Not sure whether you can or how to freeze peppers? I’ll make it short: you can and I’ll show you how.
It’s fall again and sweet red peppers are everywhere. About two weeks ago, my dad brought us 3 buckets of fresh red peppers and I will say it politely – I can’t handle anymore. We roasted them, made red pepper sauce, canned some, made stuffed peppers, I even dried some, but enough is enough.
They’re just so many and I’m the only one at home who eats peppers at all. My son hates them and my husband won’t eat a vegetable that he can’t blend into a smoothie. They did eat the stuffed ones, but it’s mostly just me against those sweet peppers. Kinda like Britney against the music, but cooler. So much cooler.
But I want to save my love for the peppers. So I’m going to freeze the rest. I will. And the good news is that I’m probably full to the max with beta carotene. Because while in peak season peppers have the highest nutritional value, the best taste, as well as the lowest price.
If you want to freeze some as well, this might be helpful for you! Now is the perfect time to preserve or freeze some of these wonderful bell peppers, or any variety of peppers so that you can enjoy them all year round.
Why Freezing Peppers Is A Good Idea
- Freezing bell peppers means that you can use them in your recipes for months! It’s true that they won’t be the same as fresh but you can still enjoy their unbeatable flavor during winter.
- Moreover, it saves you money, because when in season the vegetables are at their lowest price.
- You avoid unnecessary food waste. In case you buy more peppers that you can eat or cook, consider freezing some so that they don’t go bad.
- Frozen peppers are practical to use in the kitchen! No need to wash or chop them – you’ve already done it months ago, just grab some and throw them into a soup, curry or rice dish!
- And last but not least, you will take advantage of the amazing health benefits for longer – peppers are an excellent source of vitamins like C or provitamin A (especially the red variety).
How To Freeze Peppers
And now that you know why it would be an excellent idea to freeze peppers, let’s see exactly how you can do it.
Freezing Raw Peppers
This method works best in case you want to freeze raw peppers that you can later cook and use in your recipes. Here’s how to do it:
- Firstly, wash the peppers thoroughly under running water and dry them with a paper towel.
- Then, using a sharp knife cut around the stem and pull out the core. For me, it’s okay if some seeds are left. If you want them out, simply tap the pepper on the counter with the cut off part down – the seeds will come out.
- After that, depending on your preference, slice or chop the peppers into pieces. You can go for either thin strips or diced pieces, and why not both?
- Spread the pieces evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch each other; otherwise, they will stick together while freezing.
- At his point, flash-freeze the pepper pieces for as long as an hour.
- And finally, take out the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the frozen peppers into a freezer bag. Gently squeeze it so as to remove the excess air, seal it, and store it in the freezer. Alternatively, you can use an airtight container for your frozen peppers.
Freezing Roasted Peppers
This method works best for perfectly ripened red peppers because they are sweeter, fleshier, and have a wonderful smoky flavor. You can roast them in the oven, over a gas-flamed stovetop, or use a grill. Here’s how to roast and then freeze the roasted or grilled peppers.
- Firstly, wash the peppers and remove the stems, seeds as well as membranes. This is, however, optional because you can roast or char the peppers with the stems on. You can remove them either before freezing or right before using them in dishes.
- Secondly, grill or roast the peppers until the skin blackens. This usually takes about 30 minutes at 400F/200C, flipping once. You can also use this method to roast them.
- When ready, put the roasted peppers in a big bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid so that the peppers can steam and soften for as long as 5-10 minutes.
- Once the peppers have cooled off, you can start peeling them – the skin should come off easily. Alternatively, you can freeze them with the skin on and peel the peppers before using, but I like to have them ready to go.
- Place several peppers in a freezer bag, squeeze the space between the peppers and the zipper to remove the excess air. Seal, and store in the freezer.
How Long Will Frozen Peppers Last In the Freezer?
If stored properly, your frozen peppers will be good for several months. Just make sure that you don’t refreeze them and that the packaging stays intact.
Do I Need To Thaw Frozen Peppers?
It depends.
- Frozen Raw Peppers. You don’t need to defrost frozen raw peppers because if you do, then they will become mushy. Just add them to hot dishes that otherwise require raw peppers.
- Frozen Roasted Peppers. If you have frozen the peppers with the peels on, then you will certainly need to defrost them. Even if you froze the peppers peeled, it would be better to first thaw them because they release lots of water while thawing and you would like to throw it away. You can defrost the peppers at room temperature, in warm water (if you need them fast) or in the fridge (if you have more time)
What To Do With Frozen Peppers
Now that you know how to freeze peppers you may be wondering how to use them in your recipes. Here are a few suggestions:
Frozen raw peppers are excellent:
- When added to omelets and stir-fries.
- In casseroles, frittatas as well as stews.
- Both on pizzas and sandwiches
- For soups and risotto
Frozen Roasted peppers are excellent:
- In salads mixed with other fresh or roasted veggies
- Chopped or sliced in different pasta dishes.
- Blended in sauce together with garlic, feta, beans or tomatoes and herbs.
- When stuffed with rice, beans as well as eggs and cheese.
- Either in wraps or tortillas as a part of the filling.
More Cooking Tips
Well and that’s the guide on how to freeze peppers! I will be freezing mine both ways – just to have some variety. Also because some of the peppers I still have are in pretty good shape, while others look sad and wrinkly (those will be roasted and frozen).
If you need more ideas on how to preserve food or what to make with a ton of other produce, here are some ideas:
- Super Easy Low Saugar Plum Jam
- Freezing Dill For Months – Few Different Ways
- The Easy Way To Freeze Fresh Tomato Sauce
Yield: 4
How To Freeze Peppers (Raw or Roasted)
Not sure whether you can or how to freeze peppers? You can, frozen bell peppers can be used in stir-fries, curries, soups or egg dishes!
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers / or another larger variety/
Instructions
- Firstly, wash the peppers thoroughly under running water and dry them with a paper towel.
- Then, using a sharp knife cut around the stem and pull out the core. For me, it’s okay if some seeds are left. If you want them out, simply tap the pepper on the counter with the cut off part down – the seeds will come out.
- After that, depending on your preference, slice or chop the peppers into pieces. You can go for either thin strips or diced pieces, and why not both?
- Spread the pieces evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch each other; otherwise, they will stick together while freezing.
- At his point, flash-freeze the pepper pieces for as long as an hour.
- And finally, take out the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the frozen peppers into a freezer bag. Gently squeeze it so as to remove the excess air, seal it, and store it in the freezer. Alternatively, you can use an airtight container for your frozen peppers.
