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How to Freeze Garlic: freezing garlic cloves
Freezing garlic cloves is one of those underrated kitchen methods that can completely transform your cooking routine. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, trying to avoid food waste, or simply want the convenience of always having garlic on hand, frozen garlic is a game changer.
In this post, you will learn how to freeze garlic, what containers work best, how to use it straight from the freezer, and why it’s an essential pantry method every home cook should know.
Why Freeze Garlic Cloves?
Let me share how I discovered this tip. A few years ago, I was doing some online grocery shopping and meant to order 4 heads of garlic. Instead, I accidentally bought a whole tray with around 100 peeled garlic cloves!
At first, I panicked, what was I supposed to do with all that garlic? But instead of tossing them, I threw them into a freezer bag, sealed it, and popped it into the freezer. That little mistake turned into one of the best food prep tips I’ve ever learned.
Since then, I always keep frozen garlic cloves on hand. They're easy to use, keep their flavor, and save so much time in the kitchen. I never have to peel a sticky clove when I’m in a rush again.
Benefits of Freezing Garlic Cloves
1. Saves Time
Peeling garlic cloves can be a sticky, tedious process, especially if you cook often. With frozen garlic, all the work is already done.
2. Reduces Food Waste
If you’ve ever thrown away shriveled or sprouting garlic, you’ll appreciate how freezing preserves garlic before it spoils.
3. Always Have Garlic on Hand
Whether you're whipping up a stir fry or sautéing veggies, you'll never be caught without this kitchen staple.
4. Retains Flavor
Surprisingly, frozen garlic still tastes great. It keeps its aroma and punchy bite, perfect for seasoning any dish.
5. Easier to Chop
One unexpected bonus? Frozen garlic is easier to slice, chop, and mince than fresh garlic. It’s firm and doesn’t stick to your knife.
How to Freeze Garlic Cloves
Let’s get into the step-by-step process of freezing garlic properly.
Step 1: Prep the Garlic
- Separate each clove from the garlic bulb (also known as the head).
- Peel each clove. You can use the flat side of a knife to gently crush the clove and make peeling easier.
- Optional: Slice off the hard root end for easier use later.
Step 2: Choose a Storage Method
Here are a few effective ways to store your garlic in the freezer:
Whole Cloves in Freezer Bags
- Place peeled garlic cloves directly into a labeled freezer bag (like Ziploc or a reusable silicone bag).
- Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Lay flat in the freezer for easy storage.
Plastic or Glass Containers
- Airtight containers work well too. Make sure there’s minimal air inside.
Ice Cube Trays with Olive Oil (Optional Method)
- For those who want pre-measured garlic with a bit of oil for cooking, try blending garlic with olive oil and freezing in ice cube trays.
- Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips for Using Frozen Garlic
- You can use frozen garlic cloves straight from the freezer. Chop, slice, or mince as needed.
- Toss directly into a hot pan with oil, it works just like fresh.
- Blending: Frozen garlic blends beautifully into soups, dressings, sauces, and marinades.
- Roasting: While frozen garlic works well for sautéing or blending, it's not ideal for roasting whole, as the texture changes slightly when frozen.
Does Freezing Affect the Flavor of Garlic?
This is one of the most common concerns, but the answer is simple:
“Frozen garlic cloves retain nearly all of their flavor.”
While some subtle changes might happen in texture (especially if you plan to roast it), the strong, pungent flavor that garlic is known for stays intact. In fact, some people find frozen garlic milder and more palatable, ideal for everyday cooking.
How Long Does Frozen Garlic Last?
When stored properly in airtight bags or containers, frozen garlic can last up to 6–12 months without any significant loss in quality.
FAQs About Freezing Garlic
Can You Freeze Unpeeled Garlic?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Peeling garlic after freezing is much harder. It’s best to peel first.
What About Chopped or Minced Garlic?
You can freeze garlic that's already chopped or minced. Store it in small containers or ice cube trays with a bit of oil for easy use.
Can You Freeze Roasted Garlic?
Yes! Roasted garlic freezes beautifully. Mash it and store in small portions for use in spreads, soups, or pasta.
Best Containers for Freezing Garlic
Container Type |
Pros |
Cons |
Freezer Bags (Ziploc) |
Easy, cheap, space-saving |
Not eco-friendly (unless reusable) |
Silicone Reusable Bags |
Eco-friendly, durable, reusable |
Higher upfront cost |
Glass Containers (Mason jars, Pyrex) |
Airtight, odor-proof |
Bulkier in the freezer |
Ice Cube Trays (with oil) |
Great for pre-measured portions |
Limited to certain use cases |
Kitchen Tools That Make Freezing Garlic Easier
- Garlic Peeler Tube (removes skins fast)
- Garlic Press or Mincer
- Reusable Silicone Freezer Bags
- High-Speed Blender (if mixing garlic + oil)
- Labeling Stickers or Markers
Once you try freezing garlic, you'll wonder why you ever did it any other way. The convenience, the flavor retention, and the ease of use make it one of the smartest food prep hacks you can adopt.
Whether you're an occasional cook or a kitchen enthusiast, frozen garlic cloves will change your routine for the better. Plus, you’ll never face the disappointment of reaching for a garlic bulb only to find it’s sprouted or gone bad.
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