Simple step by step directions on how to freeze fresh corn without blanching. This frozen corn will last for months, letting you use it in soups, casseroles and more year round.
This year we had a great corn growing season in the garden. It was like having our own mini corn field in Brooklyn!
We eat a lot of buttery corn on the cob and fried corn during the month of August, but I also freeze plenty of it to enjoy our garden harvest for months to come. I use the simplest method there is – I remove the kernels off the cob and freeze them. It’s seriously that easy!
Can you freeze corn without blanching?
Yes, you absolutely can, and this method is ridiculously easy. If you aren’t growing your own corn, then I recommend hitting up the farmers market and buying a bunch of sweet corn ears and coming home to freeze it!
Tip: While you’re at it, get that freezer ready for Winter and freeze green beans and freeze zucchini too!
How to freeze corn
Ok this step is important, because first let’s appreciate how amazing you and your gardening skills are because god damn, this corn is beautiful!
We use frozen corn all the time in recipes, from soups, to casseroles, to salsas and more. Imagine that you can freeze this corn and throw it in a casserole for Thanksgiving or for some creamy soup on a Winter night! That is going to make your (and mine) garden loving heart so happy!
Shuck the corn. Clean off the corn the best you can, removing the leaves and tassels. No need to wash them.
Place the corn in a bowl. This is the best way to keep your area clean and prevent corn from flying everywhere.
Very carefully, run a knife down each side, cutting the kernels off the cob.
Repeat until all the cobs are clean and you have a big bowl of corn kernels. Use your hand and break up any bigger pieces of corn in the bowl.
Place in freezer bags. I like to freeze 2 cups of corn in each bag as that equals about 1 can of corn.
To prevent freezer burn, I like to use the straw method to suck out all the air if you don’t have a vacuum sealer. Seal the bag almost all the way, place a straw in it, suck out the air, remove the straw and quickly seal the bag completely.
Label the bags and freeze.
How Much Corn is on a Cob?
Here’s some corn math for you that might be helpful on deciding how much you want to freeze. 1 cob of corn equals about 1 cup of corn. 1 (15 oz) can of corn equals about 2 cups of corn. 1 (10) oz bag of frozen corn equals about 1 1/2 cups of corn.
How to Defrost Frozen Corn
Ready to eat the corn? Depending on what type of recipe you make, most likely you’ll be able to put the frozen corn directly into the casserole/soup/slow cooker.
To show you how beautiful our frozen corn is, this is how it looks after 10 months frozen!
How long does frozen corn last for?
If frozen in sealed freezer bags, frozen corn will last for up to 1 year. We enjoy this corn up to the next corn season and it’s always delicious, even 12 months later! 🙂
What can you do with corn cobs?
After your cobs are clean, you can do a couple of things with the cobs. I like to add them into my vegetable broth (made with broccoli leaves or carrot tops). After that I compost them.
If you have hens, toss these cobs to them and tell them Pamela says hi! My teething toddler also loves to nibble on them. 🙂
Hope this “How to Freeze Fresh Corn” post helps you with your all your corn harvest! Enjoy!
Corn Recipes You Might Like:
Creamy Chicken and Noodles
Ground Beef Chili
Cheddar Cheese Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Black Bean Corn Salsa
Leftover Rice Tacos
How to Cook Frozen Corn in the Oven
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Easy Way to Freeze Fresh Corn Without Blanching
PrintIngredients
- Fresh Corn Cobs
Instructions
- If you grew this corn, take a step back and give yourself a high 5 because god damn, that corn is beautiful! Great job!
- Shuck the corn by removing leaves and tassels. You don’t need to wash them.
- Place the corn in a large bowl for easy cleanup. Use a knife and very carefully, run the knife down the sides, cutting the kernels off the cob.
- Repeat until all the cobs are clean and you have a bowl of corn. If there’s any big pieces of corn in the bowl, break them up with your hand.
- Place corn in freezer bags, label and freeze.
- When you’re ready to use the frozen corn, place directly in hot soup, slow cooker, casserole etc. and cook.
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