How to Freeze Bell Peppers the Right Way (So They Last All Year)

Wondering how to freeze bell peppers without them turning mushy? With just a few simple steps, you can keep them crisp, flavorful, and ready to use for up to 12 months. Here’s a simple step‑by‑step guide, to help you get the most out of your peppers!

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, grab what you’ll need:

• Cutting board and knife
• Bowl of ice water
• Large pot for boiling water
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Towels for drying
• Freezer‑safe containers or bags

2. Wash and Dry the Bell Peppers

Rinse your bell peppers well and pat them completely dry with a towel. Moisture is the enemy of good freezer storage. Wet peppers will clump and form icy crystals later!

3. Slice (or Leave Some Whole)

Cut out the stems and seeds. This is important to do before freezing the bell peppers! Then, decide how you’ll want to use them later:

• Slice or dice peppers for soups, stir‑fries, fajitas, or omelets
• Leave some whole if you love making stuffed peppers!

4. Blanch the Peppers

Here’s the secret step that makes all the difference. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and prepare a bowl of ice water on the side. Drop your bell peppers into the boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to the ice bath.

Why blanch? It stops the enzymes that cause peppers to lose flavor, texture, and color in the freezer. That quick hot‑to‑cold process locks in freshness and helps them last up to a year.

5. Flash Freeze Bell Peppers

After the ice bath, drain the peppers and pat them dry. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and freeze the bell peppers for 1–2 hours. This “flash freeze” keeps them from sticking together in a big frozen clump.

6. Pack and Store

Transfer the frozen bell peppers into airtight freezer bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Use our label to ensure you use the bell peppers at their very best!

Now you’ve got peppers ready to go! Just grab what you need and toss them straight into your dish. No thawing required.

How to Use Frozen Bell Peppers

The beauty of this method is that the bell peppers keep their flavor and color. They’re perfect for: Stir fries, fajitas, soups, and stuffed bell peppers!

Final Tip

The next time you bring home a bag of bell peppers and worry they’ll spoil before you use them, just take 20 minutes to freeze them right way. Your future self will thank you when dinner comes together effortlessly.