Can You Freeze Garlic to Use Later? How Store Leftovers

Have you ever started prepping a meal and realized you’re completely out of garlic? Well, if you’re wondering if you can freeze garlic, the answer is: absolutely! Most grocery stores sell pre-portioned frozen garlic, but if you want to save yourself a few bucks and reduce food waste, there are a few methods for freezing garlic at home.

One of the best things about frozen garlic is that it can be used immediately when taken out of the freezer—no thawing necessary. And unlike some other vegetables that are preserved in the freezer, garlic maintains the same taste and texture, so it feels like the ultimate cooking hack. And believe it or not, there are just three steps for freezing either garlic cloves, minced garlic, or a garlic paste, and each method requires minimal time and prep-work. 

How to Freeze Whole Garlic Cloves

Freezing whole garlic cloves is a cinch, just make sure to peel each clove before popping them in the freezer, because they’ll be too difficult to peel once frozen.

1. Remove each garlic clove from the stem and peel each one. 
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the garlic cloves in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours.
3. Once frozen, put all of the garlic cloves in a freezer-friendly bag or airtight food storage container. Label the bag with the date so you can enjoy the garlic while it’s still at peak freshness.  

How to Freeze Minced Garlic or Garlic Paste

Frozen minced garlic or garlic paste can be added directly to whatever you’re cooking, making it a great timesaver on busy weeknights.

1. Remove each garlic clove from the stem and peel each one.
2. Use a food processor and pulse the garlic cloves until they’re minced, or have a paste-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a chef’s knife, but it will take a bit longer. 
3. Grab an ice cube tray and place a tablespoon of garlic in each cube with a bit of water. When you’re ready to use the frozen garlic, just add it directly to your recipe as you normally would. 

How to Use Frozen Garlic

Using frozen garlic is simple, especially since you don’t even need to thaw it before incorporating it into a recipe. You can use frozen garlic to flavor soups, sauces, stews, and anything else you would normally add garlic to. You can also infuse frozen garlic into butter, and use it to make garlic bread or a compound butter to spread on steak or roasted potatoes. 

How Long Does Garlic Last in the Freezer?

If you want your garlic to go the distance, your best bet is to freeze whole (peeled) cloves since they’ll stay fresh for up to a year. Garlic that has been minced or turned into a paste will only be at its freshest for several weeks, so be sure not to bury it in the freezer otherwise you’ll forget it’s there and you may not be able to use it.