9 Surprising Foods That Freeze Well

Freezing food is a smart way to cut down on waste and always have ingredients ready to go, but not everything seems like an obvious freezer candidate. Here are nine surprising foods you can safely stash in the freezer—and how to get the best results when you do.

Avocados

While you can’t freeze whole avocados for slicing later, mashed or puréed avocado freezes beautifully. Add a splash of lemon juice, seal in an airtight container, and thaw later for easy guacamole or smoothie additions.

Cooked Pasta

Yes, even plain cooked pasta can freeze well. Toss it with a little oil to prevent sticking, freeze in individual portions, and reheat with your favorite sauce for a super quick dinner.

Cheese

Many types of cheese, especially hard and semi-hard varieties like cheddar and mozzarella, freeze well when shredded or sliced. Use frozen cheese in cooking rather than as-is, since texture may change slightly.

Eggs (Out of the Shell)

A metal whisk rests in a glass bowl containing brown sugar, eggs, and butter whisked together on a light-colored surface. — Image Credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Crack eggs and whisk them before freezing in ice cube trays or freezer bags. You can also freeze separated whites and yolks with a pinch of salt or sugar to stabilize them for baking.

Milk

Full-fat or low-fat milk can be frozen in its original container (leave room for expansion) or portioned into smaller amounts. Thawed milk may separate, but a quick shake or stir brings it back together.

Hummus

Store-bought or homemade hummus freezes surprisingly well. Smooth it out with a little olive oil on top before freezing. When thawed, give it a stir to restore its creamy texture.

Mashed Potatoes

Freezing mashed potatoes might seem odd, but when made with cream or butter, they hold up nicely. Freeze in portions and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Fresh Herbs in Oil

Delicate herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro can be frozen in olive oil using ice cube trays. Pop out a cube when cooking soups, sauces, or sautés to infuse instant flavor.

Cooked Rice

Freezing cooked rice is a game-changer for easy weeknight meals. Cool it quickly, portion into freezer bags, and flatten for easy storage. Reheat with a splash of water for fluffy results.