Nuts and Nut Flour(01 of15)
Open Image ModalBecause of their high oil content, nuts can go rancid very quickly. We recommend freezing both nuts and nut flours if you don't plan on using them right away. To freeze peanuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds (shelled or unshelled), simply wrap them well in plastic, then place in a resealable freezer bag.
Herbs(02 of15)
Open Image ModalChop up fresh rosemary, oregano, sage, or thyme. Pack in ice cube trays (about 1/2 full), pour extra-virgin olive oil over, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze overnight. Remove cubes from trays and store in freezer in resealable plastic freezer bags. When ready to use, thaw in a pan on low heat, or use in stews or soups. (Pesto also freezes well: Put in ice cube trays, freeze overnight, then store in resealable plastic freezer bags.)
Ginger(03 of15)
Open Image ModalWorking with frozen ginger is ridiculously easy. Freeze whole pieces of unpeeled ginger, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a resealable freezer bag. When ready to use, there's no need to defrost: Just scrape with a spoon to peel (if you wish) and then grate with a microplane. Toss in stir-fries and soups, make tea, or use it to bake to your heart's content.
Bacon(04 of15)
Open Image ModalWe love freezing bacon, not only because, well, it's BACON, but also because it defrosts incredibly quickly at room temperature. Wrap individual portions (3-4 slices) of raw bacon side by side in parchment paper or wax paper, pop them into a resealable freezer bag, and place in the freezer. (If you need to chop the bacon for a recipe, it's very easy to do so when it's frozen.)
Butter(05 of15)
Open Image ModalBig sale on butter? Buy a bunch and stash a few sticks in the freezer. Keep it in its original packaging, then just wrap it well in plastic to stave off nasty odors.
Ripe Bananas(06 of15)
Open Image ModalStore very ripe bananas in resealable freezer bags (squeeze out as much air as possible and arrange them so they don't stick together). Blend frozen bananas (after peeling with your fingers or a knife) with yogurt and other produce for a super-creamy smoothie, or defrost them (they should thaw after about an hour at room temperature) and use in banana bread.
Berries(07 of15)
Open Image ModalStrawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries all freeze very well, and if you freeze them when they're peaking they'll be loaded with nutrients when you eat them. Simply place berries in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze overnight, then store them in freezer in resealable freezer bags. Toss them into smoothies, yogurt, or cereal, or thaw and use for baking.
Grapes(08 of15)
Open Image ModalCan you say game-changer? Healthy, crunchy, and satisfyingly sweet, frozen grapes are pretty much the best snacks ever, and they couldn't be simpler to prepare: Wash them, dry them, spread them on a baking sheet, then freeze for a few hours. Enjoy them immediately or store in the freezer in resealable plastic bags.
Bread(09 of15)
Open Image ModalWhen freezing loaves of homemade bread, like French bread, be sure to let them cool first, then wrap whole loaves airtight in plastic wrap then place in resealable freezer bags. Lightly toast the bread to restore its texture and bring out its flavor. Can't finish that whole loaf of storebought bread? Freeze it, then toast slices right out of the freezer.
Coffee(10 of15)
Open Image ModalIf you're an iced coffee lover and you haven't yet made coffee ice cubes, I have to ask: What the heck are you waiting for? Pour your leftover coffee into ice cube trays, freeze, them toss the caffeinated cubes into your iced coffee to give it a boost. Because you do need that extra boost, right?
Citrus Juice(11 of15)
Open Image ModalAgain with the ice cube trays! Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice into ice cube trays (measure out 1 or 2 tablespoons in each cube), freeze, then store in resealable plastic freezer bags. Add the cubes to iced tea or lemonade to give your drink an extra kick, or use them in recipes calling for lemon or lime juice.
Milk and Buttermilk(12 of15)
Open Image ModalWhen we see milk on sale, we buy a few bottles and freeze some for later. Just pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Thaw in the fridge. If the texture is too weird/grainy to drink, use the milk for cooking. Since many recipes call for just a bit of buttermilk, it makes sense to freeze it in smaller portions: Measure out 1-tablespoon portions, pour into those trusty ice cube trays, freeze overnight, then put buttermilk cubes into resealable freezer bags. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator.
Cooked pasta(13 of15)
Open Image ModalBoil your pasta until barely al dente (so pasta isn't mushy when you reheat), then freeze without sauce in individual freezer-ready containers. To serve, microwave or just add to a hot sauce--ta-da!
Cookies(14 of15)
Open Image ModalEven if you're not baking batches and batches of cookies for the holidays, we still recommend freezing some cookies. Why? Because, homemade cookies are delicious, and you should always have access to them. To freeze, let cookies cool completely, wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge (or do as we sometimes do and snack on frozen chocolate chip cookies, which are amazing).
Cooked rice, quinoa, and other hearty grains(15 of15)
Open Image ModalI only very recently cottoned to the concept of freezing rice and other cooked grains. Just cook, let cool, then store in resealable plastic freezer bags. When ready to serve, pour into a bowl and microwave for a minute, or heat the grain with a little liquid on the stovetop.