How to Freeze Bell Peppers
Wondering how to freeze bell peppers so they stay fresh for months? It’s easier than you think—no blanching required! Freezing bell peppers is a great way to stock up on seasonal produce and make meal prep a breeze. Keep a stash in your freezer, and you’ll always have peppers ready for stir-fries, soups, and sauces!
Can You Freeze Bell Peppers?
Yes! Bell peppers are one of the easiest vegetables to freeze, and the best part?
Unlike green beans or sweet corn, there’s no need to blanch bell peppers before freezing them. Simply dice or slice them, then freeze—it’s that simple!
Since they have a short shelf life, freezing is the best way to preserve extra peppers before they spoil. Whether you had a bumper crop from the garden or found a great sale at the store, freezing ensures you’ll have peppers ready for stir-fries, soups, and sauces all year long.
Although bell peppers are available year-round, they have the best flavor and texture when frozen in peak season (summer and fall).
Why Freeze Bell Peppers?
✔ Reduce Waste – Bell peppers spoil quickly! Freezing them preserves extras from a garden harvest or store-bought surplus.
✔ Save Money – Stock up when bell peppers are in season and freeze them to avoid high out-of-season prices.
✔ Great for Gardeners – Grew your own bell peppers? Freezing keeps your harvest fresh for months.
✔ Convenient for Cooking – Pre-sliced frozen peppers make stir-fries, soups, and omelets faster—no chopping needed!
✔ Perfect for Meal Planning – Always have a versatile ingredient ready for quick, stress-free meals.
This guide will walk you through how to freeze bell peppers, how to thaw them, and the best ways to use frozen peppers in recipes. Let’s get started!
When Are Bell Peppers in Season?
Bell peppers are available year-round, but they taste best when harvested at peak season—which happens twice a year! If you want the freshest, most flavorful bell peppers to freeze, keep these seasonal windows in mind:
- Summer: June – July
- Fall: September – November
While you can freeze bell peppers any time, they’ll retain better flavor and texture if preserved when they’re at their peak.
Want to know more about seasonal produce? Check out these helpful guides for other fruits and veggies you can enjoy throughout the year:
How to Pick the Best Bell Peppers for Freezing
To get the best results when freezing bell peppers, start with the freshest ones! Look for:
- Vibrant color – Whether red, yellow, orange, or green, the skin should be bright and glossy.
- Firm texture – Peppers should feel crisp and sturdy, not soft or wrinkled.
- No blemishes – Avoid any with bruises, mold, or dark spots.
Tip: Size doesn’t determine ripeness! A smaller bell pepper can be just as ripe and flavorful as a larger one.
Tools You’ll Need to Freeze Bell Peppers
Before you get started, having the right tools on hand will make freezing bell peppers quick and mess-free. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking tray – Freezes the peppers in a single layer so they don’t clump together in storage.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking to the baking sheet. (No parchment? Wax paper works too!)
- Sharp chef’s knife – Makes slicing easier and ensures clean, even cuts. Make sure your knife is sharpened before you start.
- Cutting board – Use a veggie-only board to avoid cross-contamination.
- Small bowl – Keeps seeds, membranes, and stems contained for easier cleanup.
- Small spoon – Helps scoop out seeds and white membranes quickly.
- Vacuum bags – The best option for keeping peppers fresh longer and preventing freezer burn.
- Zip-top freezer bags – Works well too! Just press out as much air as possible before sealing. (A straw can help remove extra air!)
How to Freeze Bell Peppers
Before you start freezing bell peppers, think about how you’ll use them later. Do you prefer diced peppers for soups and omelets or sliced strips for stir-fries? The good news? You can freeze any color—red, yellow, orange, or green!
Follow these simple steps to freeze bell peppers properly:
- Wash & Dry – Rinse the peppers under cool running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Remove Seeds & Membranes – Slice the peppers in half, then scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon. (I like to collect them in a bowl for easy cleanup!)
- Cut as Needed – Dice, slice, or cut the peppers into thick strips, depending on how you plan to use them.
- Pre-Freeze – Spread the cut peppers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Freeze until just firm, about 1 hour. (This prevents them from clumping together in storage!)
- Store Properly – Transfer the frozen peppers to a freezer-safe bag or vacuum-sealed bag.
- Label & Freeze – Write the date on the bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Freezing Bell Peppers
Want the best results when freezing bell peppers? These simple tips will help you avoid freezer burn, prevent clumping, and maximize storage space!
- No blanching needed – Unlike some vegetables, bell peppers freeze well without any extra prep.
- Remove as much air as possible – If using a standard freezer bag, press out excess air before sealing. (A straw can help remove extra air!) Less air means less chance of freezer burn.
- Pre-freeze to prevent clumping – Always freeze sliced or diced peppers on a tray first. If you skip this step, they’ll freeze into one large, hard-to-use clump.
- Think ahead – If you’re unsure how you’ll use your peppers, slice them instead of dicing. It’s easier to dice frozen peppers later than to turn diced pieces into strips!
- Freezer burn doesn’t ruin them! – If frozen bell peppers develop freezer burn, they’re still safe to eat, but the texture may suffer. Use them in soups, stews, or sauces where texture isn’t an issue.
Frozen Bell Pepper FAQs
Got questions about how to freeze bell peppers? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions! If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment—I’d be happy to help.
Do You Need to Blanch Bell Peppers Before Freezing?
Nope! Bell peppers don’t need blanching—simply wash, slice (or dice), and freeze.
If you’ve been wondering how to blanch green peppers, you certainly can, but it’s not necessary. Bell peppers freeze well without blanching, though they may lose some crispness once thawed.
Can You Freeze Whole Bell Peppers?
Yes! If you plan on making stuffed peppers, freezing whole bell peppers is a great option.
- Cut off the tops and remove the seeds.
- Place the tops back on before wrapping each pepper in plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Katie’s Tip: It’s best to stuff peppers while still frozen, as they hold their shape better that way.
How Long Do Frozen Bell Peppers Last?
Stored properly, frozen bell peppers stay fresh for up to 6 months! Be sure to use airtight freezer bags to maintain their best flavor and texture.
Should You Thaw Frozen Bell Peppers Before Using?
In most cases, no! Frozen bell peppers cook best straight from the freezer.
- For cooked dishes → No need to thaw—just toss them in.
- For cold dishes (like salsas or dips) → Thaw in the fridge for 1-2 hours before using.
Can You Freeze Other Fresh Peppers?
Yes! Sweet and hot peppers can both be frozen.
- Sweet peppers → Use the same freezing method as bell peppers.
- Hot peppers → It’s best to leave them whole. Simply wash, dry, and seal in a freezer bag. This preserves their seeds, which is where much of their heat comes from.
How to Thaw Frozen Bell Peppers
If you do need to thaw frozen bell peppers, here’s how:
- Diced or sliced peppers → Leave at room temperature for about an hour.
- Whole bell peppers → Thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Cook with Frozen Bell Peppers
Frozen bell peppers work best in cooked dishes, such as:
- Stir-fries & sautéed dishes – Toss them in straight from the freezer.
- Soups & stews – Add frozen peppers while simmering.
- Omelets & breakfast scrambles – No need to thaw—just cook them directly in the pan.
Katie’s Tip: Since frozen peppers release moisture, they may lower the cooking temperature temporarily. Allow extra time for them to heat through properly.
Recipes Using Frozen Bell Peppers
Now that you know how to freeze bell peppers, it’s time to put them to good use! Frozen bell peppers are incredibly versatile and can be swapped in for fresh peppers in most recipes—no need to thaw them first.
Here are some delicious ways to cook with frozen bell peppers:
Soups & Stews (Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly meals!)
- Brisket Chili – A smoky, slightly spicy chili with green bell peppers and slow-simmered brisket for deep, rich flavors. Freezer-friendly!
- Creamy Red Beans and Rice – A hearty, comforting dish using green bell peppers. It makes a big batch, so you can freeze individual portions for easy lunches or double the recipe to save extra for later!
Dips & Appetizers (Perfect for snacking or entertaining!)
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Creamy hummus made with roasted red bell peppers, chickpeas, tahini, and garlic. Freezes well!
Easy Dinner Recipes (Quick, flavorful meals for any night!)
- Gingered Beef with Snow Peas – A simple stir-fry with red bell peppers, snow peas, and tender beef—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Southwestern Black Bean Pasta – A smoky tomato-based pasta dish with green bell peppers and black beans. The sauce can also be frozen for later.
Stuffed Bell Peppers (A great way to freeze whole peppers!)
- Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – A vegetarian version of a classic stuffed bell pepper recipe. Perfect for meal prep—freeze them whole for an easy dinner another night.
Comfort Food & Entertaining Recipes (Perfect for cozy meals and special occasions!)
- Chicken Parmesan with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce – Baked parmesan-crusted chicken topped with a red bell pepper-infused tomato sauce. Sauce is freezer-friendly!
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies – Mini pot pies filled with chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce. An impressive meal for guests or a comforting family dinner.
Freezing bell peppers is an easy way to preserve their freshness, but everyone has their own favorite tips and tricks to make the process even more efficient.
Do you have a go-to method for freezing bell peppers or other veggies? Share your best tips in the comments—I’d love to hear how you stock your freezer for quick and easy meals!
On Instagram? Tag @goodlifeeats and use #goodlifeeatsrecipes to show me how you’re freezing bell peppers and using them in your favorite recipes!
More Vegetable Freezing Tutorials
Want to stock your freezer with more summer vegetables? These step-by-step guides will show you how to freeze fresh produce so you can enjoy it year-round!
- How to Freeze Green Beans – Learn how to blanch and freeze green beans for the best texture and flavor, plus the best way to thaw them when you’re ready to cook.
- How to Freeze Corn – Preserve sweet summer corn by freezing it on or off the cob for easy use in soups, salads, and side dishes.
- How to Freeze Spinach – Freezing spinach is quick and easy! Learn four different methods and discover how to use frozen spinach in meals.
- How to Freeze Kale – Yes, you can freeze kale! This tutorial covers four simple freezing methods and includes recipe ideas for using frozen kale.
Looking for even more vegetable freezer tutorials? Check out the Freezer Tutorials Section, where you’ll find step-by-step guides for freezing common ingredients and meal prep tips to make cooking easier!
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How to Freeze Bell Peppers
Learn how to freeze bell peppers and stock up while summer sale prices last! Having frozen bell peppers on hand makes for easy stir-fries, soups, and sauces throughout the year!
Ingredients
- Fresh bell peppers (any color)
Instructions
To freeze diced or sliced bell peppers:
- Wash the peppers under running tap water, then thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the peppers in half, then remove the seeds and white membranes. A spoon makes quick work of this! I like to put the seeds into a bowl rather than pile them up on my countertop for easier cleanup.
- Dice, slice, or cut the peppers into thick strips.
- Spread the prepared peppers in an even layer over a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze just until hardened, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the peppers to a freezer-safe container, freezer bag, or freezer vacuum bag.
- Label, date, and freeze for up to 6 months.
To freeze whole bell peppers:
- Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove the seeds, then replace the tops.
- I recommend wrapping each pepper in plastic wrap before sealing in a freezer bag or container.
Tip: It’s best to stuff the peppers with filling while still frozen as they hold their shape better that way.
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