smooth consistency.

• How to Freeze: Spoon the hummus into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top to help preserve moisture.
• Freezer life: 4-6 months.
• Thawing: Thaw hummus in the fridge overnight, then stir before serving. Add a little water or oil to restore its texture if needed.

17. Organic Peanut Butter

While store-bought peanut butter lasts a long time due to preservatives, organic peanut butter can be frozen to extend its freshness. Freezing it prevents oil separation and keeps it fresh for longer.

• How to Freeze: Place the jar of peanut butter in the freezer, or transfer the contents to a freezer-safe container if it’s been opened.
• Freezer life: 6-9 months.
• Thawing: Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Stir well before using.

18. Applesauce

Freezing homemade applesauce is a simple way to save it for later use. It freezes perfectly and can be thawed for use in desserts, snacks, or as a topping.

• How to Freeze: Pour the applesauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Alternatively, freeze it in ice cube trays for smaller portions.
• Freezer life: 6-8 months.
• Thawing: Thaw applesauce in the fridge or warm it gently on the stovetop.

19. Buttermilk

Freezing buttermilk helps prevent waste if you don’t use it often. While the texture may become grainy after freezing, it still works great in baking recipes.

• How to Freeze: Pour buttermilk into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers for portioned use.
• Freezer life: 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.

20. Chocolate

Freezing chocolate is useful if you buy in bulk or want to preserve it for baking. While freezing can slightly alter its texture, it remains usable for most recipes.

• How to Freeze: Place chocolate in a freezer-safe container or bag to protect it from moisture. For chocolate bars, break them into smaller pieces before freezing.
• Freezer life: 1 year.
• Thawing: Thaw chocolate in the fridge to prevent condensation from forming.

21. Cookie Dough

Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic time-saving kitchen tip for busy families or holiday baking. You can bake cookies fresh anytime by freezing pre-portioned dough.

• How to Freeze: Roll the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and label them with baking instructions.
• Freezer life: 3-4 months.
• Thawing: Bake the cookie dough directly from frozen or thaw it in the fridge overnight.

22. Tortillas

If you buy tortillas in bulk, freezing them is a great way to keep them fresh. You can easily thaw them for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.

• How to Freeze: Place parchment paper between each tortilla and stack them. Store the stack in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible.
• Freezer life: 6-8 months.
• Thawing: Thaw tortillas at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to warm.

23. Pesto

If you’ve made a large batch of homemade pesto, freezing it in small portions allows you to use it over time. Pesto freezes exceptionally well and maintains its flavor.

• How to Freeze: Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezer life: 3-4 months.
• Thawing: Add frozen pesto cubes directly to hot pasta or thaw them in the fridge for use in sandwiches or dips.

24. Flour

While flour has a long shelf life, freezing it can help extend its freshness and prevent pests. This is especially helpful for whole grain flours, which can spoil faster due to their oil content.

• How to Freeze: Store the flour in its original packaging or transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freezer life: 1 year.
• Thawing: Let flour come to room temperature before using it in baking. Cold flour can affect the texture of your dough or batter.

Conclusion

Freezing food is a fantastic way to cut down on waste, save money, and make meal prep easier. With these freezer-friendly foods and tips, you’ll be able to stock your freezer with essentials and be ready for anything—whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply need a quick weeknight meal. Freezer meal prep is perfect for busy families, and knowing which foods freeze well allows you to take full advantage of bulk shopping, batch cooking, and leftover storage. Keep your kitchen well-stocked with these frozen foods, and you’ll always have something delicious and convenient ready to go!