Yes, you can freeze sautéed mushrooms! Cooking mushrooms before freezing helps preserve their flavor and gives them a better texture than mushrooms frozen raw. Once cooked and cooled, they can be packaged and frozen for convenient use in soups, casseroles, sauces, pasta, and other cooked dishes.
This easy method is especially helpful when mushrooms are on sale or you have more than you can use while they’re fresh. With only mushrooms, butter, and oil, you can prepare a freezer stash that makes future meal preparation faster and easier.
And that's exactly what happened to me when I knew I wanted to make Turkey Tetrazzini , but the mushrooms were on sale before I was ready to use them. Freezing them after sautéing was the perfect solution.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list for sautéing mushrooms for freezing:
- How to sauté and freeze mushrooms (step-by-step photos) :
- Why Cook Mushrooms Before Freezing?
- What are the health benefits of mushrooms?
- Does this method of sautéing and freezing work for any type of mushroom?
- How long will these last in the freezer?
- Can these be used in salads after thawing?
- Should mushrooms be washed with water before sautéing?
- How to clean mushrooms before cooking?
- Should mushrooms be salted while sautéing?
- Sautéed Mushrooms for Freezing at a Glance:
- Are there other ways to freeze mushrooms?
- Avoid these mushroom cooking mistakes:
- Best recipes using frozen and thawed sautéed mushrooms:
- Key Takeaways
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list for sautéing mushrooms for freezing:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a new "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart is available in the printable recipe card.
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
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How to sauté and freeze mushrooms (step-by-step photos) :
- Prepare the fresh mushrooms by cleaning with a damp paper towel, and slicing.
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high hear.
- Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet in an even layer. Leave them alone for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- After 4-5 minutes stir the mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until brown.
- For the best browning, wait until the mushrooms have released most of their moisture before adding salt or other seasonings, if desired.
- Remove the sautéed mushrooms to a clean baking sheet or shallow pan to cool completely.
- Once cool, place the mushrooms in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag.
- Label and date the container.
- Freeze the mushrooms for up to 6 months.
- Thaw the mushrooms in the refrigerator before adding them to cooked dishes.
Why Cook Mushrooms Before Freezing?
Fresh mushrooms contain a significant amount of water. Cooking them before freezing releases some of that moisture, concentrates their flavor, and helps them maintain a better texture when used in cooked dishes.
What are the health benefits of mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a low calorie food that have numerous benefits when it comes to good health. They're rich in potassium which can potentially aid in lowering blood pressure.
They can boost the body's immune systems making you less susceptible to serious illness.
Mushrooms are a great source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants and they may lessen the risk of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Does this method of sautéing and freezing work for any type of mushroom?
Yes.
The mushrooms you'll see in the post are cremini mushrooms (baby bellas) but this method will work with all mushrooms.
How long will these last in the freezer?
As long as they're stored in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag you can keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can these be used in salads after thawing?
No, they wouldn't be my choice.
They're perfect for using in cooked dishes, but for uncooked fresh foods like salads...not so much.
Should mushrooms be washed with water before sautéing?
NO!
Never use water to wash mushrooms. Because mushrooms are porous they will soak up the water like a sponge.
How to clean mushrooms before cooking?
I like to use a damp paper towel to wipe off all the visible dirt before slicing and cooking mushrooms.
You can also use a mushroom brush with very soft bristles to gently brush away all the visible dirt.
Should mushrooms be salted while sautéing?
Nope!
Salt will draw the moisture from the mushrooms making them steam in their own juices, and not brown properly.
IF you're going to season sauté mushrooms, do so lightly AFTER they've already browned.
However, for this method of sautéing for freezing, there is no reason to season the mushrooms at all.
Sautéed Mushrooms for Freezing at a Glance:
- Best Uses: Soups, stews, casseroles, sauces, omelets, and pasta
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
- Cooling Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Freezer Storage: Up to 6 months for best quality
- Best Mushrooms: White button, baby bella, cremini, or portobello
Are there other ways to freeze mushrooms?
Yes, but this method is my favorite.
Feel free to leave me your favorite method (if you have one) in the comment section.
Avoid these mushroom cooking mistakes:
Best recipes using frozen and thawed sautéed mushrooms:
Chicken Orzo Casserole with Mushrooms is a hearty and delicious comfort food dish with great flavor and consistency. It's a real family pleaser!
My love of German flavors and ingredients was the original inspiration for this dish of hearty German Meatballs with Caraway Mushroom Cream Sauce. It's a delicious comfort-food recipe, with a German twist.
This thick and hearty Beef Barley Mushroom Stew is as good tasting as it is good for you. It's comfort food at its finest.
This comforting dish of Potato Gnocchi with Spinach and Mushrooms is bathed in a light, luscious mascarpone cheese sauce. This is a deliciously easy and comforting 30-minute meal.
Key Takeaways
- You can freeze sautéed mushrooms to preserve flavor and texture, making meal prep easier.
- To sauté mushrooms, clean them with a damp paper towel, cook with butter and oil, and cool before freezing.
- Mushrooms can last in the freezer for up to 6 months when stored properly.
- This method works for all mushroom types and offers great health benefits.
- Avoid washing mushrooms with water and salting them during cooking for best results.
Printable Recipe Card
How to Sauté Mushrooms for Freezing
Equipment
- vacuum sealer optional
- gallon zip lock bags
- mushroom brush optional
- airtight freezer containers optional
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat.
- Add the prepared mushrooms in an even layer to the skillet. Allow the mushrooms to cook and brown (without stirring) for 4-5 minutes. Do not add salt.
- Stir the mushrooms and return them to a single layer. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the mushrooms to a paper towel lined surface to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled add the mushrooms to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label and date the container. Freeze for up to 6 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the mushrooms and add to your favorite cooked dish.
Notes
Nutrition
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Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
All of the recipes you'll find here on my website are in loving memory of my son, Greg, who left this earth far too soon and will be forever in our hearts.
Sheila says
Simply great instructions a very easy way to freeze and keep to use at a later date
Renée says
Thank you so much, Sheila.
I appreciate your kind words and the 5-star review!
Fondly,
Renee
Teddi Twombly says
I do this all the time when mushrooms go on sale. They’re a great meatless protein option! My doctor told me to never eat mushrooms uncooked, so this is perfect for me.
Renée says
I'm so glad you found this helpful, Teddi.
I'm glad you're a mushroom fan,
and thanks for the 5-star rating!!
Take good care,
Renee
Renée says
I appreciate this how-to method of freezing mushrooms.