Can You Freeze Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts have come a long way from the bitter vegetable many of us hated as a kid. Whether roasted, steamed, air-fried or chopped up raw for a salad, Brussels sprouts have found a new following in both home kitchens and restaurant menus alike. The cruciferous vegetable is a delicious source of fiber, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C and, when prepared correctly, offers a distinct nutty sweetness and crispy texture.

But if you’ve suddenly found yourself with more Brussels sprouts than you need at the moment, you’re in luck: Freezing Brussels sprouts can dramatically extend their shelf life.

Here, Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager Sarah Brekke, M.S. dishes on everything you need to know about freezing Brussels sprouts.

How to Freeze Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are easy to freeze, and doing so will keep them good for up to a full year. If frozen properly, the sprouts should retain their signature nutty sweetness and texture. Before you get started, Brekke says it’s key to select only the best sprouts for long-term freezer storage—toss out any that are yellow or brown, have spots or feel soft.

For the best results, Brekke recommends cooking Brussels sprouts before sticking them in the freezer. A quick 2- to 3-minute blanch will ensure they don’t turn to mush.

To freeze Brussels sprouts, you’ll need a pot of boiling water, a slotted spoon, a bowl of ice water, and a rimmed baking sheet. After blanching, plan to store your frozen sprouts in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container.

1. Wash and trim Brussels sprouts.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add sprouts; boil 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove Brussels sprouts from the boiling water and immediately add to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process.
4. Once sprouts are cooled, drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.
5. Place Brussels sprouts in the freezer until fully frozen before transferring them to a resealable plastic freezer bag or container. 

How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Last?

Using our best practices for storage, you can expect the following lifespan for Brussels sprouts:

• Refrigerator: About 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 1 year

How to Cook with Frozen Brussels Sprouts

If you follow the proper guidance for freezing Brussels sprouts, they should taste very similar to fresh ones. In most cases, frozen Brussels sprouts do not need to be thawed and can be used straight from the freezer, but you should plan to cook them at high heat once they’ve been frozen.

“Texturally, the Brussels sprouts will be a bit softer when cooked, so we recommend quickly roasting them at a high temperature to combat any mushiness that may arise,” Brekke says. 

With that said, Brekke says frozen Brussels sprouts are at their best when roasted at high temperatures or tossed into the air fryer or pressure cooker. They also work great in soups, stews and slow-cooker recipes where texture isn’t key. For recipes that rely on the crunch of raw Brussels sprouts, like our Winter Pear Salad, it’s probably best to stick to fresh.