Can You Freeze Onions?
Yes, you can freeze onions for up to 8 months. They become soft after thawing, so frozen onions work best in cooked dishes rather than raw applications. Chopping before freezing saves prep time later, and they can go directly from freezer to pan.
Key Takeaways
- Freezing is an excellent way to preserve onions, especially when you have a surplus or want to reduce prep time during cooking.
- Frozen raw onions have a strong odor; double-bag them or use airtight containers to prevent smell transfer.
- Whole onions do not freeze well; always chop or slice first.
Explanation
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve onions, especially when you have a surplus or want to reduce prep time during cooking. Raw onions freeze well and retain their flavor for use in soups, stews, stir-fries, and sautéed dishes.
To freeze raw onions, peel and chop to your preferred size, spread on a baking sheet to flash freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents them from clumping into a solid mass.
Caramelized or sautéed onions also freeze beautifully. Cook them fully, cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. They thaw quickly and add instant flavor to dishes.
Things to Know
- Frozen raw onions have a strong odor; double-bag them or use airtight containers to prevent smell transfer.
- Whole onions do not freeze well; always chop or slice first.
- Green onions can be frozen but are best used in cooked dishes as they become limp.