How To Freeze Chopped Onions
Freezing onions isn’t just a kitchen hack; it’s a game changer. It’s a convenient way to preserve this versatile ingredient and saves time with meal prep. From soups to stews, to stir-fries, frozen onions add depth, flavor, and aroma to many dishes. By following these easy steps, you’ll be on your way to elevating your delightful dishes with the convenience and flavor-packed bags of frozen onions.
Here in the South, we like to grill onions, add them to soups, dips, chili, and spaghetti, eat them on hamburgers/ hot dogs, and incorporate them into many of our Southern dishes. With frozen onions on hand, I can easily infuse my dishes with Southern flavor, making each bite delightful.
Chopping onions can often feel like a tearful chore, but fear not! With a freezer stash of onions at the ready, you can bid farewell to watery eyes and onion-induced tears. You will have the convenience of pre-chopped onions without the chore of slicing or dicing. You’ll be able to whip up a quick weeknight meal with the assurance that your freezer onion stash will be there for tear-free meals.
Why Freeze Onions
Freezing onions is a fantastic way to ease your cooking process, reduce waste, and ensure you have them on hand when needed. Onions add flavor, aroma, and depth to countless dishes, but chopping onions can be a hassle. That’s why freezing diced onions comes in as a solution. The next time you are stocking up on onions, consider chopping up a few and stashing them in the freezer. Here are a few reasons why you should freeze onions:
Convenience: By having diced onions in your freezer, you can save time on busy weeknights during meal prep. Just grab them out of the freezer and toss them into your favorite recipes.
Minimize Waste: For some, using a whole bag of onions before some go bad is hard to do. Using chopped raw onions allows you to preserve them before they spoil. This reduces food waste and saves you money in the long run.
Versatility: Onions are extremely versatile and are in many dishes. Freezing fresh onions can save you so much time, keep you from running to the grocery store for last-minute ingredients, and is a great way to add depth and flavor to your dishes with minimal effort.
These come in handy when I am cooking. All I have to do is reach into the freezer, grab out a bag of frozen onions, get out the amount I need for the dish, and drop them into whatever I am cooking. Yay, me! No onion chopping!! This is a huge timesaver in the kitchen.
Will My Freezer Smell Like Onions
Your freezer shouldn’t smell of onions if you properly store them. I have never had a problem or a strong odor with an onion smell, but if you have concerns, you can always double-bag the onions. Onions usually have strong odors, but they are contained when stored in airtight containers or airtight freezer bags.
How To Flash Freeze Onions
I always flash-freeze my chopped onions before I freeze them. This is a helpful technique and keeps the onions from sticking together and freezing in a clump. This makes it easier to portion out and only remove the amount needed for a recipe. To flash freeze, spread chopped onions in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour before transferring them to freezer bags or an airtight container. While flash freezing is optional, it can be convenient to do so and is a simple step that can save you time for later use.
Can I Freeze Onions Whole
Freezing onions whole is possible but not recommended. Frozen whole onions are hard to cut up for recipes and take up more space in the freezer. For best results, it is recommended to chop, dice, or slice the onions before freezing them in freezer bags or an airtight container.
Best Place To Buy Onions
The best place to buy onions depends on various factors, including availability and price. Look for sales and high-quality onions at a price that fits your budget. Sometimes, grocery stores have a buy-a-bag get-one free. This is a great time to stock up on onions, especially for the holidays. Some common places include:
Grocery Stores
Farmers’ Markets
Wholesale Clubs
Farm Stands or Local Farms
How to Freeze Chopped Onions
These simple steps will ensure your frozen onions remain separated and easy to use in your favorite recipes.
- Peel and chop or slice onions to your desired size.
- Spread the chopped onions on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in a single layer.
- Place the sheet pan/cookie sheet in the freezer and leave it there for about 30 minutes (flash freeze) or until the onions are mostly frozen.
- Once the onions are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Seal the plastic bags or containers tightly to remove as much air as possible and prevent air from entering.
- Label and date the container and place it back into the freezer for long-term storage.
Following these steps will keep the onions from sticking together and freezing in one big, giant blob. Now, when you are ready for onions, reach into the bag and grab what you need. You do not need to thaw the onions. Just drop into whatever you are cooking. Easy!
Frozen onions will need to be used in dishes that will be cooked. They are unsuitable for raw dishes or toppings for hamburgers, salads, or in recipes where they will be eaten raw because they lose some of their crunchiness and can be soggy.
Recipe Tips for Freezing Onions
By following these tips, you can make the most out of freezing onions and enjoy the convenience and flavor.
- Chop onions in bulk. I like to chop a lot of onions at one time.
- Package onions in small portions for ease of use in recipes.
- Label and date each package before freezing.
- Add frozen onions directly to recipes.
- Try different varieties of onions, such as yellow onions, red onions, sweet onions, or Vidalia onions.
- A food processor may help in chopping the onions. It will save on onion tears.
Check out my post on How to Freeze Strawberries.
What Are Ways To Use Frozen Onions
Frozen onions are versatile and can be used in many dishes. These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities for using frozen onions are endless. Get creative and use them in your favorite dishes and foods. Use them directly in:
Soups and Stews – Drop them in frozen as you are making soups and stews.
Sauces – Add them to sauces or gravy.
Stir Fries – Caramelized onions are great in stir-fries.
Skillet Meals – Add them to a skillet meal for easier prep.
Casseroles – Frozen onions work nicely in casseroles.
FAQs for Freezing Onions
Frozen onions will last for about 6-8 months in the freezer.
There is no need to blanch onions before freezing. Slice, chop, or freeze them as is.
Most of the time, I just use frozen onions in the dishes I am cooking. The onions will thaw as they cook. You can also transfer the onions from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
Onions can undergo some change once they have been frozen. While their flavor stays intact, the texture may become mushy and softer. Frozen onions are more suitable for cooked dishes.
It is not recommended to refreeze any leftover onion from the freezer. You might prepackage the onions in smaller bags or containers before you freeze them. Also, by flash-freezing the onions, you should be able to use only what is needed for each recipe.
More Delicious Recipes with Onion
More Ways to Freeze Fruits and Vegetables
How To Freeze Chopped Onions
Ingredients
- Onions
Instructions
- Peel and chop or slice onions to your desired size.
- Spread the chopped onions on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in a single layer.
- Place the sheet pan/cookie sheet in the freezer and leave it there for about 30 minutes (flash freeze) to an hour or until the onions are mostly frozen.
- Once the onions are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Seal the plastic bags or containers tightly to remove as much air as possible and prevent air from entering.
- Label and date the container and place it back into the freezer for long-term storage.
Thank you so much for posting how to freeze onions! I have never bern able to buy in bulk because I didn’t have the information on how to freeze chopped onions!
You are so welcome!
I am so glad I came across your blog, Thank you so much for the wonderful content.
I freeze onions for my single son. I chop and put a small amount in a snack bag get all air out seal, do several bags like this and place in freezer bag. You can fit about five bags Been doing this over a year with no problems. I do his peppers like this also after they are chopped.