Can You Freeze Onions? Yes, Here are 2 Easy Ways!

Let’s admit it, a lot of delicious dishes start with humble slices of onion. As it imparts robust flavors to your cooking it’s likely that you buy bulks of this kitchen staple from the nearby farmer’s market. But the problem arises when you lack storage space. Not to mention the possibility of spoilage before you get to use all of them. 

Sure there are plenty of ways to prolong their shelf life but you’re wondering, can you freeze onions instead? The simple answer is yes. And in this article, you’ll learn two methods for freezing onions along with tips to keep them tasty!

Why Freeze Onions?

Onions already last for quite a long time as is so why should you bother freezing onions? Well, there are two main reasons why it’s a good idea to freeze these root veggies.

First, of course, is to save space when you lack ideal storage space for fresh onions. Like many ingredients, proper storage greatly helps the shelf life of onions. Factors like humidity and temperature are the main culprits for making your bulbs soft, sprouty, and moldy. Additionally, storing them alongside other ingredients that produce natural gases like potatoes can also affect their condition. Among other methods how to preserve onions, storing them in the freezer saves space and is an easier option for when you can’t find a cool dark place in your kitchen.  

The second reason why freezing onions is ideal is convenience. As many recipes count on onions for flavor, it certainly is a game-changer to have them ready to just toss in your dish. It cuts down prep time from slicing, chopping, or dicing on a daily basis. It is also a plus for those who want to avoid onion tears.  

How to Freeze Onions

Freezing is actually one of the best ways to delay onion spoilage. And it’s easy peasy! Following these simple steps on how to freeze onions guarantee meal prep that is quick and breezy. Your dinner will surely be ready in no time!  

What You’ll Need

• Onions
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Cookie sheets
• Freezer bags

Freezing Onions (Step-By-Step Guide)

1. First, pick fully matured onions. 
2. Wash them well under running water to get rid of any dirt or gunk. You can use a handy vegetable brush for a more thorough cleaning. 
3. Peel the skin off and chop it to your preferred sizes. 
4. Then, freeze the onions using either of these methods:

Method 1: Dry Pack 

Place the chopped onions in freezer bags. Remove all air and seal tightly. Lay the freezer bags flat on a tray before putting them in the freezer so they’ll cool much faster. Keeping them in a thin layer also helps lessen clumping.  

Method 2: Tray Pack 

Spread out the onion slices on a clean cookie sheet, then place them in the freezer. Wait for about an hour before transferring the frozen pieces of sliced or diced onions to the freezer bags. Squeeze out air from the bags, then put them back in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Onions Whole?

You can do so, yes. However, freezing whole onions isn’t really recommended. Since they are whole, this actually takes away the convenience of freezing onions. They can be difficult to thaw and use, thus, taking up more time than needed. It would be much better to chop, slice, or dice them before freezing as most recipes will ask you to do so anyway.

But if you do wish to freeze whole onions, you’ll need to blanch large onions for about seven minutes and three minutes for smaller bulbs. When blanching whole onions, you must heat them all the way to their center for safer freezing.

Can You Freeze Chopped Onions?

Absolutely. In fact, it is great for freezing to best preserve their tasty bite. Other than chopped onions, you can freeze diced onions as well. Storing onions in the freezer in prepped pieces is more convenient and time-saving. Freezing versatile veggies like onions and celery this way extends their shelf life and freshness. Aside from chopped pieces, you can freeze diced onions and sliced ones too.

READ ALSO: Can You Freeze Celery? Yes. Here’s How

Tips for Freezing Onions

Now that you know how to preserve onions through freezing, here are some additional tips that might be of help:

• To minimize the onions’ strong odor, you can wash them under running water or keep them in thick freezer bags. After washing the onions, let the slices dry off first. Pat them with paper towels or let them air dry before transferring them into thick freezer bags. You can also double the bags if you don’t have the thick variety. 
• Use freezer-friendly containers. Storing them in plastic freezer bags, freezer paper, freezer aluminum foil, and airtight plastic containers help prolong their life as well as prevent the pungent smell from spreading throughout your freezer. 
• Label and date the containers. This helps you keep track of the onions’ freshness starting from when you began to freeze them. 
• Keep your freezer at or below 0 degrees F. Frozen onions last better at consistent temperatures.

How Long Can You Freeze Onions?

The average shelf life of raw whole onions lasts for around two to three months if properly stored in a cool and dry environment. That’s surprisingly a long time for onions right? But the thing is, keeping them in good condition can be tricky. Factors like moisture and heat that speed up spoilage can be hard to control. 

Alternatively, you may resort to freezing onions instead but how long do onions last in the freezer? Well, raw frozen onions are good for eight months when kept properly. 

On the other hand, cooked onions last for up to three months in the freezer when stored in airtight containers or bags. Meanwhile keeping raw onions in the fridge will help them last for two weeks.   

How can you tell if an onion has gone bad, though? You can determine this through its feel, smell, and color. Initially, when you notice onions sprouting it means they’re starting to go bad. Spoiled onions will have dark spots and become soft and mushy. Moreover, you can always trust your nose for detecting spoiled food. If they’re starting to smell anything other than sharp and zingy, then it would be best to discard or compost them. 

How to Use Frozen Onions

The good thing about homemade frozen onions is that you get to chop them to your preferred sizes. The downside, however, is that freezing changes their texture, making them unfit for dishes that need the raw crunch of onions such as salads and salsas.

You need not worry though! You can still make delicious meals out of these frozen veggies. They work perfectly with cooked dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles. Moreover, you can also use frozen onions as a flavorsome addition to sautéing. Try out the following recipes for when you plan on using your frozen onions:

• French Onion Soup – Serve this crowd-favorite soup to your family following this easy recipe! Caramelized onions give this stew depth and sweetness. Pair this savory soup with French bread for a filling meal. 
• Potbelly’s Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup – This delightfully filling soup is both hearty and healthy. For this, you only need to simmer the sauteed vegetables in rich chicken broth and milk. Blend it into a smooth soup and enjoy with a garnish of cheddar cheese!
• White Chicken Chili – This Mexican-inspired dish makes for the perfect comfort food! The combination of familiar chili ingredients in a light chicken broth will truly delight your taste buds. Best of all you can use leftover ingredients for this dish and customize it however you like.

Frequently Asked Questions