A trip to a strawberry patch or your local farmers market is a terrific weekend activity with a sweet reward. But sometimes you wind up with way more berries than you can eat. If you don’t feel like making a huge batch of jam, we have an easy solution: Freeze them!
Here’s how to store strawberries if you can’t get them straight to the freezer.
How to Freeze Strawberries
When you freeze them right, you’ll maintain the quality of the strawberries and preserve most of their flavor and nutritional value. Keep in mind that after thawing them, the berries will be somewhat darker, and the texture will be much softer so we don’t recommend you try to stuff them or use them as eye candy like we did in this gorgeous phyllo tart.
Don’t worry, though: Thawed berries work perfectly in recipes like our famous strawberry pretzel dessert or these luscious strawberry milkshakes.
Step 1: Prep your strawberries
Choose berries that are dark red, firm and fully ripe. Wash and drain the fruit carefully, then remove the stems and caps. Dry berries on towels in a single layer.
Test Kitchen tip:Â Do not soak the berries in water or they’ll lose some flavor and nutrients.
Step 2: Freeze them
Strawberries can be frozen whole, sliced or crushed, and with or without sugar.
For whole, unsweetened berries, first freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet (like this one). Doing so will keep them from getting stuck together later on. Once they’re solid, place in freezer containers or bags. Try to remove as much air as possible by completely filling containers or pressing extra air out of bags before sealing to avoid freezer burn. See our trick.
For sweetened strawberries, halve or slice strawberries into a bowl. For each quart of berries, add 1/2 cup sugar and gently stir until sugar is dissolved. Lightly crush berries if desired. Spoon into a freezer container, seal tightly and freeze.
That’s all you do. Wasn’t that easy?
Hungry for Strawberries Right Now?
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Grandma's Strawberry Shortcake
Here's a family-sized version of my grandma's summertime dessert. I can still taste the sweet juicy berries she piled over warm biscuits and topped with a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream. My father added even more indulgence to his serving by first buttering his biscuits. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
Strawberries 'n' Cream Scones
If you are like me, you won't be able to eat just one of these warm scones rich with cream and packed with berry goodness.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Strawberry Sauce
Pork tenderloin paired with strawberries is a heavenly match, made even more special with a tangy feta garnish. Serve with roasted spring vegetables. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
Strawberry Tomato Salsa
Here’s a sweet and tangy salsa that's miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Berry-Beet Salad
Here's a delightfully different salad that balances the earthy flavor of beets with the natural sweetness of berries. If you prefer, substitute crumbled feta for the goat cheese. —Amy Lyons, Mounds View, Minnesota
Strawberry Watermelon Slush
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Strawberry Brunch Bruschetta
Try this sweet bruschetta for a brunch or indulgent weekend breakfast. The goat cheese, fresh herbs and strawberries make a blissful combination.—Johanna Hauer, Kennebunk, Maine
Brown Sugar Salmon with Strawberries
I first tasted strawberries and cucumber together when living in the UK; now they make a delicious relish for salmon. —Judith Foreman, Alexandria, Virginia
Cool Strawberry Cream
This fruity luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, I substitute frozen unsweetened berries, thawed and drained. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Double-Berry Jalapeno Jam
My friend and I had tried a fruity jam with jalapenos at a local vineyard and this is the version I created. I like this spread on crackers with cream cheese, on hamburgers or even on grilled cheese. For extra heat, add the seeds of a few jalapenos to the jam. —Lisa Keim, Watertown, New York
Strawberry-Quinoa Spinach Salad
We make quinoa with spinach and strawberries year-round, but it's most fun when we go to the farmers market to get the season’s first berries. —Sarah Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Sweetheart Slaw
I named this salad "sweetheart slaw" because of the fruit and the fact that all the sweethearts in my life love it. It's a colorful refresher with a delicious blend of flavors. —Debby Mountjoy, Houston, Texas
Light Strawberry Pie
People rave about this luscious strawberry pie. Best of all, it’s a low-sugar sensation that you won’t feel one bit guilty to eat. —Lou Wright, Rockford, Illinois
Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry Sauce
These crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Honey-Lime Berry Salad
I picked up this dish a couple of years ago, and really like the mint and fruit combo. Cilantro is one of my summer favorites so sometimes I use it instead. Turns out, this recipe's really two in one! —Kayla Spence, Wilber, Nebraska
Whole Wheat Strawberry Shortcakes
Nothing says spring better than a fresh strawberry shortcake. Heaven. My mother and I usually make this with strawberries we picked ourselves. —Sarah Hatter, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Berry Chicken Salad
Bright berries and creamy goat cheese make this one a winner! —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Jumbleberry Crumble
A friend brought this delicious, down-home dessert to church and was kind enough to give out the recipe. Everyone enjoyed it so much and just showered her with compliments! It’s especially wonderful served warm or with a dollop of creamy whipped topping. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Rhubarb Berry Coffee Cake
I rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa
Fish Tacos with Berry Salsa
I dreamed up this dish while lying in bed one night. I wasn't sure how the recipe would turn out, but when I tried it, I was so proud to call it mine. Can’t find jicama? Swap in a tart apple. —Emily Rigsbee, Bloomington, Indiana
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry Cheesecake
Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Thick Strawberry Shakes
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Chicken with Berry Wine Sauce
We like to use Little Red Dress brand merlot in this chicken recipe to bring out the flavor of the berries. —Elizabeth Wright, Raleigh, North Carolina
Strawberry Ice Cream Charlotte
My family loves ice cream cake, so they were delighted when I first presented this dessert. It's light, delicious and has a festive presentation. —Scarlett Elrod, Newman, Georgia
Stuffed PB&J French Toast Kabobs
I turned peanut butter and jelly into French toast. Cut up and skewer these nifty sandwiches. You win the crown for creative parent of the year. Check out my blog, nibblesbynic.com, for more fun food ideas. —Nicole Meyer, Roslyn, New York
Citrus Steak Salad
Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Strawberry Angel Trifle
I always get compliments when I bring this attractive and tasty trifle out of the refrigerator. Not only does it serve a big group nicely, I can make it ahead of time, too. —Lucille Belsham, Fort Fraser, British Columbia
Berry Turkey Sandwich
Sliced fresh strawberries, Swiss cheese and a nutty cream cheese spread make this turkey sandwich different. Try it on whole wheat, oatmeal or sunflower seed bread. It's tasty and easy to put together. —Edward Meyer of Arnold, Missouri
Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
If you are serious about getting your fruit servings in, this is a fun way to do it. The bright red fruit salsa is addictive. It is best eaten the day it is made. —Nancy Leavitt, Logandale, Nevada
Modern Waldorf Salad
A Waldorf salad inspired my pasta dish. I use smoked turkey, apples, strawberries and orecchiette. Rotisserie chicken and other fruits would also taste fabulous. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Strawberry-Thyme Jam
I created this recipe using two ingredients that I love: strawberry and thyme. This recipe is ideal slathered on homemade farm biscuits.—Sharon Demers, Dolores, Colorado
Strawberry Pasta Salad
Bow tie pasta with strawberries makes a refreshing salad, especially with a little chopped mint. I multiply it for brunches, potlucks, even tailgates. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loves the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
Juicy Peach & Strawberry Crumb Pie
You've had peach pie and strawberry pie, and maybe even peach-strawberry pie. But throw in some garden-fresh basil and you're in for a real treat. Try it. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Strawberry Mimosas
Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make this refreshing drink friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Strawberry Mandarin Chicken Salad
I made fruity chicken salad for a food-preserving class, and it was a tasty triumph. It's crispy, crunchy, healthy and refreshing and pairs well with garlic bread and iced tea. —Betty Henagin, Medford, Oregon
Rosy Applesauce
I always end up with lots of rhubarb each summer, but many of the recipes use a lot of sugar. This one lets the fruit sweeten up the rhubarb instead. I refrigerate the sauce overnight to help the flavors blend. —Amy Nelson, Weston, Wisconsin
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops
We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish
Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Strawberry-Chicken Pasta Salad
When I figured out how to re-create this restaurant dish at home, my family was so excited. For a different spin, use raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries. —Jane Ozment, Purcell, Oklahoma
Strawberry-Hazelnut Meringue Shortcakes
In summer the strawberry farms are open for picking. I serve strawberries with a crunchy hazelnut meringue cookie. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Spring Strawberry Sangria
Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia
Strawberries 'n' Cream Bread
Once strawberry-picking time arrives here each summer, my husband and I look forward to this bread. Since only fresh strawberries will do, I have been thinking of trying a different kind of berry...so we can enjoy it more often. Baking is great fun for me. I have to admit, though, sweets are my weakness. On occasion, a bag of chocolate chips never makes it to the batter! —Suzanne Randall, Dexter, Maine
Barbecued Strawberry Chicken
When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Glazed Strawberry Cheesecake
This ruby-red showstopper has been a family favorite for more than 30 years. When I take it to potluck parties and other get-togethers, we devour every last bite.—Jan Decarlantonio, Centreville, Maryland
Heavenly Filled Strawberries
These luscious stuffed berries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Chocolate Strawberry Punch Bowl Trifle
I threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws’. Because it’s beautiful, everyone thinks it requires a lot of effort. It’s easy. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee
Mozzarella Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette
A chocolate salad dressing? How else would you dress a salad on Valentine's Day? Don't let the unusual name and flavor combination confuse you—the salty prosciutto and mellow mozzarella are beautifully balanced with the sweet-tart chocolate balsamic vinegar dressing. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Strawberry Cobbler
Mom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This sweet-tart family favorite is chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and has a thick easy-to-make crust. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cobbler
This cobbler came about because I love chocolate-covered strawberries. Top it with whipped cream, either plain or with a little chocolate syrup stirred in. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
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