Learn how to freeze jalapenos for later use in an incredibly easy way. No special tools or supplies required, freezing jalapenos is super straightforward and can be done by anyone who wants to preserve their peppers.

hand holding up peppers in a stasher bag.

I love jalapeno peppers. Seriously, I think if I were ever forced to choose, jalapenos would be my favorite. They are so versatile! They are hot, but not scalding. And they can be made pretty mild when the seeds and membranes are removed. They add great flavor and spice to whatever you are making. They can be used whole for poppers or diced in soups and chilis.

I can't get enough! I even wrote a whole article all about jalapenos, if you want to learn more.

Whether you are growing jalapenos yourself or getting them from the store, you may find yourself in possession of a good deal of peppers. Freezing peppers is great way to save them at the peak of freshness for use throughout the year. Fermenting jalapenos and dehydrating jalapenos are more great options.

For another way to save fresh produce, check out how to preserve fresh herbs and how to freeze corn off the cob.

hand holding jar of frozen diced peppers.

Tips and Tricks for freezing jalapenos

Wear gloves! If you haven't read my horror story from my dehydrating jalapenos post, just know, my hands were on fire. I can easily chop 1 or 2 peppers with no issues, but when you are working in bulk, it is best to protect yourself with gloves.
Freezing jalapeno peppers does not require blanching, so don't worry about that extra step.
Make sure all excess water is wiped off and peppers are as dry as possible to avoid freezer burn.

Supplies

fresh jalapeno peppers
baking tray
sharp knife
cutting board
freezer bags or other airtight containers

How to freeze jalapeno peppers

Begin by selecting your jalapenos. Remove any debris and trim off any bad parts or long stems. Wash well and pat dry.

fresh jalapenos laid out on a baking sheet.

Decide what size and shape want your peppers to be. I like to do a variety for different uses, from whole peppers to minced.

Using gloves, slice your peppers carefully. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer to flash freeze for one hour. This will help the peppers not stick together, once they are place in bags.

Remove frozen jalapenos from the tray and place in jars or freezer bags. Seal well and place in the freezer for up to one year.

different containers shown for freezer peppers.

What to use frozen peppers in vs. fresh

Just like with frozen poblanos or frozen bell peppers, the peppers will maintain their flavor and heat, but not all of their crunch. Thawed peppers will work best in cooked dishes.

For uncooked dishes like salsas, cowboy caviar, etc., anything that requires "crunch" stick with fresh peppers.

For cooked dishes like soups, chilis, stuffed jalapenos, jalapeno poppers, for use in baked dips, frozen peppers that have been thawed will work great!

Recipes to make with jalapenos