RECIPE

3 Ways to Freeze Your Herbs

for use long after your growing season has ended

3 Ways to Freeze Your Herbs

for use long after your growing season has ended

Prep Time for Water
5 minutes

Prep Time for Oil or Butter
15-25 Minutes

Unlock the Freshness

Discover how easy it is to preserve the vibrant flavor and aroma by freezing herbs! In this post, we’ll explore three simple methods—using water, oil, or butter—to ensure your favorite herbs are always on hand, no matter the season. Whether you're a home cook or a seasoned chef, these techniques will help you maximize freshness and minimize waste. Let’s dive into the best ways to freeze herbs for future soups, sauces, or for a spread on your favorite bread or dinner rolls.

five different types of hers in bowls on table

Here's what you'll need:

Herbs:
You'll want to have 1 cup of chopped herbs (your choice) for any of the 3 freezing options.

Tools and Utensils:
Clean ice cube trays
Sharp knife and cutting board (or food processor)
Freezer bags & indelible ink marker

Other Ingredients:
Water
Olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
2-3 sticks of softened unsalted butter
Enhance with salt, lemon zest, minced garlic

Freeze Herbs with Water

Frozen herb cubes can be used in a variety of dishes, and are best added directly to hot dishes, like sauces, soups, and stews while still frozen. The cube will melt gradually, releasing the herb flavor into your cooking liquid without needing to thaw them first. This method works particularly well for herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint, and basil.

Gather your herbs, rinse thoroughly, remove stems and discolored leaves. Pat dry.

Chop herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Don't overfill.

Pour water over herbs, keeping herbs submerged, and place tray into your freezer. After a few hours you can top off the tray with more water to make sure herbs are completely covered.

Herb ice cubs on cutting board with a bag and basil leaves

Remove herb cubes from tray and place into a freezer bag. Herbs can keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Freeze Herbs with Oil

Just pop one of these herb-infused olive oil cubes into a hot pan for an instant flavor boost! These little flavor bombs are perfect for pasta dishes, soups, homemade sauces, stir-fries, and so much more. These delicious cubes add a twist to your meals, and you can enjoy the the flavor from your garden for months after your season has ended.

Steps:
1. Gather your herbs, rinse thoroughly, remove stems and discolored leaves. Pat dry.
2. Chop herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Don't overfill.
3. Pour oil over herbs, keeping herbs submerged, and place tray into your freezer. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours.
4. Remove herb cubes from tray and place into a freezer bag. Herbs can keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

NOTE: Never store herbs in oil unless you are freezing them because it can create an environment where bacteria can grow and cause botulism.

Freeze Herbs with Butter

Herbs frozen in butter, also known as compound butter, can be used in many ways, including pasta sauces, soups, sautés, or as a flavorful spread on your favorite bread. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice. It's best not to thaw frozen herbs before using them, as even a short thawing time can make them soggy.

Steps:
1. Gather your herbs, rinse thoroughly, remove stems and discolored leaves. Pat dry.
2. Chop herbs and add to softened butter.
3. Mix well with softened butter so that herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. Fill each section of ice cube tray and place tray into your freezer.
4. Remove herb cubes from tray and place into a freezer bag. Herbs can keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

If you love freezing herbs, try these other variations!

Use a few mint leaves in each cube for a future cocktail garnish
Make herbed butter and wrap in a roll of parchment, refrigerate until firm and cut into slices for freezing
Mix herbs frozen in water with some greek yogurt, a little mayo and oil to make a dip at a moments notice
Experiment with combinations of herbs for your own personalized blend