How to Freeze Peppers

Learn how to quickly and easily freeze peppers, to enjoy the fresh from the garden flavor all year long.  

Peppers used to be something I was only able to enjoy in the summertime, while pepper harvest was in full swing.  They only keep for a short while in the refrigerator, and if you don’t use them quickly, soon they will start growing mold on them.

I love peppers, especially the heirloom peppers that I grow on my property.  They are free of all chemicals, they’re the varieties I am looking for, and they are picked at peak freshness!

I couldn’t see eating peppers for every meal, as to not let them go to waste.  I needed a method for preserving them to enjoy well into the winter season.

That’s when I figured that I would give freezing a try.  

How to Freeze Peppers

I found freezing peppers to be an efficient method that would keep my peppers tasting amazing until I decided to use them.  

It was also great to be able to cut up the peppers and then fill bags as they came in from the garden.  I didn’t need to wait and do a huge batch at once.  Just when I had enough to fill up a couple bags.

4 Things I Love About Always Having Peppers in the Freezer

1. I can make fajitas any day of the year.  This is a quick and easy meal if we have unexpected company.
2. I always have a wonderful addition to pizza toppings.
3. I don’t let my beautiful heirloom peppers rot in the fridge.  Meals get switched around and sometimes food gets forgotten about in my fridge.  By freezing them, I can leave them frozen until I need them.
4. They taste like I just picked them from the garden.

Supplies Needed:

• A cutting board – I love to use a wooden cutting board to slice up my fruits and vegetables.
• A sharp knife – A chef knife or a cook’s utility knife are both good options.
• Freshly washed peppers – These can be fresh from your garden, from the Farmers Market, or from the grocery store.  
• Onions – Optional, but I did some bags with just peppers, and some with onions added.  I use the onions and peppers when I make omelets or fajitas.
• Bowl – I like to use my big stainless steel bread bowl.
• FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer – This is the ultimate tool. I use my FoodSaver many times throughout the year.
• FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Bags – These FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer bags are perfect for getting your peppers frozen and keeping them fresh and preventing freezer burn.
• Permanent Marker – I have permanent markers in multiple places throughout my house.  Don’t forget to label everything!

Instructions

1. Gather all of the supplies and wash the peppers.
2. Slice the peppers and onions if using.
3. Label the FoodSaver bags with the permanent marker before filling them.
4. Put the peppers and onions into a FoodSaver bag.  Fill half to three-quarters full.
5. Put the bag into the FoodSaver and vacuum the air out and seal.
6. Store in the freezer for up to a year.

Common Questions

How long do peppers store in the freezer?

I have easily kept them for a year in my deep freeze.  The FoodSaver bags are the secret.  By keeping the air out, it prevents the peppers from getting freezer burned, and keeps them tasting fresh.

Do I need to use a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer and FoodSaver bags?

I recommend that you do, if you would like to store the peppers in the freezer for longer than one month. The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer and the FoodSaver bags protect the peppers from becoming freezer burned.

Do I have to add onions?

No, you don’t.  I add onions to about half of my bags and leave them out of the rest.

What’s the easiest way to cut a pepper?

I wrote a post showing step-by-step directions on the best method for slicing a pepper for minimal waste.  

Do the peppers and onions get mushy?

I wouldn’t suggest trying to eat these thawed, because they probably would be a little mushy, and definitely not like a fresh pepper.  I find that cooking them, I cannot tell the difference between using fresh or frozen peppers.

Do I have to thaw the peppers and onions before using?

No, you don’t.  I usually just put them into my pan straight out of the freezer.

Do I have to slice the peppers before I freeze them?

I would definitely remove the seeds and ribs, but you can leave them cut in larger pieces if you choose.

Can I freeze hot peppers too?

Yes, absolutely!  Cut them how you’d like (I usually dice hot peppers) and freeze the same way as bell peppers.

How do I use frozen peppers?

Frozen peppers are a great staple to keep on hand all year.  Frozen peppers are great in:

• Fajitas (and that is why I started adding the onions to my pepper bags.  This makes such quick and easy fajitas!)
• Omelets
• Stuffed Peppers (these can also be made and then frozen)
• Pizza toppings

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How to Freeze Peppers

Learn how to quickly and easily freeze peppers, to enjoy the fresh from the garden flavor all year long.  

Print

Tools

• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Bowl
• FoodSaver
• FoodSaver Bags
• Permanent Marker
• Peppers
• Onions, optional

Instructions

1. Gather all of the supplies and wash the peppers.
2. Slice the peppers and onions if using.
3. Label the FoodSaver bags with the permanent marker before filling them.
4. Put the peppers and onions into a FoodSaver bag.  Fill half to three-quarters full.
5. Put into the FoodSaver and vacuum the air out and seal.
6. Store in the freezer.

Notes

Common Questions

How long do peppers store in the freezer?

I have easily kept them for a year in my deep freeze.  The FoodSaver bags are the secret.  By keeping the air out, it prevents the peppers from getting freezer burned, and keeps them tasting fresh.

Do I need to use a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer and FoodSaver bags?

I recommend that you do, if you would like to store the peppers in the freezer for longer than one month. The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer and the FoodSaver bags protect the peppers from becoming freezer burned.

Do I have to add onions?

No, you don't.  I add onions to about half of my bags and leave them out of the rest.

What's the easiest way to cut a pepper?

I wrote a post showing step-by-step directions on the best method for slicing a pepper for minimal waste.

Do the peppers and onions get mushy?

I wouldn't suggest trying to eat these thawed, because they probably would be a little mushy, and definitely not like a fresh pepper.  I find that cooking them, I cannot tell the difference between using fresh or frozen peppers.

Do I have to thaw the peppers and onions before using?

No, you don't.  I usually just put them into my pan straight out of the freezer.

Can I freeze hot peppers too?

Yes, absolutely!  Cut them how you'd like (I usually dice hot peppers) and freeze the same way as bell peppers.

Do I have to slice the peppers before I freeze them?

I would definitely remove the seeds and ribs, but you can leave them cut in larger pieces if you choose.

How do I use frozen peppers?

Frozen peppers are a great staple to keep on hand all year.  Frozen peppers are great in:

• Fajitas (and that is why I started adding the onions to my pepper bags.  This makes such quick and easy fajitas!)
• Omelets
• Stuffed Peppers (these can also be made and then frozen)
• Pizza toppings

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