A lot of ingredients add a zap of flavor to dishes but are hard to use up before they go off. I refer to these ingredients as flavor bombs and I freeze them in ice cube trays by 1 teaspoon. This makes it easy to add to dishes and best of all cuts down on waste!
Why 1 teaspoon?
3 Teaspoons = 1 Tablespoon
It is easy to convert teaspoon to tablespoon but not tablespoon to teaspoon.
Flavor Bombs to add in Meals
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Adobo-sauce-scaled.jpg)
Chop adobo peppers and put them by the teaspoon into an ice cube tray then freezer for 24 hours. Remove from ice tray and add to a freezer bag for use at another time.
Fresh Herbs in oil
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Frozen-Herbs-150x150.jpg)
You can preserve fresh herbs by blending them in the food processor. Once they are in small pieces add some olive oil just until moistened. Measure 1 teaspoon in a small ice cube tray. Finish the tray by adding a little olive oil over each cube. You can blend a variety of herb mixtures and freeze for later.
Fresh Squeezed Lemon
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lemon-Juice-Cubes-150x150.jpg)
I like to buy lemons in bulk because I use them often but sometimes I have weeks where I don't use them all before they start to go off. In these instances I squeeze the juice and place them in ice cube trays. These cubes are great for drinks or adding freshness to a meal.
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lime-Juice-150x150.jpg)
I like to buy limes in bulk because I use them often but sometimes I have weeks where I don't use them all before they start to go off. In these instances I squeeze the juice and place them in ice cube trays. These cubes are great for drinks or adding freshness to a meal.
Pesto
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pesto-scaled.jpg)
Freeze unused pesto in ice cube trays. I simply fill each cube with about 1 teaspoon of pesto. Once the tray is full I freeze for 24 hours then place in a freezer zip bag. This makes it easy to use pesto whenever I need it.
Tomato Paste
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Tomato-Paste-150x150.jpg)
I am guilty of throwing away the remaining paste when I did not use the entire can. I have discovered by freezing it, I will use it to add flavor to sauces or to thicken soup. These frozen freezer tomato balls are great when you only need a couple of tablespoons of paste.
Other Bombs:
- Ginger – Freshly Grated
- Fresh Herbs in Oil examples:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Sage
Flavor Bombs to add to Drinks or Meals
Lemonade
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lemonade-cubes-150x150.jpg)
Freezing lemonade is a great way to not water down your drinks. I like to put these cubes in wheat beer for a fresh summer shandy or try them in whiskey sour, soda water or ice tea. Create your own variation!
Cranberry Juice
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cranberry-150x150.jpg)
We are not big juice drinkers so when we have parties and buy mixers for cocktails often times we are left with a lot of left over juice. I like to freeze the juices in cubes and add 1 cube to a glass of water to add some pizzaz. Sometimes I add the cubes to a martini to add extra flavor.
Other Bombs:
- Juice
- Berry puree’s
- Blended fruit such as peaches, kiwi, plums, etc.
What Foods to Freeze in 1 cup Ice Cube Trays
Homemade Chicken Broth
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Chicken-Broth-Cube-150x150.jpg)
I make large batches of chicken and beef broth then pressure can it. I always end up with about 1 cup of broth left in the pot. Instead of tossing it out I freeze it in 1/2 cup cubes.
Chicken Soup
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Frozen-Chicken-Noodle-Soup-150x150.jpg)
I like to make a large batch of chicken soup then remove half of it from the pot to cool and freeze. Make sure you freeze chicken soup with NO noodles in 1 cup increments. I thaw it in a soup bowl in the refrigerator. Reheat and add 1/4 cup of cooked noodles.
French Onion Soup
![](https://www.stayingonbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/French-onion-soup-150x150.jpg)
Andrew loves French Onion soup but it takes hours to cook. I make a large batch and freeze 1/2 of it in 1 cup cubes. This makes a quick side to a sandwich or salad at lunch. I freeze a lot of soups and they really come in handy.
Gravy
Other Meal Ideas:
- Any broth or stock such as:
- Vegetable Broth
- Beef Broth/Stock
- Mushroom Broth
- Marinara Sauce
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Soups without starch
How Long to Store Flavor Bombs?
I store these for 1 to 3 months depending on what it is. Look for freezer burn and if you see it then toss it. I keep my flavor bombs in my upstairs freezer so they are readily available which means I use them before they go bad.