Freezing jalapeno chili peppers will be ideal if you’ve bought too many jalapenos and want to use them year-round. The question is, can you freeze jalapenos?
Jalapenos add loads of flavor to dishes such as salsa and enchiladas. And if you use less than you intended, you may need a solution for storing them to use later.
Can You Freeze Jalapenos?
Definitely! Put your jalapeno peppers into your freezer, and they will freeze perfectly. In fact, you can store them in the freezer for up to 12 months, if necessary.
Just be sure to let them thaw to room temperature before you use them again. One downside is that they may lose their crisp texture and become soft after freezing and defrosting.
How to Freeze Jalapenos
Since jalapenos are seasonal, the best way to enjoy them all your round is to freeze them. But before you throw your jalapenos into the freezer, read our foolproof methods on how to freeze your jalapenos.
The Baking Tray Method
A quick and easy method to freeze jalapenos is placing them on a baking sheet. Wash and slice your jalapenos into thin, uniform pieces. You can remove the seeds if you want, but it’s not necessary. The seeds carry the bulk of the heat.
Use a sheet of parchment paper and place it on a baking tray. The parchment paper prevents the jalapenos from sticking to the tray.
Place the jalapeno pieces on the baking tray spaced well apart. Then place the baking tray into your freezer. Once frozen, place the jalapenos into a container and pop them back into the freezer.
Next time you need jalapenos, simply grab a few pieces out of the container and add them to your dish.
The Vacuum Sealing Method
Vacuum sealing removes air from the package and keeps the jalapenos fresh for longer. It’s an excellent method for retaining the flavor and texture of your jalapenos once frozen.
Clean the jalapenos by running them under cold water, and slice them into strips or rounds. Place them in a vacuum freezer bag and use a food sealer to draw out the excess air and seal them.
When the jalapenos thaw, they will be somewhat soft but still good to use in casseroles or salsa.
Ziploc Bag Method
Slice your jalapeno peppers into strips or rounds and place them into a Ziploc bag. Make sure to push out any excess air before sealing the bag to avoid freezer burn. Then place the Ziploc bag \into the freezer.
With jalapenos, it’s crucial not to cram them into the Ziploc bags. Freezing a bunch of jalapenos in a Ziploc bag will likely result in them sticking together into one frozen clump.
Conclusion
Used well, you can turn your freezer into a mini pantry for your jalapenos. It’s a great way to ensure you have delicious jalapenos whenever you need them. With the above guide, you no longer have to wonder: Can you freeze jalapenos?