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My family loves watermelon season, but when we wind up with a particularly big melon, we can’t always finish it in a single week. That’s why I wanted to take a moment to make sure you know how to freeze it. Frozen watermelon can be just as much fun as fresh!
However, it’s important to note that frozen watermelon isn’t nearly as flavorful as fresh watermelon. When you freeze food (in general), the flavor tends to dull.
That’s why I’ve spent the past few weeks figuring out a few different ways to use frozen watermelon. Whether you want to use frozen watermelon as an ice pop, turn it into a smoothie or sorbet, or you want to use it as ice cubes for a summer party, I’ll show you the best way to freeze watermelon and how to use it below.
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“Using frozen watermelon as ice cubes is genius!! Totally borrowing this idea.”– Wendy
How to Freeze Watermelon
Step 1:
Select a sheet pan that will fit on a flat shelf in your freezer. I can fit a half-sheet pan in mine (13 by 18 inches), but this will vary based on your freezer style. Line the pan with parchment paper, then start cutting the watermelon.
Don’t skip the parchment paper, or your fruit will be stuck to the pan later.
Cut the fruit into roughly 1-inch cubes, then arrange them on the lined baking sheet. They can be close together, but don’t let the cubes touch each other. Place the pan on a flat shelf in your freezer to freeze for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Note: This is the same method I use for freezing strawberries and frozen bananas. It works for almost any fruit you can think of.
Step 2:
Once the watermelon feels firm to the touch, remove the pan from the freezer and transfer the frozen watermelon cubes to an airtight container. Storing them in a sealed container will prevent them from picking up other flavors from the freezer. (So they will taste better.)
Store the frozen watermelon in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure the lid stays tightly secured each time you use it for the best taste.
4 Ways to Use Frozen Watermelon
As I mentioned earlier, frozen watermelon doesn’t taste as flavorful as fresh watermelon. That’s why you might want to adjust your expectations.
It’s brilliant as an ice cube substitute (with extra nutrients inside), but if you want something that is more watermelon-forward, you’ll probably need to add some extra flavoring, too.
1. Frozen Watermelon Ice Cubes
This is one of the easiest and most direct ways to use your frozen watermelon cubes. Simply use them as ice cubes in your favorite drinks. They add subtle flavor and look impressive. Plus, as they thaw, you can eat them!
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If I were doing this for guests, I think it would be fun to put some frozen watermelon cubes on a skewer. It would make for easy stirring and snacking when you want to eat the watermelon.
2. Make a watermelon smoothie.
I love making smoothies with fresh watermelon as some of the “liquid”, but you can use frozen watermelon in smoothies, too. Think of these frozen fruit cubes as ice cubes, and add them to fruit-forward smoothies for a slushier texture.
For example, these frozen watermelon cubes would be great in my Pineapple Kale Smoothie or Strawberry Banana Smoothie.
3. Make Watermelon Sorbet.
Similar to making banana ice cream or pineapple whip, you can simply process frozen watermelon in a food processor until it has a creamy, sorbet-like texture!
Find my full watermelon sorbet recipe here.
Watermelon may vary in flavor each time you make it, so have fresh lime juice and a sweetener nearby. I like to use either honey simple syrup (my favorite) or maple syrup to sweeten this to taste.
4. Freeze it as Ice Pops
Before you freeze watermelon, insert a popsicle stick into each piece to create an easy “popsicle.” Once they are frozen, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top, if desired.
(My kids liked this idea, but I think we actually like plain watermelon better.)
Frozen Watermelon (And 4 Ways to Use It!)
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon , cut into chunks
Instructions
- Select a baking sheet that will fit flat on one of your freezer shelves, then line it with parchment paper.
- Arrange the watermelon chunks into a single layer on the lined baking sheet, making sure that the pieces aren't touching, so they won't stick together later. Place the pan in the freezer, and allow them to freeze for about 2 hours. (Up to 8 hours is okay.)
- Once the watermelon is frozen, transfer the pieces to an airtight container, so they won't pick up any other flavors from your freezer. Frozen watermelon can be stored in the freezer for 3 to 6 months when it's tightly sealed.
Notes
Nutrition
More Summer Recipes to Try
- Banana Popsicles
- No-Bake Chocolate Walnut Bars
- Almond Milk Ice Cream
- Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream
If you try using frozen watermelon, please leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know how you like it!
Made watermelon smoothie using frozen watermelon, lime aid and Tito’s vodka. Perfect summer cocktail! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Great ideas.
Using frozen watermelon as ice cubes is genius!! Totally borrowing this idea.
How would I make the sorbet? Would I add anything to the blended frozen watermelon?
You can find the recipe I use here: https://detoxinista.com/watermelon-sorbet/