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Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing cauliflower to stock your freezer with this delicious vegetable. Learning how to freeze cauliflower is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
It’s so easy to freeze your own cauliflower when you find a great sale. Unless, of course, you’re interested in taking out a second mortgage to afford cauliflower during the winter. You do you.
Can You Freeze Fresh Cauliflower Without Blanching?
Yes, if you plan to use it in the next 4-6 weeks. If you prefer to keep it around for longer-term storage, blanching is the way to go.
Blanching helps to lock in the flavor and keeps everything safe for preservation. Thankfully it is an easy process and will take you less than 10 minutes.
How to Store
Once frozen, you can transfer the cauliflower florets to freezer storage (we love these reusable silicone bags) and scoop out whatever amount you need without having to hack away at a hunk of cauliflower. Other options include:
- Freezer-safe Ziploc plastic bags
- Wide-mouth canning jars:
- 8 oz jam jars = 1 cup florets
- 16 oz pint jars = 2 cups florets
- 32 oz quart jars = 4 cups florets
- Freezer-safe reusable snap-tight containers
- Souper Cubes for premeasured portions of frozen florets.
How to Use Frozen Cauliflower
The most common use in our house is using it to roast frozen cauliflower. So simple and there is zero prep involved for this fast side (you roast it without even defrosting!). You can also make cauliflower tempura, air fryer cauliflower, or these crispy cauliflower fritters.
I often use frozen cauliflower in place of fresh when making spicy pickled mix veggies. And for a fun fridge pickle, check out quick pickled cauliflower.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Freeze in portions you plan to use upon defrosting. Quart freezer bags will replace a 15 oz bag from the store.
- Frozen cauliflower 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.
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How to Freeze Cauliflower
Ingredients
- cauliflower
- ice
Instructions
- Rinse the head of cauliflower in clean water.
- Break apart the head or cut into florets, removing the stem.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Set up a bowl of ice water.
- Add cauliflower florets to the boiling water and boil for 3 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed.
- Once the time is up, strain the florets through a colander or scoop pieces out of the water with a slotted spoon and immediately add to the ice water for two minutes.
- Strain again and set aside to drain. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat.
- Add the cauliflower to the baking sheet without crowding the tray and place the tray in the freezer.
- Freeze for three hours.
- Break apart any clumps that have formed on the baking sheet and transfer to freezer-proof storage.
Notes
- There is no need to thaw frozen cauliflower before adding it to dishes.
- Store unblanched in the freezer for up to two months, or blanched for up to 12 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
