Can You Freeze Mushrooms? Storage Tips for Fresh and Cooked 🍄

Mushrooms are delicious but have a short shelf life. If you buy them in bulk or can’t use them quickly, you’ve probably wondered: can you freeze mushrooms?

Yes, you can freeze mushrooms — both fresh and cooked — as long as you prepare them properly to preserve texture and flavor.

Why Freeze Mushrooms?

Mushrooms spoil quickly, often within a week in the fridge. Freezing extends their usability, reduces waste, and ensures you always have them on hand for soups, sauces, and sautés.

They lose some firmness when frozen, but proper prep minimizes this.

Can You Freeze Fresh Mushrooms?

Yes, but with preparation. Freezing raw mushrooms without any prep can make them watery and rubbery. Instead, you should:

• Clean: Gently brush or wipe off dirt (don’t soak in water).

• Trim: Remove tough stems.

• Slice or leave whole: Depending on how you’ll cook them.

• Blanch or sauté: Helps lock in texture and flavor before freezing.

How to Freeze Mushrooms (Step by Step)

Here’s the best process:

1. Clean mushrooms with a damp towel or brush.

2. Slice or leave whole depending on recipe needs.

3. Blanch: Boil for 1–2 minutes, then shock in ice water. OR sauté in a little butter/oil.

4. Drain well: Remove excess moisture.

5. Flash freeze: Spread on a tray and freeze for 1 hour.

6. Transfer: Store in freezer bags or containers for up to 12 months.

Blanching or sautéing before freezing helps mushrooms retain more flavor and prevents a soggy texture after thawing.

Can You Freeze Cooked Mushrooms?

Yes — in fact, freezing cooked mushrooms often works better than freezing raw ones.

• Sautéed or roasted mushrooms freeze well.

• Let them cool before packing into airtight bags.

• Use within 8–12 months for best taste.

Cooked mushrooms are ready to toss into stews, casseroles, or pasta sauces straight from the freezer.

How Long Do Frozen Mushrooms Last?

Type	Storage Time
Blanched mushrooms	10–12 months
Sautéed mushrooms	10–12 months
Raw, unblanched	1 month (poor texture)

Best Ways to Use Frozen Mushrooms

Frozen mushrooms work best in cooked dishes where texture isn’t critical:

• Soups and stews

• Stir-fries

• Pasta sauces

• Risotto

• Casseroles

Avoid using them raw in salads or as toppings — the texture won’t hold up.

Can I Freeze Mushrooms Whole?

Yes, but smaller mushrooms freeze better whole than large ones. Large mushrooms should be sliced or chopped first for even freezing and easier cooking later.

Tips for Freezing Mushrooms Successfully

• Label freezer bags with the date.

• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Freeze in portion sizes for easier use.

• Don’t refreeze once thawed.

Freezing mushrooms is less about keeping them “fresh” and more about preserving them for cooked meals.

Final Word: Can You Freeze Mushrooms?

Yes — you can freeze mushrooms, whether fresh or cooked, as long as you prep them properly. Blanching or sautéing before freezing gives the best results and extends storage life up to a year.

FAQ

Can you freeze mushrooms? Yes, but blanching or cooking first preserves flavor and texture.

Can you freeze fresh mushrooms? Yes, clean and blanch or sauté before freezing for best results.

Can I freeze mushrooms whole? Yes, small ones can be frozen whole; larger mushrooms should be sliced.

How to freeze mushrooms? Clean, blanch or sauté, flash freeze, and store in freezer bags for up to 12 months.

Can you freeze cooked mushrooms? Yes, cooked mushrooms freeze well and last up to a year.

Leftover pizza stashed away? Find out exactly how long pizza is good for in the fridge so you know when to dig back in — and when to toss.