Can You Freeze Mushrooms?
Fresh button, cremini, portobello, or specialty mushrooms.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze mushrooms. Yes, but cook or blanch them first. Raw mushrooms become mushy when frozen due to their high water content.
Freezer Storage Time
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 30, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Freeze Mushrooms
- Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth (do not soak).
- Slice to desired thickness.
- Saute in butter or oil for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked.
- Cool completely on a sheet pan.
- Transfer to freezer bags, press out air, and freeze flat.
Texture and Quality Changes
Raw frozen mushrooms become watery and spongy when thawed. Sauteed mushrooms retain much better texture and flavor. They will be softer than fresh but work well in cooked dishes.
How to Thaw Mushrooms Safely
Add directly to hot dishes from frozen. For sauteed mushrooms, they can go straight into soups, sauces, stir-fries, and casseroles without thawing.
Refreezing is not recommended. Quality degrades significantly.
Best Uses After Freezing
After freezing, mushrooms work best in: soups, sauces, stir-fries, omelets, casseroles, pasta dishes.
The secret to freezing mushrooms is cooking them first. Raw mushrooms are 90% water. Freeze them raw and you get a bag of mush when thawed. Saute them first and you have ready-to-use mushrooms for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes, but the results are poor. Raw mushrooms become watery and spongy when thawed due to their high water content. Sauteing before freezing produces much better results.
Properly frozen sauteed mushrooms last 10-12 months. Raw frozen mushrooms last about the same but the quality is much lower.
Sauteing is preferred over blanching for mushrooms. It removes more water, concentrates flavor, and produces a better texture after thawing.
The Bottom Line
Freezing mushrooms is a great way to extend its shelf life. Raw frozen mushrooms become watery and spongy when thawed. Sauteed mushrooms retain much better texture and flavor. They will be softer than fresh but