Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to freeze garlic cloves whole and minced! Find tips for freezing garlic, and add it to your weekly meal prep for an easy way to add flavor to all your favorite meals.
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Pin RecipeHow to Freeze Garlic
Garlic fans know that having garlic on hand at all times is a must! It’s a crucial ingredient in a variety of recipes like Garlic Parmesan Wings, Garlic Butter Steak Bites, and Homemade Garlic Bread.
However, it can be difficult to keep fresh garlic on hand without it going bad. So, I like to buy garlic in bulk and freeze it instead!
That way, it maintains its flavor and texture no matter how long it’s been since you bought it. You can even pre-portion it to make meal prep easy.
Follow my step-by-step instructions to learn how to freeze garlic whole and minced, and never let your garlic cloves go to waste again!
How to Peel Garlic
If not using pre-peeled garlic, you will need to peel the cloves before freezing. Take a look at my guide on how to peel garlic with ease!
How to Freeze Whole Garlic
- Peel: Peel the garlic, separating the cloves from the bulb.
- Stem: Place the garlic head on a cutting board, and cut off the stems.
- Freeze: Place the cloves on a baking sheet, leaving space in between each piece. Freeze for three to four hours or up to overnight.
- Store: Transfer the cloves to a freezer-safe bag, press out any air, and freeze for three to four months.
How to Freeze Minced Garlic
- Prepare: Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb, peel the skin, and cut off the stems.
- Process: Add the prepared cloves to a food processor or blender, and pulse. You can pulse it to the texture that you like, and even pulse it fully to turn it into garlic paste.
- Freeze: Transfer the minced garlic to a freezer bag. Press it into a flat sheet, and seal the bag. Then, freeze for three to four months.
Quick Tip
Try freezing your minced garlic in an ice cube tray for easy portions! To do so, mince or puree the garlic as usual. Then, spoon it into ice cube trays.
Freeze for a few hours or until the cubes are solid. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag or airtight container, and freeze. You’ll have pre-portioned cubes ready to use!
Serving Suggestions
Thaw frozen garlic in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. Then, put it to use in all your favorite recipes! Use it in the sauce of Buffalo Chicken Pizza, add it to the sauce of Crock Pot Spaghetti, or try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken.
I’m also a fan of adding it to Crockpot Cabbage Rolls, or using it to make a large batch of this Garlic Butter!
Quick Tips
- Make sure that you’re using fresh garlic from the store. If the cloves look dried out or have an odor, move on and buy something fresher.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can zest the garlic or even use a cheese grater in a pinch. Just be careful – this is a quick way to cut your fingers, which is why I always use a food processor when mincing garlic.
- Frozen garlic only has a storage life of about three to four months. You can still use it after this, but it will lose some of the flavor and aroma, and you have a higher risk of freezer burn.
How to Freeze Garlic
Equipment
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Sealable Bag
Ingredients
- 1 garlic head
Instructions
How to Freeze Whole Garlic Cloves
- Peel the garlic, separating the cloves from the bulb.1 garlic head
- Place the garlic head on a cutting board, and cut off the stems.
- Place the cloves on a baking sheet, leaving space in between each piece. Freeze for three to four hours or up to overnight.
- Transfer the cloves to a freezer-safe bag, press out any air, and freeze for three to four months.
How to Freeze Minced Garlic
- Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb, peel the skin, and cut off the stems.
- Add the prepared cloves to a food processor or blender, and pulse. You can pulse it to the texture that you like, and even pulse it fully to turn it into garlic paste.
- Transfer the minced garlic to a freezer bag. Press it into a flat sheet, and seal the bag. Then, freeze for three to four months.
Nutrition
Did you find this guide on how to freeze garlic helpful? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Recipes That Can Use Frozen Garlic
Soups and Salads
Hamburger Soup
Main Dishes
Margherita Pizza
Dips & Dressings
Garlic Butter
Appetizers & Snacks
