Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing brussel sprouts to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze brussel sprouts is a great way to preserve this versatile crop without needing any special equipment.
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Do you love brussel sprouts but don’t have the time to properly prepare them during the week? Creating your own freezer stash of ready to cook frozen brussels is an edible insurance policy for fast and healthy side dishes.
I have a thing for brussel sprouts. See: Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts, Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Frozen Brussel Sprouts, and Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts.
And now, this tutorial on how to freeze brussel sprouts is giving us even more veggie goodness.
And if brussel sprouts aren’t your jam, consider adding cheese to them. Check out our Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce for the easiest cheese sauce ever!
Can You Freeze Brussel Sprouts?
Absolutely! This hardy vegetable is a great candidate for the freezer. When properly prepared, frozen brussel sprouts can be stored in the freezer for 6-12 months.
Can You Freeze Fresh Brussel Sprouts Without Blanching?
Yes (and also no). It depends on how quickly you’d like to use them. If you plan to use the frozen sprouts within a few weeks, there is no need to blanch them first.
For long-term freezer storage, pre-cooking them helps to retain vitamins and nutrients and also preserves the color. Unblanched brussels will be mealy and grainy when defrosted or cooked.
Blanching also helps to lock in the flavor and keeps everything safe for long-term preservation. Thankfully it is an easy process and will take you less than 10 minutes.
Frozen Brussel Sprouts Equipment
You’ll need a saucepan or dutch oven, a slotted spoon, and a mixing bowl that you can fill with ice and water.
You’ll freeze brussel sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment, a silpat, or waxed paper. Once frozen, transfer to freezer storage (we love these reusable silicone bags for freezing items. Use “sustainablecooks15” for 15% off).
How to Reheat Frozen Brussel Sprouts
In most cases, you can cook the sprouts directly from the freezer. My favorite way to use frozen brussels is to roast them. You can read more about it in this guide on How to Roast Frozen Vegetables.
Preheat the skillet you’re using (or the air fryer) to make sure that the frozen sprouts start cooking as soon as they hit the skillet/air fryer basket. This will roast them instead of steaming them while they slowly heat up in a cold oven/air fryer.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- There is no need to thaw the frozen brussel sprouts before cooking them.
- Freeze in portions you plan to use upon defrosting. Quart freezer bags will replace a 15 oz bag from the store.
- Frozen brussel sprouts will last in a conventional freezer for six months. If you have a deep freeze/stand-alone freezer, you’re safe to keep them in there for up to a year.
MORE “HOW TO” POSTS LIKE THIS:
- Check out my entire guide on how to freeze fresh produce.
- Freezing Zucchini
- How to Freeze Spinach
- Freezing Beets
- Freezing Peppers
- How to Freeze Celery
- Freezing Apples
- Freezing Corn on the Cob
- How to Freeze Pineapple
- Freezing Cranberries
- How to Freeze Potatoes
- Freezing Pesto
- How to Freeze Garlic
- Blanched Green Beans
Freezing Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- brussel sprouts {choose tender smaller to sprouts if possible}
- ice
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare the Brussel Sprouts
- Cut the sprouts from the stalk and then cut root end off.
- {optional}: If the sprouts are large, cut in half or quarters.
Blanching the Brussel Sprouts
- Fill a saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil.
- Add the brussel sprouts.
- When the water has come back to a roiling boil, set the timer.3 min – small sprouts4 min – medium sprouts5 minutes – large sprouts
- Transfer cooked sprouts with a slotted spoon to the ice water. Allow them to sit for 3-5 minutes, and then drain into a strainer.
How to Freeze Brussel Sprouts
- Add a piece of parchment paper to a rimmed baking sheet. Place the sprouts on the parchment, ensuring they're not touching each other.
- Freeze for 3 hours.
- Break apart any clumps that have formed on the baking sheet and transfer the brussel sprouts to freezer-proof storage.
Notes
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