Can You Freeze Mushrooms? Here’s the Best Way to Do It

There’s just something about mushrooms that makes any dish feel effortlessly elevated and incredibly satisfying. No matter what type of mushroom you choose—shitake, baby bella, portobello, or porcini—every variety adds umami and a woodsy flavor to whatever you’re cooking. But, the tricky thing about mushrooms is that they don’t have a very long shelf life, which is especially frustrating since they’re pricey. 

If you don’t use mushrooms within a few days of buying them, they’ll start to get slimy and smelly and need to be tossed. However, if you’ve ever wondered if you can freeze mushrooms to extend their freshness, the answer is yes. And it’s simple. 

Can You Freeze Mushrooms?

Having fruits and vegetables stashed in the freezer is an absolute must. Not only is it convenient for meal prepping, but it’s also cost-effective and helps to eliminate waste. But, before you just pop a bag of raw mushrooms in the freezer, here’s the right way to do it.   

How to Freeze Mushrooms

Freezing mushrooms is super straightforward, but there are a few steps you’ll want to follow:

1. Thoroughly wash your mushrooms and pat them dry with a towel. 
2. Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over a medium-high flame and pour in a bit of neutral cooking oil. Sauté until the mushrooms are cooked through. 
3. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the mushrooms to cool completely. 
4. Once they’re cool, place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them into the freezer for about an hour or two. 
5. Remove the baking sheet of mushrooms and transfer them to a freezer-friendly bag or food storage container. Enjoy for up to 9 months! 

How to Thaw Frozen Mushrooms

There are a few ways to defrost mushrooms that you’ve frozen, but it depends how you plan to use them. If you’re making a stir fry or mushroom sauce, you can add your frozen mushrooms directly to the pan to reheat. But if you’re making a quiche, casseroles, soups, or sauces, it’s best to thaw your mushrooms on the counter for an hour or in the refrigerator overnight. Just keep in mind that since mushrooms absorb liquid, thawing mushrooms can release moisture and cause them to become a bit soggy. Still, they’ll retain their flavor and deliciousness when cooked up in a recipe!