12 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze to Save Big Money
Freezing food can be a game-changer, not just for preserving your favorite ingredients but for keeping a wide variety of foods fresh and ready to use when you need them. From pantry staples to surprising treats, many items freeze remarkably well, saving you time, money, and trips to the store. Let’s look at some unexpected foods you might not realize can be frozen to extend their shelf life and avoid waste.
Eggs
Many don’t know that raw eggs can be frozen—not in their shells. Crack the eggs into a container or separate the whites and yolks into individual compartments in an ice cube tray. Freezing them this way lets you thaw only what you need, whether just an egg white or the entire egg. This is perfect for baking or recipes that require eggs but don’t always need a full carton. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and incorporate them as you would fresh eggs.
Milk
Instead of letting milk spoil in the fridge, freezing it can be a smart solution, especially if you’re a light milk user. Make sure to leave some space in the container, as milk expands when frozen. Thaw the milk in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before use; the texture may slightly change, but it’s still excellent for cooking, baking, and even drinking. This is particularly useful for preserving plant-based milk, which can be harder to keep fresh. Freezing milk can also be a lifesaver if you’re heading out for vacation and don’t want it to go to waste.
Cheese
Freezing cheese can be a bit of a revelation, especially if you’re a fan of harder varieties like cheddar or mozzarella. For best results, shred the cheese first, which makes it easy to grab a handful for cooking straight from the freezer.
While freezing may change the texture slightly, frozen cheese works beautifully in melted dishes like casseroles or on top of pizzas. Creamier cheeses, like Brie, aren’t ideal for freezing due to their high moisture content, but most others freeze well. Just store it in an airtight bag to prevent freezer burn.
Butter
Butter freezes exceptionally well and can be kept in the freezer for up to a year without losing flavor. This makes it easy to stock up during sales or when you’re prepping for a baking season. Simply place it in its original packaging, wrap it in foil, and then pop it into a freezer bag.
Frozen butter can be used right out of the freezer for cooking or baking, making it convenient for any last-minute kitchen project. Plus, it’s easy to thaw and use as a spread by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Bread
If you don’t eat bread every day, freezing it is a great way to keep it fresh without it going stale or moldy. Slice the loaf before freezing so you can pull out individual pieces, which thaw quickly on the counter or in a toaster.
Frozen bread retains its texture and flavor, especially if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight bag. Freezing is also fantastic for bagels, tortillas, and buns. You’ll never have to throw away another half-eaten loaf again.
Avocados
Avocados are notoriously difficult to keep fresh, but freezing can help extend their life. The best way to freeze an avocado is to mash it with lemon juice to prevent browning, then store it in a sealed container.
This frozen avocado mash is perfect for guacamole or spreading on toast. Whole avocados don’t freeze well as they become mushy, but the mashed version maintains its creamy texture. This method ensures you always have avocados on hand, even when they’re out of season.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro can be frozen to prolong their flavor, so you can enjoy them in dishes anytime. Chop them up and place them in ice cube trays, covering them with olive oil or water.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. This allows you to grab a cube to toss into soups, sauces, or stir-fries. Freezing herbs like this preserves their color and flavor better than drying them. This method is especially useful for delicate herbs quickly wilt in the fridge.
Potatoes
Potatoes can be tricky to store but freeze surprisingly well when prepared correctly. Parboiling or blanching them before freezing helps them retain their texture and color. Store them in freezer bags, ready to be tossed into soups, stews, or roasted.
Mashed and twice-baked potatoes also freeze well and make for quick, easy side dishes. Freezing can extend the life of your potatoes, reducing waste and ensuring you always have a versatile starch on hand.
Cooked Rice and Pasta
Instead of throwing away leftover rice, pasta, or dumplings, freeze it for an easy meal starter. Once cooked and cooled, portion it into freezer bags and freeze flat for easy storage. This is perfect for quick meals, as the rice or pasta can be reheated in minutes with just a splash of water to keep it moist. It’s ideal for meal prep or saving time on busy nights. Freezing these staples is also a great way to avoid cooking small batches repeatedly.
Tomato Paste
Freezing tomato paste prevents it from going bad and makes using only what you need for cooking easier. Portion it into tablespoon-sized amounts and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer the frozen dollops into a freezer bag.
This way, you can remove just a spoonful for sauces, soups, or marinades without thawing an entire can. Frozen tomato paste maintains its vibrant flavor and is a great pantry staple. It’s a perfect trick for reducing food waste in the kitchen.
Nuts
Due to their high oil content, nuts can go rancid quickly, so freezing them is a fantastic way to keep them fresher longer. Store them in freezer bags or airtight containers to preserve their crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Frozen nuts can be used directly in recipes without thawing, making them ideal for baking, smoothies, or snacking. This trick works well for almonds, walnuts, pecans, and more. Freezing also prevents nuts from absorbing any unwanted flavors or smells from other pantry items.
Cookie Dough
Freezing cookie dough allows you to bake fresh cookies anytime without the hassle of mixing a new batch. Roll the dough into individual balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Then, freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag.
You can then bake just one or two cookies at a time whenever the craving strikes. Frozen cookie dough bakes just as well as fresh and can even be a time-saver for holiday baking. It’s easy to have homemade treats on hand whenever you like.
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