How to Freeze Spinach

Frozen spinach in a labeled freezer bag.

Learn how to freeze spinach with or without blanching.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Freezing time 1

Total Time 1 16

Servings cups

Calories 33kcal

Author Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

Equipment

large pot
Large bowl
Baking sheet, silicone muffin tray, or ice cube tray
Salad spinner (optional)

Ingredients

10 ounces baby spinach or regular spinach

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Sort through the spinach and pick out any spoiled leaves.
To freeze raw, simply place the spinach in an airtight bag and seal very tightly, removing as much air as possible. Label, freeze, and use within 1 month for best results and up to 3 months.
To blanch spinach before freezing, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a mixing bowl with ice water and be ready to quickly transfer the spinach to it after boiling. Add the spinach to the boiling water and cook for only 40 to 60 seconds until bright green.
Quickly transfer the spinach to the ice water to stop the cooking process. You can do this with a slotted spoon if you move fast, but otherwise you can drain it in a colander and then transfer it to the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Drain the spinach and remove as much water as possible. You can do this by gently squeezing clumps of it in your fists over a sink. Or, put it in a salad spinner and spin several times to remove excess water. Put the spinach between paper towels and pat as dry as possible.
Next, portion the spinach into the amounts you think you will use at a later time. I like to divide it into ½-cup clumps. Place the portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a silicone muffin tray if you have one. If you want to freeze smaller portions, consider packing spinach into an ice cube tray instead. Transfer the spinach portions to the freezer for about an hour until frozen solid.
Once frozen, place the spinach clumps in a freezer safe bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible, and label. Use within 3 months.

Notes

If you blanch the spinach before freezing, you can also puree it after cooking. Just blend in a blender until smooth. Then, pour the spinach puree into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid and transfer the cubes to a freezer safe bag.
Frozen raw or blanched spinach can be used in smoothies, soups, sauces, and hot dishes. Add it directly from frozen to recipes of your choice! Spinach puree ice cubes can be used in smoothies, soups, and sauces too.

Nutrition