Learn the EASY way to freeze mushrooms in a few easy steps. Buy mushrooms on sale, freeze them raw and enjoy them whenever you like (and even if your spouse doesn’t like them!).
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For a long time, Laurier didn’t like mushrooms. I LOVE mushrooms. This was a tough time for me, and it took a bit of a toll on our relationship (the one I have with mushrooms – haha).
I would buy a package, only to lose half of it in the back of the fridge and find it once the mushrooms were covered in slime.
Other times, I would pile the entire package on my personal pizza just to avoid wasting them.
Finally, out of desperation, I had to experiment: Can mushrooms be frozen?
Yes, and it’s easy!
This is a great way to buy mushrooms when they’re on super sale and eat them whenever you want them.
And it’s simple. And I ❤ simple.
FAQ & Expert Tips About Freezing Mushrooms
Yes! This is the main way I freeze mushrooms, which is outlined below. I have not had any problems with this, and it’s just SO much easier than any other way!
No. I don’t find them slimy at all. They do have a slightly softer texture than when they are raw.
They will have to be cooked, however. I would not recommend trying this if you hope to eat them uncooked. But once you cook them you will never know the difference.
Yes! This is what I used to do before I had kids (when I had more time, haha). Buy mushrooms, slice and sauté with a little butter and olive oil (I like the combo) and some salt and pepper, then freeze smaller packages to pull out and use quickly when cooking.
If you follow the method I outlined below, you can just pull out a handful from the bag of frozen mushrooms.
If I’m thinking ahead I’ll leave them at room temperature on a plate for a few minutes while I prep other parts of the meal.
If not, you can cook them right from frozen by sautéing them in a little oil or butter (there will be more water to evaporate this way though).
In a pinch, pop them in the microwave to thaw!
I use frozen mushrooms in almost any recipe that’s not raw (like a salad). Thaw the mushrooms slightly (see above).
Then you can chop them smaller with you want, or just use them in your recipe as-is.
If you are sautéing them you can add them directly to a little bit of oil in a hot pan or pot.
You can use them in an oven-baked dish like a casserole, or on a pizza as is – although you may prefer the flavour and texture of sautéing them first (similar to fresh mushrooms). 
Yes, I do find that the mushrooms will produce slightly more liquid when you cook them than fresh mushrooms, due to their high water content. Allow an extra few minutes to sauté or roast them so the liquid can evaporate.
Most frozen produce is best used within six months, but I have found older bags of mushrooms in my freezer (probably about a year old) and they were still fine!
Have extra mushrooms to use up? Try these recipes:
- Easy Homemade Pizza Pockets from Delicious on a Dime (that’s us!)
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta from Recipe Tin Eats
- Sriracha Ranch One Pot Pasta from Delicious on a Dime
- White Mushroom Pizza from Damn Delicious
Related: Can you freeze tortillas? YES! Here’s how!
Time needed: 10 minutes.
How to Freeze Mushrooms – the Super Easy Way
- Buy mushrooms
Buy mushrooms, preferably when they’re on sale for a great price!
Tip: This is a GREAT way to stock your freezer with produce while saving money on groceries!
- Clean mushrooms
Follow these tips for best results:
Brush your mushrooms off with a paper towel or soft cloth to remove any dirt. Use only fresh mushrooms that aren’t slimy or mushy.
Tip: DO NOT WASH YOUR MUSHROOMS. This will make them much more slimy. - Slice mushrooms
Trim the very end of the mushroom stem off. Slice mushrooms.
You don’t have to be overly picky about the slicing. I just roughly slice. - Freeze
Place them on a large cookie sheet and freeze.
Tip: I have two extra large sheet pans similar to this one and I love how much more I can fit on them compared to a cookie sheet!
Tip: Although this is a tiny bit more work than just throwing them into a freezer bag, I like to flash freeze them like this because I love to be able to grab a handful of mushrooms – or any other amount I want to thaw. - Transfer to freezer bag
Once the mushrooms are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Store in your freezer.
Bonus points if you use these! I really want to make the switch!
Now that they are individually frozen, you can take out as many as you want at a time. - Use your frozen mushrooms!
Measure out the mushrooms you need for your recipe. If you are cooking with them you can thaw them for a few minutes on the counter while you prep your other ingredients, or microwave them for a minute or two to defrost.
Tip: I don’t recommend using these for a salad or any raw recipes, but if you are going to fry, sauté or bake them they’ll work perfectly!
(In the photo below I’m using frozen sliced mushrooms to make our Sriracha Ranch One Pot Pasta and they worked perfectly!)
Voila! Mushrooms only ever bought on sale and not a slimy one to be found!
You might also like:
What’s your favourite ingredient to freeze? What do you wish you could freeze?
Let us know in the comments below!
This post was originally published on March 31, 2017 and was updated April 17, 2020.
Hi there,
I just wanted to add a little something, (TY for everyones comments and TY Myra for the upload).
I am in the UK and I have noticed that during this Covid time, that foods I normally buy are low on stock or unavailable. I think its because People and especially the younger generation are actually cooking more from fresh. I have to say this makes me so happy because people are thinking about what they are eating, and post’s like this helps, not only to make better diet choices,but, also these people are becoming more aware of NOT wasting food, but preserving, for other meals. The last time evryone really bothered to preserve their food was during the last War. TY again.
Hi Michaela! What a great observation! Hopefully it’s a sign of humans moving in a good direction 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
When I removed from freezer and thawed, they were 10% mushroom and 90% brown liquid!
Hi Brian! While there will definitely be some liquid when they thaw, there shouldn’t have been 90%! I wonder, did you happen to wash the mushrooms before freezing them? That would definitely have contributed to more liquid. I never wash them – just brush off loose dirt with a paper towel. This way you avoid adding extra liquid and while there will be a little, it should cook off quickly. If you want me to help you troubleshoot please let me know! 🙂
How about apples?
Hi Jane! This is a great question and one I should definitely experiment with! One thing I can tell you is that I’ve peeled, cored and sliced apples, mixed them with a bit of brown sugar and some cinnamon and nutmeg, and frozen them in a freezer bag for a super easy apple crisp. Then when I thawed them out I just put them in a dish and covered with an oat/flour topping and baked. I think if you plan to bake with them you could definitely freeze peeled, sliced apples in small packages. I may try to do some experimenting and put together a post in the future! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Myra,
I would like to know how do mushrooms help you in weight loss, I love mushrooms so I would like to know the secret.
I’m not too sure, but if you find out the secret please feel free to share it 🙂
How long can they be stored in the freezer?
If I slice, freeze on cookie sheet paper and then place into small freezer bags (enough for me to cook with – single serve)
How long can I have them in the freezer for before they expire and become unusable?
Hi Kevin! It probably depends on your freezer, but I can tell you that I’ve found a super old bag (I would guess at least a year) and they were still fine for cooking with. So, at a minimum, six months, but probably longer!
Personally I have a hard time reminding myself to eat mushrooms when I have them. I love them, and they helped me lose weight in the past.
So what I’m going to do is freeze them and include them in my vegetable mix for smoothies. Thanks for the article!
Great idea Chris! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
If you don’t want to freeze them you can remove the store plastic wrapping and brown bag them . They keep for ten to fourteen days in my experience. Don’t go slimy any just dry a little if left very long. But still good for cooking.
Thanks for the tip Hega! It’s great to have options, especially if you might want them for a salad or something similar! 🙂
I now have the correct information on my reply to Freezing Mushrooms. The TV program, Good Eats, had a segment on washing mushrooms. Alton Brown took Dry mushrooms & ran them under water. He then cleaned another batch bye wiping them off. He then weighted them & there was no difference between the washed & dry mushrooms. So washing them did not put more water into the mushrooms. I do wash mine, let them drip on a towel & then freeze in packets. Can not put on a salad, but sauteing them is wonderful for casseroles or soups.
Hi Jean! Thanks for sharing this tip! Isn’t Alton Brown a wealth of amazing information? My parents absolutely love him 🙂
At the moment I can’t think of the name of the TV program, but the guy is Elton somebody. He did a Test between rinsing Mushrooms under water or just wiping them off. How much water made the Mushrooms heavier. There was no difference. So I rinse the Mushrooms under water. put them on a towel to dry & then throw them in Freezer bags. Just take out a bag & saute them in butter when needed. No you can’t use them on a salad, but putting them in Casserole or soups is just fine.
Thank u
I have been freezing mushrooms for years. I do slice them and freeze them on a cookie sheet. I then put them in a food saver bag and put in the freezer . I try to buy them in bulk when I can. When I can’t we have a 99 cent store and I buy several packages to freeze. I love to freeze anything from veggies to fruits for use later on.
Hi Nancy! I love to freeze vegetables and fruit too! I find it’s a great way to make our grocery budget go further, because I can stock up when prices are low. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Why freeze to freeze, can’t I just put in my food saver and vacuum seal? Judy
Hi Judy! I like to freeze mushrooms when I can find a great sale on them and want to stock up at a fantastic price. So, while a half pound of mushrooms where I live might normally cost $3, sometimes I can find them for $1.50 and will buy a bunch at that price. I have used a food saver from time to time, but actually only to prep food for freezing (must be a thing for me, haha!). I’m not sure what would happen if you sealed mushrooms and refrigerated them – I’m assuming they would still get slimy with time, but perhaps I’m wrong?
If you freeze them individually it’s easier to scoop out how many you need/want without defrosting the whole bag.
Absolutely! I find, though, that mushrooms are so dry that as long as they’re in a fairly thin layer on the pan, you can kind of break them up once they’re frozen and just pull out what you need. It’s great! 🙂
I believe this would cause the mushrooms to becoe one big lump. if you freeze on a cookie sheet, they will be more individualized and that makes it easier to grab only what you need!
Loved your info on how to freeze mushrooms, love them, and would lose them in refrigerator also, would forget, now can freeze them for cooking later. I love freezing my herbs, although not basil, so now I can have my mushrooms. Thank you.
You’re welcome Janice! I’m so happy this information helped you out (from one mushroom-lover to another 🙂 )
I have froze mushrooms for years…but I clean, slice, then saute to a doneness that I like. Spoon a quarter cup into snack size Ziploc bags. Freeze. If I want to add to soups, burgers, casseroles whatever I just pull out what I need. No more wasting them!
Hi Marian! I’ve done this too and also enjoyed the results! The main reason I switched is that I have three small kids and I find it faster to slice and freeze and just deal with them when I’m cooking the actual dish. But I love any and all ideas for reducing food waste, and sauteed mushrooms are always delicious 🙂