A Simple Guide to Freezing Garlic in 4 Easy Steps

Garlic is a key ingredient in countless savory dishes, so keeping a stash on hand is always a smart move. Whether you have leftovers or a garlic surplus, freezing it is the best way to extend its shelf life.

Freezing not only prevents garlic from spoiling quickly, but it’s a time-saver for busy cooks — no more peeling and chopping. It’s ideal for meal prep or when you need dinner ready in a flash.

Freezing Whole Garlic Cloves: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Peel the cloves from the bulb and remove the skin from each clove.

2. Using a paring knife, carefully trim off the brown stem end of the garlic.

3. Arrange the cloves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the garlic freeze until firm, about three hours or overnight.

4. Once the garlic is fully frozen, transfer the cloves into a zip-top bag. Don’t forget to label and date the bag.

Freezing Minced Garlic or Garlic Paste

1. Peel the cloves from the bulb and remove the skin from each clove.

2. If you have a food processor, add the cloves to the bowl and pulse until they are minced or turned into a thick paste. Pause and scrape down the sides periodically to ensure even mincing.

3. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the garlic into a bowl.

4. You can freeze the garlic in ice cube trays, or if you don't have one, use a teaspoon to portion the garlic onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Freeze the portions until solid, about three hours. Then, place the portions into a zip-top bag, label it, and date it.

How to Use Frozen Garlic in Cooking

Garlic appears in so many of your go-to savory recipes, so start with the basics! You can add minced garlic directly from the freezer to the pan — no need to thaw. Whole cloves can also go straight into dishes like garlic-roasted potatoes without defrosting first.

Try using your garlic press to create dishes you can freeze for later. Keep it simple with garlic compound butter to drizzle over steak and roasted veggies. Or, toss frozen minced garlic straight into the pan when sauteing veggies or meat for stir fry. It's a perfect addition to soups, marinades, and delicious garlic pasta or noodles too.

Common Questions About Freezing Garlic

How long can garlic stay frozen?

By following these steps, your garlic will stay fresh in the freezer for up to six months. However, for optimal flavor and texture, try to use it within three to four months.

Does frozen garlic taste different?

Frozen garlic has almost the same flavor as fresh garlic. While it may lose some of the sharp, spicy kick that raw garlic has, the overall taste remains remarkably similar. Once added to your dishes, you’ll hardly notice the difference.

Does freezing affect the texture of garlic?

Freezing garlic, like other high-water-content foods, can slightly alter its texture. As the water inside garlic cloves freezes, it expands, and the resulting ice crystals may cause minor changes in texture, though it still works well in cooked dishes.

Freezing garlic can cause it to lose its crunchy texture, making it softer compared to fresh garlic. The good news is that once cooked, the texture difference is barely noticeable.

Is it okay to use pre-peeled garlic?

Pre-peeled garlic is a great time-saver for freezing. Just ensure there are no green sprouts, and trim off any brown stem ends if they’re still present on the cloves.