If you’re looking for ways to elevate your cooking game and add instant flavor to your meals, these four flavor bombs are the perfect solution. It’s also a great way to preserve your aromatics and herbs. We’ve got frozen pesto, frozen roasted garlic, frozen caramelized onions, and frozen mixed herbs. Easy to prepare and even easier to use, you can freeze these in silicon ice cube trays and have them ready to enhance your dishes at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, herbaceous, or rich, these flavor-packed cubes will quickly become your kitchen staples.
I purchase these silicon trays and reusable ziplock bags to make prep and storing super easy!
Pesto Flavor Bombs: A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite
The Pesto Flavor Bomb is your secret weapon for adding a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to any dish in an instant. Made with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, these little cubes are packed with the vibrant taste of classic pesto. By freezing pesto in silicone ice cube trays, you can enjoy the convenience of this flavorful staple anytime without the need to prepare it from scratch.
Uses for Pesto Flavor Bombs:
My quick go to is over some warm pasta or on some heirloom tomatoes with burrata. Yum!
- Pasta: Toss a cube or two with hot pasta for an effortless pesto pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Grilled Meats: Melt over grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a flavorful finishing touch.
- Soups and Stews: Stir into soups or stews for an extra layer of herbaceous goodness. Check out my Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Recipe!
- Sandwiches: Spread onto bread for a gourmet sandwich upgrade.
- Vegetables: Drizzle over heirloom tomatoes or roasted vegetables. Check out my Lemon Basil Roasted Vegetables.
Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in recipe card at the end of post
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
- Add in basil and combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the pesto into silicon trays, cover, and freeze.
With pesto flavor bombs, you can effortlessly add a touch of Italian flair to your meals, making them an essential component of your kitchen arsenal. Whether you’re cooking up a quick pasta dish or looking to enhance your favorite grilled meats, these cubes make it easy to enjoy the fresh taste of pesto all year round.
Flavor Bombs Recipe Video
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Roasted Garlic Flavor Bombs: Rich, Sweet, and Savory
The Roasted Garlic Flavor Bomb is your go-to for infusing dishes with the deep, sweet, and savory flavor of roasted garlic. Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent taste into something mellow and almost caramel-like, perfect for adding a rich depth to a variety of dishes. By freezing roasted garlic in silicone ice cube trays, you can have this culinary powerhouse ready to use whenever you need it, without the extra prep time.
Uses for Roasted Garlic Flavor Bombs
In my video I made a delicious and simple salad dressing with pantry friendly ingredients! See recipe and more ideas below:
Lebanese Garlic Herb Dressing
- 1/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Defrosted roasted garlic cube
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other ideas
- Mashed Potatoes: Stir a cube into your mashed potatoes for a luxurious, garlicky twist. Check out my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
- Pasta Sauces: Melt into marinara or Alfredo sauce for an added layer of complexity and flavor.
- Dressings: Add to dressings for comforting depth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with vegetables before roasting to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Garlic Bread: Spread on warm bread for a quick and delicious garlic bread that rivals any restaurant’s.
With roasted garlic flavor bombs, you can easily elevate your everyday meals with the rich, savory notes of perfectly roasted garlic. Whether you’re enhancing a pasta dish, stirring it into sauces, or creating the ultimate garlic bread, these cubes make it easy to bring a gourmet touch to your cooking.
Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in recipe card at the end of post
- 4 heads of garlic
- 1.5 cups olive oil or enough to fully cover garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Peel and remove the cloves.
- Place in a deep dish and fully cover in olive oil.
- Roast for 1 hour or until then garlic is soft and golden.
- Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves into the trays and freeze.
Caramelized Onion Flavor Bombs: Sweet, Savory, and Versatile
The Caramelized Onion Flavor Bomb is your secret weapon for adding a touch of sweet and savory richness to your dishes. Caramelized onions are slow-cooked to perfection, developing a deep, complex flavor that enhances everything from soups to sandwiches. I use a cheat method by cooking them on medium high heat and using steam from water to keep them from burning. By freezing caramelized onions in silicone ice cube trays, you have a ready-to-use burst of flavor that can transform your meals with minimal effort.
Uses for Caramelized Onion Flavor Bombs
In my video I demonstrated how to make a delicious burger sauce! Below is the recipe and many other ways to use the caramelized onions:
Burger Sauce Recipe
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp caramelized onions
Other Ideas
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Melt a cube over your burger or sandwich for a sweet, savory topping that adds depth and sophistication.
- Pasta Dishes: Stir into creamy pasta sauces or use as a base for a quick and flavorful onion pasta.
- Soups and Stews: Add to soups like French onion or beef stew for an instant upgrade in flavor and richness.
- Pizza Topping: Spread on pizza before baking to bring a gourmet touch to your favorite pie.
- Grain Bowls: Mix into quinoa or rice bowls for an added layer of sweetness and complexity.
Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in recipe card at the end of post
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and sugar if desired. Stir and let cook undisturbed for 5 minutes so the fond can develop.
- Stir and add a little water to create steam and scrape any fond at the bottom of the pan. We do not want any burnt onions so keep an eye on it!
- Repeat this process for about 25 minutes or until the onions have reached a deep golden brown or your desired doneness.
- Once the onions cool, spoon them into silicon ice cube trays and freeze.
With caramelized onion flavor bombs, you can easily enrich your everyday cooking. These cubes bring the perfect balance of sweetness and umami to a wide range of dishes, turning simple meals into something truly special. Whether you’re crafting a quick weeknight dinner or a gourmet weekend meal, these flavor bombs make it easy to add a professional touch to your cooking.
Mixed Herb Flavor Bomb: Fresh, Aromatic, and Infused with Olive Oil
The Mixed Herb Flavor Bomb is a blend of thyme, oregano, and tarragon infused in olive oil, ready to elevate any dish with a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. These herb cubes are perfect for those moments when you want to add complexity and aroma to your cooking without the hassle of chopping fresh herbs. By freezing this mix in silicone ice cube trays, you have a convenient, pre-portioned way to infuse your meals with the vibrant taste of Mediterranean herbs. I make some cubes with each of the herbs individually and then some with a blend of all the herbs.
Uses for Mixed Herb Flavor Bombs:
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss a cube with your favorite veggies before roasting to add a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Sautéed Dishes: Melt a cube in your skillet as a base for sautéing chicken, fish, or vegetables, infusing them with the rich taste of olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Soups and Stews: Drop a cube into your soups or stews for an instant flavor boost, adding depth and complexity to your broth.
- Pasta Sauces: Stir into tomato or cream-based pasta sauces to enhance the overall flavor with a mix of earthy and fragrant herbs.
- Marinades: Use a cube to create a quick and flavorful marinade for meats, poultry, or tofu, giving them an herby, well-rounded taste.
With these Mixed Herb Flavor Bombs, you can effortlessly introduce the vibrant essence of Mediterranean herbs into your everyday dishes. They’re a simple way to add layers of flavor, making even the most straightforward meals taste like they’ve been crafted by a professional chef. Whether you’re whipping up a quick pasta dish or slow-cooking a stew, these herb cubes will ensure your food is bursting with fresh, aromatic goodness.
Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in recipe card at the end of post
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Oregano
- Any herbs of your choice
- Olive oil
Instructions
Chop the herbs finely or leave them whole. Mix the herbs with olive oil in a small bowl. I like to make some of the herbs individually and make some mixed variations. Spoon the mixture into the trays, ensuring the herbs are fully submerged in the oil. Freeze until solid.
Substitutions
Caramelized Onions: Use shallots or leeks for a different flavor profile.
Pesto: Swap basil with arugula or spinach, and pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
Roasted Garlic: Add fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting for extra flavor.
Herb Cubes: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or dill depending on your recipe.
Flavor Bombs FAQ
How long can I store these flavor bombs in the freezer?
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use different herbs or ingredients?
Absolutely! Customize these cubes with your favorite herbs or additional ingredients like ginger, chilies, or citrus zest.
Frozen Flavor Bombs
Ingredients
Pesto Cubes
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted Garlic Cubes
- 4 heads of garlic
- 1.5 cups olive oil or enough to fully cover garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper to taste
Lebanese Garlic Herb Dressing
- 1/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Defrosted roasted garlic cube
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1/4 tsp salt or salt taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Caramelized Onion Cubes
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp sugar optional, to enhance sweetness
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp caramelized onions
Herb Cubes
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Oregano
- Any herbs of your choice
- Olive oil
Instructions
Pesto Cubes
- Combine pine nuts, salt, and garlic in a food processor.
- Add in basil and combine.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Pour the pesto into silicon trays, cover, and freeze.
Roasted Garlic Cubes
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Peel and remove the cloves.
- Place in a deep dish and fully cover in olive oil.
- Roast for 1 hour or until then garlic is soft and golden.
- Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves into the trays. I use about 2-3 cloves per silicon tray square depending on their size. Top with the oil you baked them in, and freeze.
Lebanese Garlic Herb Dressing
- Defrost 1 garlic cube in the microwave for 30 seconds. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Caramelized Onion Cubes
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and sugar if desired. Stir and let cook undisturbed for 5 minutes so the fond can develop.
- Stir and add a little water to create steam and scrape any fond at the bottom of the pan. We do not want any burnt onions so keep an eye on it!
- Repeat this process for about 25 minutes or until the onions have reached a deep golden brown or your desired doneness.
- Once the onions cool, spoon them into silicon ice cube trays and freeze.
Burger Sauce
- Microwave the onion cube for 30 seconds. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
Herb Cubes
- Chop the herbs finely or leave them whole.
- Mix the herbs with olive oil in a small bowl. I like to make some of the herbs individually and make some mixed variations.
- Spoon the mixture into the trays, ensuring the herbs are fully submerged in the oil. Freeze until solid.
This is such a smart idea! Thank you for sharing!