The Proper Way to Freeze Mushrooms So They Don't Get Slimy

Versatile, delicious and nutritious, mushrooms make a welcome addition to a variety of meals. They're savory and meaty, relatively inexpensive and popular in everything from stir-fries and soups to sauces, casseroles and salads. The only problem is, using them up before they go bad.

While fresh, whole mushrooms have a relatively long shelf life—up to 10 days in the refrigerator when stored properly—they can tend to spoil quickly if they're forgotten.

In order to preserve them even longer, consider stashing your funghi in the freezer to have on hand whenever you want, with our 101 guide on how to freeze mushrooms properly.

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Related: 55 of Our Best Mushroom Recipes

How to freeze mushrooms

Remember this step-by-step guide for freezing mushrooms the next time you have extras on hand:

1. Give them a good rinse

No one loves a gritty mushroom—even when defrosted so make sure to properly clean them first. According to Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN and author of Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies, you should place the mushrooms in a colander under cool, running water and use a paper towel (or designated mushroom brush) to gently buff away dirt and soil.

2. Trim the stems

After cleaning your mushrooms, you'll want to remove tough stems and unruly bits. For smaller mushroom varieties like buttons, it's easiest to trim the stems with a pairing knife or simply pop them off with your thumb. The same goes for larger mushrooms like portobello or shiitakes.

3. Peel & slice

Using a pairing knife, gently peel the mushroom skin off the top of the mushrooms, then cut them into thin slices. Smaller mushrooms can be cooked whole or sliced, depending on preference.

5. Cook before freezing

Steam, blanche or sauté the mushrooms until cooked, around 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Pre-freeze on a baking sheet

"If you want to freeze cooked mushrooms, it's essential to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer," says Melanie Marcus, registered dietician and founder of the site Miss Nutritious Eats. This is an essential step and will greatly impact the texture of your mushrooms when you go to defrost them. "The best way to prevent moisture buildup is to freeze the mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag," says Marcus.

Related: 46 Best Portobello Mushroom Recipes

Common questions about freezing mushrooms

Can you freeze fresh mushrooms?

While it's technically possible to freeze fresh mushrooms, experts advise against this since freezing raw 'shrooms impacts their texture once defrosted, leaving them mushy. If you decide to give it a go anyway, it's important to dry them thoroughly and skip the peeling part. "I recommend leaving the skin on when freezing fresh mushrooms," says Marcus. "Unlike other vegetables, mushroom skin is very thin."

Can you freeze morel mushrooms?

If you're curious about freezing morels, a spongelike mushroom with a cone-shaped top, you'll be happy to know they keep well in the ice box. Use the steps above to freeze them like any other mushroom—but once again, avoid peeling. Their honeycomb skin is what makes them so unique after all. Morel mushrooms also tend to last longer in the freezer—up to a year—if frozen properly in an airtight bag or container.

Can you freeze cooked mushrooms?

You bet! In fact, freezing cooked mushrooms is the best way to freeze them altogether. "For optimal texture, I recommend blanching or sautéing mushrooms before freezing them," explains Marcus. "This ensures the best quality when defrosted."

How long can you freeze mushrooms?

"While there is no set USDA recommended time range for this particularly, I’d recommend using mushrooms within three to six months for best quality," says Shaw. "Be sure to label and date the mushrooms so you can remember what the item is (and when you froze it) the next time you do a freezer cleanout!"

Related: 8 Ways Mushrooms Benefit The Body

What are some ways to use frozen mushrooms?

When you're ready to use your frozen mushrooms, defrost them, drain out any liquids, then add them to soups, chilis, casseroles or omelets. "Since the texture will be different from fresh, I find finely chopping them into these styles of dishes works best," advises Shaw. Frozen mushrooms can also be used as a pizza topping or a quick side dish. The possibilities are endless!

Best recipes for frozen mushrooms

Here are a few of our favorite funghi-based recipes that work well with frozen 'shrooms:

• Wild Mushroom Toasts

• Mushroom Barley Soup

• Mushroom Rice Bake

• Wild Mushroom Pizza

• Caramelized Mushroom Tarts

• Tuna Mushroom Casserole