Freezing cucumbers is quick and easy! Frozen cucumbers can be used in a variety of ways, including adding them to smoothies or to soups and stews. Here are step-by-step instructions for three methods for how to freeze cucumbers so they never go to waste.

Whole cucumbers and fresh sliced rounds on a wooden cutting board.

Freezing cucumbers makes sense for many reasons. Maybe you’ve had a bumper crop in your home garden, or you couldn’t resist getting a bunch of them on a special offer in the produce section. Some people like having cucumbers on hand for smoothies or soups all year round. 

Did you know that freezing cucumbers as soon as they’re harvested helps them retain the highest nutritional content?

The only downside is that the high water content of cucumbers will cause them to lose the crunch. So it’s not suitable to freeze cucumbers if you plan to use them in salads or on veggie trays.

But, this guide on how to freeze cucumbers is excellent if you use cucumbers in other ways such as in smoothies or in soups.

Why You Need This Recipe

  • Fresh cucumbers spoil quickly! Freezing is an excellent way to preserve either homegrown cukes or store-bought cucumbers.
  • The flavor of a frozen cucumber is almost identical to a fresh cucumber, even though the texture will be different. 
  • It’s an excellent way to have cucumbers available for smoothies, infused water, green juice, soups, and more all year round. Cucumber ice cubes are such a treat on a hot day!

What You’ll Need to Freeze Cucumbers

I’ve included three methods you can use to freeze cucumbers. All the recipes are so simple that you’ll have everything you need right in your kitchen.

The Whole Slices Method

You can freeze cucumbers in whole slices. This is probably the easiest way and maybe the best way of the different methods.

I’ve outlined all the steps necessary for freezing sliced cucumbers in the recipe card at the end of this post, but you will essentially need to slice the cucumbers and lay them on a baking tray.

Let them freeze before transferring the frozen slices to a freezer bag for long-term storage.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Baking Tray

You’ll need a large flat surface to freeze the cucumbers in a single layer.

If you don’t have a baking sheet or cookie sheet, you could use any other sheet pan or sturdy, flat surface. Even a plastic cutting board will do the trick.

2. Parchment Paper

If you don’t have parchment paper, wax paper will also work. I don’t recommend aluminum foil; when the cucumber freezes, it could get tiny pieces of foil stuck to it. 

3. Freezer-Friendly Bags

These should be zip-top bags made for home freezing. If you don’t have a plastic bag, any airtight container or freezer-safe container will work. 

Frozen sliced cucumbers is a great way to use up extra cucumbers. You can use frozen cucumber slices in a lot of different way.

The Ice Cube Method

You can also freeze cucumbers using the “ice cube method.” With this method, you’ll be folding thin slices of cucumbers into ice cube trays and filling them with water.

After you freeze the ice cube trays, you’ll end up with ice cubes that have sliced cucumbers inside them (I call them cucumber cubes).

This is probably the most fun way to use up an overabundance of cucumbers for later use.

Here’s what you need:

1. Ice Cube Trays

Any type of ice cube tray will do, whether silicone, plastic, or metal. You could even use novelty ice cube trays that will give you cucumber-infused ice blocks in different shapes.

Just remember to adjust the freezing time depending on the size of the cube. Smaller cubes freeze a lot quicker.

The Purée Method

The third way to freeze cucumbers is to puree them and then freeze them.

This method is great if you plan to add your frozen cucumbers to soups or smoothies. Simply blend the cucumbers with some water and freeze your cucumber water in ice cube trays.

This is a great option if you like making drinks or mocktails where you need ice cubes. They look so pretty and add a fresh flavor to drinks.

Here’s what you need:

1. Ice Cube Trays

As with the ice cube method above, you’ll need ice cube trays because you’ll be turning your cucumber into ice cubes.  

2. A Food Processor or Blender

You can use a food processor or blender to purée your cucumbers. If you don’t have one, an immersion blender will also work.

Cubes of frozen cucumber puree on a wooden cutting board.

Ingredients and Substitutes

To freeze cucumbers, you only need one ingredient: cucumbers!

You can freeze any kind of garden cucumber or grocery store cucumber, including English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, garden cucumbers, and mini cucumbers. As long as they’re fresh, you can freeze them!

For the highest nutritional value, try to freeze the cucumbers as soon as possible after they are harvested.

Frozen Cucumber FAQs

How long do frozen cucumbers keep?

If you prepare and freeze your cucumbers properly, they can last in your freezer for six to nine months. 

What makes cucumbers good for you?

Cucumbers have a ton of health benefits! They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, and Magnesium and have very few calories.

Can I pickle frozen cucumbers?

Frozen cucumbers will lose their crunch, so I don’t recommend freezing pickled cucumbers. If you pickle them first, they will retain some crunch, so if you like pickles, feel free to freeze them in an airtight container along with the brine solution. Just remember that the longer they’re frozen, the less crunch they’ll have. Freezer pickles aren’t as crispy as fresh, but you can still do it.

How can I use frozen cucumbers?

You can use frozen cucumber for smoothies, cold soups, and infused water. If you use the ice cube method of freezing cucumbers, you use it exactly as you would ice cubes. As it melts, the flavor of the cucumber will infuse with the beverage. 

Can I freeze a whole cucumber?

It’s best to prep the cucumber into slices or cucumber cubes as opposed to freezing a whole cucumber.

A glass of water with fresh cucumber slices and ice cubes.

More Cucumber Recipes You Might Like

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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Whole cucumbers and fresh sliced rounds on a wooden cutting board.

How to Freeze Cucumbers (Sliced, Pureed, or Ice Cubes)

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Freezing cucumbers is quick and easy! Frozen cucumbers can be used in a variety of ways, including adding them to smoothies or to soups and stews. Here are step-by-step instructions for three methods for how to freeze cucumbers so they never go to waste.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large cucumbers

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers and gently pat them dry. You can peel them, but it’s not necessary.
  2. Slice the cucumbers into even slices around ¼ inch thick.
  3. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer on the lined tray.
  5. Freeze for around an hour until the cucumbers are frozen solid.
  6. Place the frozen cucumber into freezer-safe bags and return them to the freezer.
  7. To thaw your cucumbers, place them in a large bowl in the refrigerator, or use them frozen.

Notes

  1. In addition to the method listed above, I’ve included two additional methods below. Choose whichever method meets your needs the best. 
  2. Ice cube method: Slice the cucumbers into paper-thin slices. Fold the slices together and place them into your ice cube tray compartments. If you’re using extra ingredients like rosemary, lemon juice, or mint leaves, add them in with the cucumber. Top the trays up with water and freeze for at least 2 hours. Use some cucumber ice cubes in your favorite drink for a burst of refreshing flavor!
  3. Puree method: Wash the cucumbers and gently pat them dry. You can peel them, but it’s not necessary. Slice the cucumbers and pulse them in the blender with a small amount of water and any added extras like little lemon juice or mint leaves. Fill the ice cube trays with the purée. Place the trays in your freezer for at least 2 hours. You can use the cubes for drinks or in smoothies or cold soups. The cubes will be beautiful light green, so they look amazing in cocktails!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cucumber
  • Calories: 16
  • Sugar: 1.7 g
  • Sodium: 2.1 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.