Wondering whether you can freeze guacamole? Turns out you can, with a few tips and tricks. Here’s what to do!
Got a pile of guacamole and not sure you can use all of it? First, we recommend going to town with a pile of tortilla chips. But if that’s not an option, does it work frozen? While avocados don’t freeze well, turns out guacamole can work: if you follow a few pointers on how to do it. Keep reading for how to freeze guacamole!
Can you freeze guacamole?
Guacamole can freeze well: it’s an easy way to preserve its flavor and creamy texture. Keep in mind that a creamy guacamole freezes better than a chunky one, since its texture is already pureed. Chunks of avocado, onion and tomato add a more watery texture after thawing. Make sure to stir in a bit of lemon or lime juice prior to freezing it, and place plastic wrap on any surfaces exposed to air to prevent browning.
In general, storebought creamy guacamole freezes better than homemade. While avocados lose their texture after defrosting, creamy guacamole can retain its creaminess without becoming too watery. Stored correctly, frozen guacamole can last up to 3 months.
Since we found that avocados don’t freeze well, we were surprised that guacamole worked! The creamy texture really is key here, because avocado chunks become watery and flat tasting after defrosting (read about it here).
How to freeze guacamole
Ready to freeze guacamole? Of course, you’ll want to make sure the guac is still fresh and not at the end of its shelf life. You can safely store guacamole refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days, with plastic wrap pressed into the surface so it doesn’t brown. If you don’t think you can eat it quickly, you also can pop it into the freezer. Here’s how to do it:
- Decide whether you have the right type of guacamole. Only freeze creamy guacamole that has a smooth, pureed texture. Chunky guacamole does not freeze well because it becomes watery when thawed. (In general, we’ve found that purchased guac freezes better than homemade.)
- Place the guacamole in an airtight container that’s just large enough to fit it. (Consider freezing in a few smaller containers if you have a large amount.) You can also place it into a freezer safe plastic bag.
- Prevent browning: Squeeze 1 to 2 wedges fresh lemon or lime juice into the guacamole and stir. If using a container, press a sheet of plastic wrap onto the exposed surface to prevent browning. If using a plastic bag, flatten the guacamole and remove any extra air using a straw, then seal the bag.
- Label with a “Use By” date 3 months in the future.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, keeping in mind the fresher the guac the better. Try to use the defrosted guacamole within 3 days.
How to defrost guacamole
When defrosted from frozen, creamy guacamole keeps its creamy texture (as noted above, avoid freezing chunky guacamole). To defrost, simply place in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The exact timing depends on the container and amount of guacamole. Once thawed, you can use guacamole in all the ways you like to eat it: as a chip dip, in tacos, or dolloped on quesadillas or enchiladas.
Freezing other ingredients
And that’s it! Once you make sure you’re freezing the right kind of guac, it works like a charm. All ingredients hold up differently in the freezer. Here are a few more methods to try:
- Freeze fruits and vegetables like broccoli, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
- Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
- Try freezing whole grains like rice
Can You Freeze Guacamole?
Description
Wondering whether you can freeze guacamole? Turns out you can, with a few tips and tricks. Here’s what to do!
Ingredients
- Creamy guacamole (storebought works best)
Instructions
- Decide whether you have the right type of guacamole to freeze. Only freeze creamy guacamole that has a smooth, pureed texture. Chunky guacamole does not freeze well because chunks of avocado, onion and tomato cause it to become watery when thawed. (In general, we’ve found that purchased creamy guacamole freezes better than homemade.)
- Place the guacamole in an airtight container that’s just large enough to fit it. (Consider freezing in a few smaller containers if you have a large amount.) You can also place it into a freezer safe plastic bag.
- Prevent browning: Squeeze 1 to 2 wedges fresh lemon or lime juice into the guacamole and stir. If using a container, press a sheet of plastic wrap onto the exposed surface to prevent browning. If using a plastic bag, flatten the guacamole and remove any extra air using a straw, then seal the bag.
- Label with a “Use By” date 3 months in the future.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, keeping in mind the fresher the guacamole the better. Thaw by placing the container in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Try to use the defrosted guacamole within 3 days.
