How to Freeze Brussel Sprouts – Step by Step Guide

Freezing the Brussel Sprouts is an effective way to help them retain their freshness for a longer period. Whether you’re harvesting them from your garden or getting plenty of them on sale from the local grocery store, you can’t eat them all before they spoil. That’s why it is better to preserve them to retain their flavour and nutrients.

Brussel Sprout may not be the favourite of everyone. But having them with roasted nuts on Christmas eve can be the cherry on top!

So how can you freeze Brussel sprouts?

Follow are the ways to easily freeze sprouts for getting the best out of them throughout the year!

Freeze Blanched Brussels Sprouts

Blanching is the most productive and traditional way to freeze Brussel Sprouts.

Blanching is a cooking process in which the vegetable or fruit is dunked into boiling water for a short interval. Then they’re removed and placed into iced water.

Adding them quickly into iced water prevents the boiled vegetables from over-cooking, and their vibrant colours and freshness are retained. Also, it ceases the enzymes in their tracks that may lead to deterioration after some time.

If you tend to freeze your sprouts without blanching, it may result in soft and dull veggies with minimum flavour.

Now let’s see how to blanch and freeze Brussel sprouts accurately.

1. Try to harvest or buy firm sprouts that measure about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
2. Remove the root ends and any spoiled parts (yellowed or damaged leaves).
3. If you find any insects inside the sprouts, soak them in cold water mixed with one tablespoon of salt for about an hour.
4. Wash them thoroughly under tap water.
5. Sort and separate the sprouts based on their sizes.     
6. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to boil over a high flame.
7. Meanwhile, the water is boiling, fill a large bowl with ice and water.
8. Start adding the sprouts once the water starts boiling. Blanch the larger ones first for 5 minutes, then medium ones for 4 minutes, and lastly, smaller ones for about 3 minutes.
9. After taking them out, immediately plunge them into the ice water to terminate the cooking process. Allow the sprouts to cool.
10. Spread the sprouts over a baking sheet and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
11. Now freeze the blanched sprouts for about an hour, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible.
12. Now label the exact date, freeze and use these Brussel sprouts for about 12 whole months!

Freeze Roasted Brussel Sprouts

You can also freeze the Brussel sprouts without blanching them by using the roasting method.

The main benefit of this technique is that you’ll only have to heat the frozen roasted sprouts to serve them to your guests. It’s easy, flavorful, and the quickest way to enjoy your green vegetables.

 Let’s see how you can roast and freeze the sprouts effectively.

1. Initially, follow the first three steps from the previous method.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Take a bowl, toss the sprouts and add about two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for each pound.
4. Place the sprouts tidily in a rimmed baking tray.
5. Roast them until tender for a maximum of 40 minutes. Keep shaking the tray to turn the sprouts upside down.
6. Remove the tray once tender and let them cool completely.
7. Transfer the cooled sprouts to freezer bags or containers. Label them with the exact date and freeze the roasted sprouts for up to 12 months!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How to freeze Brussel Sprouts without Blanching?

You can freeze Brussel sprouts without blanching from the above-given roasting technique. But let us provide you with another one to go with.

1. Thoroughly clean the sprouts under tap water.
2. Remove the roots and any damaged parts.
3. Soak the sprouts in warm water for about 10 minutes. Soaking may eliminate all the remaining dirt inside the leaves.
4. Rinse the sprouts with cold water.
5. Pat them dry with a soft and hygienic cloth. Make sure they’re completely dry before storing them to avoid any ice crystals inside them.
6. Transfer the cleaned sprouts inside plastic freezer bags, try to squeeze all the excess air to create a vacuum inside the bag.
7. Label each bag with a permanent marker, then freeze them for up to 12 months of fresh Brussel sprouts.

How to freeze fresh Brussel Sprouts?

Now when you’ve grown Brussel sprouts and freshly harvested them from your garden, you may need to learn to preserve the leftovers.

No need to hassle as it’s straightforward:

1. Separate the Brussel sprouts from the stalk by pulling them away from the root until they cut loose.
2. You must keep them in warm water for about ten minutes to remove all the impurities.
3. Fill a bowl with ice and water. Keep it aside for later.
4. Take a pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil.
5. Toss the sprouts inside and let them boil for about 4 minutes.
6. Instantly put them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
7. Place them as a single layer on a sheet, pat dry with a cloth, and allow them to cool completely.
8. Once dry, toss them in the resealable plastic freezer bags and freeze them away.

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