How to Freeze Tomato Paste
How to Freeze Tomato Paste
Ever open a can of tomato paste only to use one tablespoon, then wonder what to do with the rest? Instead of letting the leftover tomato paste go to waste, here’s my favorite easy kitchen hack for freezing it in perfectly portioned tablespoons!
I often only need a tablespoon or two of tomato paste for soups, chili, pasta sauces, casseroles, or slow cooker recipes. Rather than throwing away the remaining paste, I portion it onto small squares of parchment paper, stack the portions, and freeze them in a freezer bag. The next time I need tomato paste, I simply pull out one frozen tablespoon and add it straight to my recipe.
This simple trick saves money, reduces food waste, and makes weeknight cooking even easier.
Why You’ll Love This Kitchen Hack
- No more wasting leftover tomato paste
- Freeze perfectly measured tablespoon portions
- Saves money
- Great for meal prep
- Easy to grab exactly what you need
- Takes only a few minutes
- Keeps your freezer organized
Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 can tomato paste
- Parchment paper
- Measuring tablespoon
- Freezer-safe zip-top bag
- Permanent marker (optional for labeling)
How to Freeze Tomato Paste
Step 1
Cut several small squares of parchment paper, approximately 3 to 4 inches wide.
You’ll need one square for the bottom and one square for the top of each tablespoon of tomato paste.
Step 2
Measure one tablespoon of tomato paste and place it in the center of one parchment paper square.
Step 3
Place another parchment paper square directly on top of the tomato paste.
Gently press to flatten it into an even layer.
Step 4
Repeat the process until you’ve used the entire can of tomato paste.
Each tablespoon should be sandwiched between two parchment paper squares.
Step 5
Stack all of the parchment paper packets together and place them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the bag with the date if desired.
Step 6
Freeze until needed.
When a recipe calls for tomato paste, simply remove one frozen tablespoon from the bag, peel away the parchment paper, and add it directly to your soup, sauce, chili, or skillet recipe.
No thawing required!
Tips for Success
- Always use parchment paper instead of wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the freezer bag with the date.
- Freeze in tablespoon portions since that’s the amount most recipes call for.
- Stack the packets flat to save freezer space.
- Remove only the portion you need without thawing the entire batch.
Recipes That Use Tomato Paste
These frozen portions are perfect for:
- Homemade Slumgullion
- Homemade Taco Meat
- Chili
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Soups
- Beef Stew
- Pot Roast
- Slow Cooker Recipes
- Spanish Rice
- Pasta Sauces
How Long Does Tomato Paste Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored, frozen tomato paste will keep its best quality for up to 6 months, although it’s often still safe to use beyond that if continuously frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze tomato paste?
Yes! Tomato paste freezes beautifully and maintains its flavor and texture.
Can I freeze tomato paste in ice cube trays?
Absolutely. Ice cube trays are another popular option, but I love using parchment paper because each tablespoon is already individually wrapped and easy to grab without washing extra dishes.
Do I need to thaw frozen tomato paste?
No. Simply unwrap the frozen tablespoon and stir it directly into hot soups, sauces, or skillet recipes.
Why freeze it in tablespoon portions?
Most recipes only call for one or two tablespoons of tomato paste, so portioning it ahead of time makes cooking much faster and eliminates measuring later.
More Kitchen Tips You’ll Love
If you enjoy simple kitchen hacks that save time and money, be sure to check out my tips for How to Wash Strawberries, How to Cook Spaghetti Squash, Homemade Pizza Sauce, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Homemade Taco Meat, and other easy cooking tutorials.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This is one of those simple kitchen tricks that makes a big difference. Instead of wasting half a can of tomato paste every time you cook, you’ll always have perfectly portioned tablespoons waiting in your freezer. It’s quick, organized, budget-friendly, and makes cooking your favorite recipes even easier.
Once you start freezing tomato paste this way, you’ll never throw away another partially used can again!
