If you love your Brussels sprouts, you ought to know the answer: can you freeze fresh Brussels sprouts? Sprouts are simply delicious, and if you cook them a lot at home, then you should know how to store them properly, cook them, and whether you should freeze them or not. But if you are new to sprouts and have no idea, we’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know about how you can freeze fresh Brussels sprouts.
Like any other vegetable, you can absolutely freeze Brussels sprouts just like you do other sprouts. By freezing Brussels sprouts, you’ll be preserving the vegetables’ freshness, and you may want to have them around for your winter stock. So freezing, though it may change their texture a bit, is definitely a good idea.
Many may feel a little overwhelmed with the process of freezing Brussels sprouts, but once you know what to do and have the right tools, it gets pretty simple. That said, there are a few tips and tricks you must know to freeze your sprouts successfully. Find out everything you need and more below.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Blanched Brussels sprouts
- Trim and discard the root end and any coarse, yellowed, or damaged outer leaves.
- Wash under cold, running water. If you suspect insects, soak the sprouts for about 1 hour in cold water with 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon.
- Fill a large bowl with ice and water; set aside.
- Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Blanching time depends on the size of the heads, so sort and separate the sprouts by size.
- Add the sprouts to the boiling water, the larger ones first.
- You can either cook them in large, medium and small batches or add the medium ones after the large ones have cooked for 1 minute and then add the small ones after 2 minutes have passed.
- Continue boiling for 3 minutes.
- Immediately plunge the blanched sprouts into the ice water to halt the cooking process. Let them cool completely.
- Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on a large-rimmed baking sheet and pat them dry.
- Freeze the sprouts for about 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen sprouts to freezer bags or containers, and squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Label the containers or bags with the name and date and freeze the Brussels sprouts for up to 12 months.
Method 2: Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Trim and discard the root end and any coarse, yellowed, or damaged outer leaves.
- Wash under cold, running water. If you suspect insects, soak the sprouts for about 1 hour in cold water with 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon.
- Heat the oven to 400 F (200 C/Gas 6).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for each pound of sprouts.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in a jelly-roll pan or rimmed baking pan.
- Roast for about 40 minutes, or until tender, shaking the pan frequently to turn the sprouts.
- Remove to a rack and let the sprouts cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled sprouts to resealable freezer bags or containers.
- Label with the name and date; freeze the roasted sprouts for up to 12 months.
Common Questions AboutCan you freeze fresh Brussels sprouts
How to keep fresh Brussels sprouts in the fridge?
Keep fresh Brussels sprouts in a perforated plastic bag for 2 to 3 weeks. Keep cooked Brussels in a covered container for up to 5 days.
What is the best way to freeze Brussels sprouts?
The basic process is straightforward:
- Boil for 4 minutes.
- Strain and then immediately give them an ice bath.
- Pat them dry and allow them to dry completely.
- Once they are dry, freeze away.
You have two options for freezing: individual quick freeze or package freezing. Fast freezing yields a fresher, less mushy product.
Quick-freeze Brussels sprouts individually on a cookie sheet. For fastest freezing, place the sheet close to where cold air enters your freezer. After sprouts are frozen, tuck them into freezer bags in bulk. Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing. Grab sprouts by the handful as needed for cooking.
Can you freeze Brussels sprouts without cooking them?
You may also choose to blanch them before freezing or freeze them without blanching. However, keep in mind that freezing vegetables without blanching them first leads to faded or dull-colored veggies, as well as not-so-pleasant flavors or textures.
Freezing these vegetables without blanching gives them a lifetime of 2 months. With blanching, you increase their lifetime to 12-14 months. Blanching protects your sprouts from the growth of yeast, molds, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms.
Do you wash Brussels sprouts before freezing?
Start the freezing process by washing sprouts. Late-season sprouts often have clusters of aphids or other insects hidden beneath the first or second outer leaf layer. Cause any hitchhikers to exit sprouts by soaking them in a vinegar or salt solution. Use 1 to 3 tablespoons of vinegar or salt per gallon of water. Soak sprouts for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Can you freeze shredded raw Brussels sprouts?
Frozen shredded sprouts may become soggy; instead, freeze whole brussels sprouts, keep them in the fridge a long while, and shred them a day or so before using them, so they don’t dry out too much.
How long can Brussels sprouts stay frozen?
For quality purposes, use frozen Brussels sprouts within 12 to 14 months.
How to use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Frozen Brussels sprouts make a great addition to crockpot stews and homemade soups. Toss them into a skillet with a little olive oil, or add them to stir-fries. Frozen Brussels sprouts also taste great when oven-roasted with olive oil and salt.
If you are ready to cook your frozen sprouts, cover with seasoned water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. You can also make simmered Brussels sprouts with stewed tomatoes, or they can be cooked in a gratin with cream and cheese.
What is the best storage container to keep Brussels sprouts frozen?
Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage
Features:
- BPA-free Tritan lids
- Safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer
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Rubbermaid Brilliance 100% leak-proof food storage containers feature BPA-free Tritan lids and bases with 360-degree clarity; airtight seal and secure latches prevent spills and leaks and help keep food fresh and secure.
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Additional Tips Regarding Freezing Fresh Brussel Sprouts
- When picking your Brussels sprouts, choose firm, compact sprouts from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Look for any signs of insect damage.
- The salt is used to wash your sprouts because it coaxes out any insects or worms that might be hiding in the leaves.
- Blanch the large sprouts for 5 minutes, medium sprouts for 4 minutes, and small for 3 minutes.
- A vacuum sealing system is an excellent investment, especially if you do a lot of freezing.
- To cook the frozen Brussels sprouts, sauté them in a skillet or sauté pan in olive oil or butter until tender, or heat them in the microwave.
- Brussels sprouts can be added to dishes for cooking directly from the freezer without thawing.
- Place one portion of sprouts into each freezer bag. This way, when you want to defrost some, you can grab one bag at a time without the risk of thawing too many at once.
- There’s no need to defrost your sprouts; cook them from frozen. You can boil or roast frozen Brussels sprouts.
- If you want to thaw the sprouts out before cooking or heating, then pop them into a bowl and put them in the fridge to defrost slowly.
