Can You Freeze Cabbage & How to Do it by Blanching?

When you buy a head of cabbage that is much larger than you need for a recipe, you may want to know - can you freeze the extra cabbage. Simply put, yes, cabbage can be frozen. Here is everything you need to know about freezing cabbage including flash freezing or parboiling/blanching first.

Fortunately, freezing cabbage is really easy and it freezes well.  Once thawed you can use it in many recipes like coleslaw, soups, casseroles, or as a side dish.

Cabbage can be frozen and stores well if you do it properly.  Freezing purple, green, savoy, napa, or Chinese cabbage is a simple process. It is a great way to not let any go to waste and the process is the same for any variety. 

How to Freeze Cabbage

My recommendation is to cut the cabbage into wedges. This will make for smaller sections that are easier to freeze and fit into a gallon-sized freezer Ziploc bag.   If you have a full head of cabbage that can be frozen whole as well.  Freezing individual cabbage leaves to use later for say wraps or cabbage rolls is also doable but it does take a lot longer to prep and freeze.  

Whether you will be freezing raw or blanched cabbage, having it in wedges is best.  If you want to use the leftover cabbage for a salad or coleslaw later, you can simply flash freeze the raw wedges. If you wish to use it in any sort of recipe that requires cooking the cabbage, you will want to blanch it and then freeze it.  Both methods are shared below. 

1 -Cut the Cabbage in Wedges 

Be sure to NOT remove the base or stem of the cabbage.  Cut the cabbage so that each wedge contains part of the stem.  Having part of the stem attached ensures each wedge stays together and does not fall apart.  Cut them so they are small enough to slide into the Ziploc freezer bag size you have (gallon size is my recommendation). 

Blanching is actually the preferred method for freezing cabbage since it removes some of the water content during this process.  Less water means less chance for freezer burn. 

Keep in mind, anything that has freezer burn should not be consumed and thrown out. Freezer burn not only affects taste but also the safety of the product so you do not want this to happen. If it does, please throw out the frozen cabbage.

2 - Flash Freeze the Raw Cabbage Wedges

Once cut, get the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, platter, cutting board, or another large flat service.   Place that in the freezer so that the raw wedges will flash freeze. This should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the wedges.

Once the cabbage wedges are frozen, place each wedge into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal.  Store in the freezer until you are ready to use it later. 

3 - Blanch & Freeze Cabbage Wedges

If you will be using the cabbage later in a recipe that involves cooking, the best method to freeze it is by blanching it first. Blanching is when you bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and quickly cook the cabbage in it. 

Drop the cabbage wedges into the boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon or tongs and drop them into a large bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process.  Drain them on paper towels as the final step.

Once they are relatively dry, place the wedges into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal.  Store in the freezer until you are ready to use it later. 

**  You can do the blanching method with individual cabbage leaves as well.  I would only cook them for about a minute.  This is a good method for using the frozen cabbage leaves later for cabbage rolls or as a low-carb wrap. 

How Long Will Cabbage Last in the Freezer

Frozen blanched cabbage can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.  As long as it is stored properly in an airtight container, frozen cabbage will be safe to use for about 8 weeks.

For raw cabbage that has been flash-frozen, it will not last as long in the freezer.  I would only store frozen raw cabbage in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks. 

How to Defrost Cabbage

When it is time to use your frozen cabbage, you will want to thaw it properly.  To do so correctly, remove the frozen cabbage from the freezer and place the Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Depending on the size of the cabbage pieces, they should defrost during this timeframe. 

Thawed or defrosted cabbage will last about 2 days in the refrigerator. It is best to use it right away once it is defrosted especially if using it for coleslaw or another uncooked recipe. For a cooked recipe like cabbage rolls or in soup or stir-fries, defrosted cabbage can be used up to 2 days after it has thawed. 

Recipes & Uses for Frozen Cabbage

Wondering what to do with your frozen cabbage? Frozen and thawed raw cabbage is great in cold recipes. I would use it for salads, coleslaws, or for snacking with dip.  For blanched cabbage that has been thawed, use it in soups, stews, stir-fries, casseroles, baked or sauteed recipes. 

A great recipe to use your frozen raw cabbage in later, try this coleslaw

Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw

If you want an easy peanutty coleslaw recipe, this Asian avocado peanut coleslaw is the best. This chopped slaw recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables that are dressed in a homemade Asian-inspired dressing that is salty, sweet, and spicy. This slaw is vegan and gluten-free and sure to be one that everyone loves.

Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw

Two great recipes to use your frozen blanched cabbage in later, try these soups -  

Easy Vegetable Rice Soup (vegetarian & gluten-free)

An easy vegetable rice soup that is vegetarian and full of flavor. This recipe uses vegetable broth, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings for a hearty vegan soup that everyone will love.

Vegetable Rice Soup

Healthy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup (low-carb & keto)

For an easy unstuffed cabbage roll soup, this slow cooker recipe is the best. The rich tomato broth with spices flavors the ground beef & cabbage. It has riced cauliflower for a healthy low-carb, keto, paleo, Whole30, and grain-free version that everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup