Can You Freeze Brussels Sprouts? Yes, Here’s How!

I love seasonal vegetables, and Brussels sprouts are no exception. 

Whether they come from my own garden or a fantastic offer at the farmers market, I regularly find myself with an overabundance of fresh Brussels sprouts.

Putting them in the freezer has been a game-changer since now none of these cute tiny cabbages will go to waste.

Can you freeze Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can freeze Brussels sprouts! It extends the season for these nutritious veggies so that you can use them year-round.

Freezing Brussels sprouts has completely changed my approach to meal planning. So I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned.

Needed items

What you’ll need is outlined below:

• Fresh Brussels sprouts: Use firm, fresh sprouts without damage or wilting.
• Pot or saucepan: Use a big pot or saucepan to blanch Brussels sprouts. Choose one big enough to hold the sprouts comfortably and evenly cook them.
• Water: Fill your pot with enough water to cover the sprouts.
• Ice water bath: Fill a big sink or basin with ice-cold water. This icy water bath stops the cooking process after blanching.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Use these tools to properly transport Brussels sprouts in and out of hot water during blanching.
• Kitchen towels or paper towels: Remove excess water after blanching using kitchen or paper towels.
• Baking sheet: Lay blanched Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper for partial freezing. When you store them, they won’t clump.
• Freezer-safe containers or resealable Bags: Use airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. These prevent freezer burn and moisture in Brussels sprouts.
• Labels and marker: Labels and a marker let you identify containers’ freezing dates. This guarantees you can track their shelf life and utilize them in the appropriate order.
• Freezer: You’ll need a freezer to preserve Brussels sprouts at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

These items will allow you to freeze Brussels sprouts and enjoy them with minimal or no waste.

How to prep your Brussels sprouts for freezing

To prep your Brussels sprouts for freezing, follow these steps:

1. Select fresh Brussels sprouts: Choose sturdy Brussels sprouts with brilliant green leaves and no wilting or damage. Preserving taste and nutrients while freezing requires freshness.
2. Clean and rinse: Wash the Brussels sprouts under cool running water to eliminate dirt. For this step, use a colander or big basin.
3. Trim and remove outer leaves: Trim the sprouts’ rough stem ends with a sharp knife. Remove loose or broken outer leaves to freeze just the tastiest sections.
4. Chop (optional): If the Brussels sprouts are huge, chop them in half or quarters. This makes them easier to boil and promotes even freezing.
5. Blanch: Boil a big pot of water and add Brussels sprouts. Depending on their size, boil them for 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. 
6. Dry thoroughly: After blanching, rinse and dry the Brussels sprouts. This step prevents ice crystals from forming during freezing.

You’re ready to freeze your Brussels sprouts now!

How to freeze Brussels sprouts

Now that you have frozen sprouts for later use, you can enjoy this nutritious vegetable year-round.

Can you freeze Brussels sprouts raw?

Technically, yes! You can freeze Brussels sprouts without blanching, but it can ruin their quality.

When frozen, enzymes in raw Brussels sprouts affect their taste and texture. The color and nutritional content will also change.

So, it’s advisable to blanch your Brussels sprouts beforehand to get the best outcomes.

How to freeze Brussels sprouts without blanching?

If you still decide to risk it and freeze Brussels sprouts without blanching, here’s what to do to make it right:

1. Select fresh Brussels sprouts and rinse them under cold running water. Clean off dirt, debris, and damaged outer leaves. Trim the stiff stem ends with a sharp knife.
2. If the Brussels sprouts are big, chop them in half or quarters for easier cooking.
3. Pat the cleaned sprouts dry with clean towels.
4. Transfer the dried Brussels sprouts to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Seal them securely to keep the air out.
5. Write the freezing date on the containers or bags to track their shelf life.
6. For proper freezing, place labeled containers or bags in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

This isn’t the ideal way to freeze Brussels sprouts owing to taste and texture changes. But if you’re freezing them uncooked, it’s the only way!

How to blanch Brussels sprouts for freezing?

If you choose to blanch your Brussels sprouts for freezing (which is great!), here’s how to do it:

1. Clean fresh Brussels sprouts in cold water. Trim the stiff stem ends with a sharp knife and remove any loose or broken outer leaves.
2. If the Brussels sprouts are big, chop them in half or quarters to ensure equal cooking and freezing.
3. Put some water on to boil in a pot. The pot should be large enough for Brussels sprouts.
4. Carefully add the cleaned and trimmed sprouts to the boiling water. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes. Blanching periods vary, so check the doneness of the sprouts.
5. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the Brussels sprouts to a big bowl of ice water immediately after blanching.
6. Drain the Brussels sprouts after cooling and dry them with some paper towels.

That’s it! You have blanched Brussels sprouts ready for packaging.

Can you freeze roasted Brussels sprouts?

Yes, roasted Brussels sprouts are freezable.

After they’ve cooled down, transfer them to airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze them.

Can you freeze shredded Brussel sprouts?

Yes, Brussels sprouts can be frozen after shredding.

Blanch them briefly in boiling water, chill them in an ice bath, drain, and pat dry.

Then, package and freeze the shredded Brussels sprouts in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Can you roast frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can roast frozen Brussels sprouts.

How long to roast frozen Brussel sprouts will depend on your oven temperature and how crispy you want them. It generally takes around 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

The first time I made roasted frozen Brussels sprouts, I had to wonder: should I thaw frozen brussel sprouts before roasting them?

The answer is no, you don’t need to thaw frozen sprouts before roasting them. In fact, they taste best when roasted straight from the freezer.

Can you saute frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can sauté frozen Brussels sprouts. However, like roasting, they may leak some moisture when cooking, making them slightly softer than desired.

Can you fry frozen Brussels sprouts?

Frozen Brussels sprouts are not advised for frying. Frozen Brussels sprouts might spatter when frying and make it unsafe for you.

So it’s best to fry fresh Brussels sprouts or thaw them before frying.

Can you grill frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can grill frozen Brussels sprouts but it can get challenging. The sprouts can stick to the grill and get mushy due to the water content.

Grilling fresh or thawed sprouts is a better option.

How long can you freeze Brussels sprouts?

You can freeze Brussels sprouts for up to 12 months if they’re stored in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

How do you defrost Brussels sprouts?

It’s easy to safely defrost Brussels sprouts:

• Refrigerator method: Defrosting Brussels sprouts in the fridge is the safest option to maintain quality and reduce bacterial development. Put your frozen sprouts in an airtight container or bag and thaw them slowly and evenly overnight.
• Cold water method: Submerge frozen Brussels sprouts in cold water in a tight plastic bag. Every 30 minutes, change the water to keep it cool. This process takes 1-2 hours to defrost sprouts which is very fast.
• Microwave method: Defrosting Brussels sprouts in the microwave requires care to prevent partly heating them. Place your frozen vegetables on a microwave-safe platter and use the defrost or reduced power setting. Switch off the microwave when they’re thawed but not cooked.

After thawing, you can cook the Brussels sprouts to your liking.

Can you refreeze Brussels sprouts?

Refreezing thawed Brussels sprouts or other foods is not advised.

When you defrost frozen Brussels sprouts, ice crystals melt and this moisture produces an environment that favors bacterial development.

To ensure food safety and taste, just thaw the Brussels sprouts you need at once.

How to cook frozen Brussels sprouts?

Frozen Brussels sprouts can be cooked even without thawing. Here are some easy cooking methods:

Stovetop method:

1. Add a little butter or oil to a skillet over medium heat.
2. Throw in frozen Brussels sprouts.
3. Season your veggies with salt, pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices.
4. Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until tender and lightly browned.

Oven method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with frozen Brussels sprouts.
3. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt, pepper, or other spices.
4. Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Microwave method:

1. Put frozen Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish.
2. To produce steam, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the meal.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe cover or wrap.
4. Cook the Brussels sprouts on high for 4 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Steaming method:

1. Place a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Put frozen Brussels sprouts in the steamer.
3. Cover the saucepan and steam the Brussels sprouts for 8-10 minutes.

With frozen Brussels sprouts, I can skip the defrosting step and get right to cooking.

You can always adjust the cooking time and seasoning for Brussels sprouts. These ways allow you to prepare wonderful cooked sprouts for delicious side dishes, salads, stir-fries, and other recipes.

Kung pao Brussels sprouts are one of my side dishes for chow mein while roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty addition to broccoli cheese soup.

Another great thing about Brussels sprouts is that you can use them as substitute ingredients for asparagus or broccoli in some recipes.

Do Brussels sprouts freeze well?

If blanched and kept in sealed containers or bags, Brussels sprouts freeze well.

They can keep their color, texture, and nutritional content with minimal changes for up to 12 months.

Are frozen Brussels sprouts good for you?

Yes, frozen Brussels sprouts are good for you.

Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense veggies with vitamins C, K, and A, folate, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients improve immunity, bone health, and wellness.

Brussels sprouts keep their vitamins and minerals when frozen correctly. So they’re a simple way to enjoy all the health benefits year-round!

How long do fresh Brussel sprouts last?

Refrigerated fresh Brussels sprouts last 1-2 weeks.

I’ve found that keeping them unwashed in a perforated or loosely zipped plastic bag keeps them fresh and crisp.

Stalked Brussels sprouts last longer. Remove loose or damaged leaves and store them in a perforated plastic bag or open container in the fridge.

In warmer conditions, unrefrigerated Brussels sprouts live just a few hours.

How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last in the fridge?

Refrigerated cooked Brussels sprouts last 3-5 days.

After cooling, seal them in a plastic bag or container. Keep them in the fridge below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial development.

How to store Brussels sprouts without fridge?

Since Brussels sprouts are perishable, storing them without a fridge is difficult. If you’re without a refrigerator and need to keep these vegetables fresh, try these:

• Cool and shady area: Find a cool, shady spot in your home away from direct sunshine and heat sources. Keep the Brussels sprouts cold in a basket or breathable container. Check them often since they may not keep as long as in a fridge.
• Root cellar or cool basement: These rooms have a cooler and more stable temperature.

Remember that these approaches aren’t optimal for long-term preservation. So you should consume your Brussels sprouts quickly or, if you have access to a freezer, preserve them by blanching and freezing.

I hope my guide on how to freeze Brussels sprouts has provided you with enough info and confidence to freeze them well. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

For more freezing tips, check out my other blog posts including how to freeze quinoa, my foolproof guide to freezing Parmesan and tips and tricks for freezing broccoli.