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How To Freeze Jalapeno Peppers

Check out this easy guide on how to freeze jalapeno peppers including more information on how to freeze banana peppers, bell peppers, poblano peppers, banana peppers, and chili peppers. Whether you are freezing peppers from the garden or you scored on some fresh chili peppers from the store, this method of preserving peppers cuts down on future prep time in a conveniently packed grab-and-go sized bag or air tight container.

Once you have learned how to freeze fresh jalapenos (how to freeze poblano peppers), you will undoubtedly always have a stock of freshly frozen peppers at an arms reach.

Love the idea of preserving your pepper harvest? Check out this guide for How to Dry Peppers 3 Ways (With and Without a Dehydrator).

Why Freeze Peppers?

Less Food Waste

Freezing jalapeno peppers and other peppers helps to avoid food waste. Whether you have a bumper crop of peppers in your garden or left over peppers from the store, freezing the peppers avoids food waste. Fresh peppers will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. After 1 week, the texture and flavor of your peppers will start to deteriorate. Freezing the peppers helps to preserve the freshness!

Convenience

Frozen peppers are AWESOME for adding to eggs, rice, soup, sauces, and stews! Simply open your zip top bag and toss in as many peppers as you need. Allow the frozen jalapeno peppers to fully thaw in a fine mesh sieve or strainer to drain out excess liquid for use in more delicate recipes.

Food Security

Fresh jalapeno peppers and other peppers can be EXPENSIVE and are not always available. Freezing jalapenos, banana peppers, poblanos, and other peppers ensures that you have a stockpile of nutritious food that can be used in a moments notice.

Budget Friendly

Freezing jalapeno peppers is a budget friendly way to enjoy peppers all year long. Whether you grew your own jalapeno peppers or pepper blend in your garden or found a great bulk buy sale, freezing peppers at the most economical times allows them to be accessible to you at a cheaper price later on.

What Kind of Peppers Can Be Frozen?

This guide is geared toward freezing jalapeno peppers but in reality, the principals of how to freeze peppers works for all types of peppers! Whether you are asking “can you freeze banana peppers?” or wondering exactly how to freeze poblano peppers, this guide will help you!

Whole: Can you freeze jalapeno peppers whole? Yes! Most peppers including jalapeno peppers can be frozen whole. Simply lay them on a lined baking sheet and freeze. Transfer to a zip top bag or airtight container.

Sliced: Can you freeze jalapenos that are sliced? Yes! Slicing jalapeno peppers is the most common way to freeze them. They can be finely diced, roughly chopped, or sliced into medallions. Keep your intended use of the frozen peppers in mind.

Equipment

You can get by freezing peppers with a minimal amount of equipment. These tools make the job easier!

  • cutting board
  • parchment paper
  • heavy duty sheet pan/baking pan
  • single-serve airtight containers
  • zip top freezer bags

Tips + Tricks

  • thaw your jalapeno peppers in a single layer on top of a few layers of paper towel to remove excess moisture
  • Add the frozen jalapeno peppers directly to cooked dishes toward the end of the cooking time. They are already softened and won’t need much time to reheat
  • Don’t forget to wear protective gloves before handling hot peppers, the capsaicin from the spicy peppers can cause skin burns and can linger under your finger nails for days… ouch!
  • use frozen peppers within 6 months for optimal flavor and texture

Step By Step Directions For Freezing Jalapenos

This guide for how to freeze fresh jalapenos can be used for a variety of peppers including banana peppers, poblano peppers, chili peppers, bell peppers, and other types of peppers.

Step 1. Thoroughly wash your jalapeno peppers by rubbing them under cold water.

Step 2. Freezing Whole Jalapeno Peppers: Chop the tops off of your whole jalapenos and remove the seeds. Place the peppers in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze them for 2 -12 hours before transferring them to an airtight bag. You may choose to use a vacuum sealer to pull the air out of your bag or container and avoid frost burn.

Freezing Sliced Jalapeno Peppers: Chop the tops off of your whole jalapenos and remove the seeds. Chop or dice the jalapeno peppers to your desired size and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2-12 hours before transferring them to an airtight bag. I love to use small “snack size” ziplocks for my frozen jalapenos in 1/4 cup portions. You may choose to use a vacuum sealer to pull the air out of your bag, mason jar, or container to avoid freezer burn.

Step 3. Store the frozen jalapeno peppers in your freezer for 4-6 months. After this time, the quality of the peppers may start to decrease.

How to Thaw Peppers

There are a few ways to thaw frozen jalapeno peppers depending on how you intend to use them! For use in more delicate recipes where the structure of the jalapeno needs to hold up, allow the peppers to thaw slowly on a few sheets of paper towel or in a fine mesh sieve. This will wick away any excess moisture that comes from thawing the frozen jalapenos. If you are adding the peppers to cooked sauces, soups, and stews, simply toss them into the dish toward the end of the cooking time! They will thaw quickly and add beautiful flavor and color to your dish.

Recipes Using Frozen Peppers

Buffalo chicken bombs in a cast iron skillet with a yellow linen napkin underneath.

Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Bombs | Smoker, Air Fryer, Oven

Smothered in garlic and parmesan butter and bursting at the seams with spicy chicken insides, these buffalo chicken bombs are a favorite.

Smoked Baked Beans Pinterest Image

Smoked Baked Beans Recipe (Pellet Grill Baked Beans)

Smoked baked beans are a crowd favorite! Big enough to share but good enough you will want to keep it to yourself, this smoked beans recipe uses only one pan making cleanup a breeze. 

cropped-shotgun.shells-3.jpg

The Best Shotgun Shells Recipe | Smoker, Oven, or Air Fryer

This shotgun shells recipe is the perfect smoked appetizer. Excellent for your upcoming Super Bowl party, tailgate party, or other occasion, this shotgun shell recipe is a winner.

Printable Guide For Freezing Jalapeno Peppers

Frozen jalapenos in a glass jars with more frozen pieces scattered on a wooden surface.

How To Freeze Jalapeno Peppers

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezer Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 5 minutes

Check out this easy guide on how to freeze jalapeno peppers including more information on how to freeze banana peppers, bell peppers, poblano peppers, banana peppers, and chili peppers.

Ingredients

  • 8-10 jalapeno peppers, whole

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash your jalapeno peppers by rubbing them under cold water.
  2. Freezing Whole Jalapeno Peppers: Place the peppers in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze them for 2 -12 hours before transferring them to an airtight bag. You may choose to use a vacuum sealer to pull the air out of your bag or container and avoid frost burn.
  3. Freezing Sliced Jalapeno Peppers: Chop or dice the jalapeno peppers to your desired size and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2-12 hours before transferring them to an airtight bag. I love to use small “snack size” ziplocks for my frozen jalapenos in 1/4 cup portions. You may choose to use a vacuum sealer to pull the air out of your bag or container and avoid freezer burn.
  4. Store the frozen jalapeno peppers in your freezer for 4-6 months. After this time, the quality of the peppers may start to decrease.

How to Thaw Peppers

There are a few ways to thaw frozen jalapeno peppers depending on how you intend to use them! For use in more delicate recipes where the structure of the jalapeno needs to hold up, allow the peppers to thaw slowly on a few sheets of paper towel or in a fine mesh sieve. This will wick away any excess moisture that comes from thawing the frozen jalapenos. If you are adding the peppers to cooked sauces, soups, and stews, simply toss them into the dish toward the end of the cooking time! They will thaw quickly and add beautiful flavor and color to your dish.

Notes

  • thaw your jalapeno peppers in a single layer on top of a few layers of paper towel to remove excess moisture
  • add frozen jalapeno peppers directly to cooked dishes toward the end of the cooking time because they are already softened and won’t need much time to reheat
  • Don’t forget to wear protective gloves before handling hot peppers, the capsaicin from the spicy peppers can cause skin burns and can linger under your finger nails for days… ouch!
  • use frozen peppers within 6 months for optimal flavor and texture

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make pepper jelly with frozen peppers?

Yes, thaw the jalapeno peppers and use them as directed in your pepper jelly recipe. Be sure to keep the liquid or it may alter your recipe.

Can you use frozen jalapenos for cowboy candy?

Yes, thaw the jalapeno peppers and use them as directed in the cowboy candy. Be sure to keep the liquid or it may change your recipe.

Can you freeze chopped fresh jalapenos?

YES! Chopped fresh jalapeno peppers can be frozen in a single layer on a cookie sheet and transferred to an airtight bag or container.

Do you have to blanche jalapenos before freezing them?

No, jalapeno peppers don’t need to be blanched before freezing– making them one of the easiest vegetables to freeze.

How do you blanche peppers in preparation for freezing?

Drop clean peppers into a pot with boiling water for two minutes followed by an immediate ice bath.

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