How To Freeze Bell Peppers

To help save money on food and fight inflation at the grocery store I like to swing by the clearance stand in the produce section and preserve what I find deals on for later use while I wait for the bell peppers to be ready for the summer garden harvest.

Bell peppers are versatile and tasty vegetables that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what do you do if you have a surplus of bell peppers and don’t want them to go to waste? Freezing bell peppers is a great solution, as they can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Rinse the bell peppers under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris, as this can affect the quality of the bell peppers once they are frozen.

Cut the bell peppers into the desired size and shape. You can cut them into slices, dice them, or leave them whole. If you’re using the bell peppers for soups or stews, you may want to dice them. If you’re using them for stir-fries or fajitas, you may want to slice them. I prefer to dice into large chunks and use these in just about everything. If I need smaller to doesn’t take much to cut them down while still frozen.

Blanching the bell peppers before freezing helps to preserve their color, flavor, and texture. To blanch the bell peppers, bring a large pot or blancher full of water to a boil and add the bell peppers. Boil the bell peppers for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help to preserve the quality of the bell peppers.

After blanching, drain the bell peppers and pat dry with a paper towel. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible, as this can affect the quality of the bell peppers once they are frozen.

Place the bell peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag or container with the date and type of bell pepper, and place in the freezer.

Freeze the bell peppers for up to 8 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator or toss a handful directly into your recipe.

After chopping up your peppers you can toss the seeds and core into your compost. We gave ours as treats to our backyard chickens.

Ways to use frozen bell peppers

Frozen bell peppers are a great ingredient to have on hand, as they can be used in a variety of dishes. Here’s a list of ways to use frozen bell peppers:

Stir-Fries: Cut the frozen bell peppers into slices and add to stir-fries for a quick and easy way to add color and flavor.

Soups and Stews: Dice the frozen bell peppers and add to soups and stews for a burst of flavor and color.

Fajitas: Sliced frozen bell peppers are a great addition to fajitas, adding flavor and color to the dish.

Omelets: Dice the frozen bell peppers and add to omelets for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Pasta Sauces: Dice the frozen bell peppers and add to pasta sauces for a burst of flavor and color.

Sandwiches: Slice the frozen bell peppers and add to sandwiches for a crunchy and flavorful addition.

Pizza Toppings: Dice the frozen bell peppers and add to pizza toppings for a delicious and healthy addition.

Roasted Vegetables: Toss the frozen bell peppers with other frozen vegetables, olive oil, and spices, and roast in the oven for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Freezing bell peppers is a great way to preserve their quality and extend their shelf life. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh and tasty bell peppers even when they’re out of season. So the next time you have a surplus of bell peppers, give freezing a try and enjoy them all year long!