Learn how to freeze tomato paste! If you’ve ever opened a can of tomato paste for a recipe and wondered what to do with the rest—this tomato paste hack is for you. No more wasting half a can or forgetting it in the back of the fridge!
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How to Freeze Tomato Paste?
Freezing tomato paste is an easy way to cut back on waste and always have just the right amount on hand for soups, stews, and sauces. Instead of tossing it after one use or watching it spoil in the fridge, this method lets you portion and store it in tablespoon-sized amounts, so you can pop out what you need whenever you need it. Think of it as a make-ahead move for future weeknight wins!
What makes this tomato paste hack so helpful is that it’s customizable and quick. You don’t need fancy tools, and it only takes a few minutes to prep. Once frozen, the tomato paste disks stay firm and ready to use—just toss one into your hot pan or simmering sauce and you’re good to go. The flavor holds up beautifully, and the texture stays thick and rich.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
- Tomato Paste – We love using this ingredient because it adds concentrated, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness to everything from pasta sauces to marinades.
- Mini Ice Cream Scoop or Tablespoon – This is the easiest way to make evenly-sized portions that are just the right amount for most recipes.
- Small Squares of Parchment Paper or Wax Paper – These help keep the tomato paste disks from sticking together and make storage a breeze.
- Baking Sheet or Tray – Use this as a flat surface to freeze the tomato paste before transferring to a container. It keeps everything neat and organized.
- Flat-Bottomed Cup or Glass – Pressing the paste into disks helps them freeze faster and stack more easily once solid.
- Freezer-Safe Container or Zip-Top Bag – This is a great way to store the frozen tomato paste long-term. Be sure to label it with the date so you know when it was frozen.
How to Do It
- Scoop the tomato paste. Use a tablespoon or mini ice cream scoop to place small mounds of tomato paste onto parchment squares.
- Arrange the portions. Transfer the parchment pieces onto a tray, making sure the scoops don’t touch.
- Flatten the paste. Arrange a second piece of parchment on top of each scoop and gently press down with a flat-bottomed glass until they form even disks.
- Freeze the tray. Slide the tray into your freezer and leave it until the disks are completely frozen through.
- Store for later. Move the frozen disks to a labeled zip-top bag or container. You can keep the parchment if you want to prevent sticking, or remove it to save space.
- Use. Whenever a recipe calls for a tablespoon of tomato paste, grab a disk and toss it straight into your pan—no thawing required.
Variations
- Add herbs before freezing – Stir in a little dried oregano, thyme, or basil before portioning for extra flavor ready to go.
- Freeze in silicone trays – If you don’t have parchment, silicone ice cube trays work great and make it easy to pop the disks out.
- Try this with other pastes – This works well with curry paste, miso, or chipotle in adobo. Great for small but mighty ingredients.
- Make double the amount – Got two open cans? Freeze it all at once so you’re stocked up for future meals.
- Label by purpose – If you make different flavored versions (like spicy or herbed), label the container so you know which is which.
- Skip the flattening step – If you’re short on time, just freeze in scoops and store as-is. They’ll still work just fine in your recipes.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Once frozen, the disks hold their shape and flavor best when kept in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
In the fridge, leftover tomato paste (unfrozen) usually only lasts a few days before it starts to dry out or spoil. In the freezer, these little disks will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months, ready whenever you need them — and that’s what makes this tomato paste hack so perfect!
Common Questions about this Tomato Paste Hack
It’s better to transfer it to a different container or portion it out before freezing. Leaving it in the can can lead to metallic taste and freezer burn and may potentially be unsafe.
Nope! Just drop the frozen disk directly into your pot or skillet. It melts quickly into hot liquids or oil.
Yes! The tube version freezes just as well. You can squeeze small amounts onto parchment and freeze like scooped paste.
Not really. The taste stays bold and the texture stays thick and concentrated—just like fresh from the can.
More Tips for Making Cooking Easier
We’re always on the lookout for ways to streamline cooking and baking. Take a look at more of our simple tips that keep you organized and ready to whip up something fabulous on the fly!
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How to Freeze Tomato Paste
Ingredients
- Tomato paste (leftover from a can or tube)
Instructions
Scoop It:
- Use a mini ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out tomato paste.Tomato paste (leftover from a can or tube)
Place on Paper:
- Drop each scoop onto a small square of parchment paper. Place the parchment squares on a baking sheet.
Flatten Gently:
- Place another piece of parchment paper on top of each scoop and use the bottom of a cup or glass to gently flatten it into a disk.
Freeze:
- Stick the tray in the freezer until the tomato paste disks are frozen solid (usually a few hours or overnight).
Store:
- Transfer the frozen tomato paste disks (with or without the parchment, your choice) into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label with the date!
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is SO helpful!!