Yes, cheese can be frozen, but the texture and quality may change depending on the type of cheese. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, label, and freeze. Use within 6-9 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Ever tossed out a perfectly good chunk of cheese before you could enjoy it all? Freezing can be a real lifesaver when it comes to making your cheese last longer. While not all types of cheese freeze perfectly, it’s a fantastic way to prevent waste and always have some delicious cheese on hand.
The key thing to remember: Yes, you can freeze cheese, but how well it freezes really depends on the type. Some cheeses, like the really hard ones, freeze beautifully and still taste great. Others, like soft and fresh cheeses, might get a bit crumbly or lose their special flavor.
Cheeses That Freeze Well
Freezing cheese can be a great way to preserve it and have it on hand when you need it. However, not all cheeses freeze equally well. Here’s a guide to help you:
Hard Cheeses
Examples: Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago
Freezing: These cheeses generally freeze well. You might notice some slight crumbliness after thawing, but they’re still perfect for grating and adding to dishes like pasta, soups, and sauces.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Examples: Colby, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyere
Freezing: These cheeses can also be frozen, but they might become a bit more crumbly or lose some of their smooth texture after thawing. They’re still great for melting in dishes like grilled cheese, quesadillas, and sauces.
Mozzarella and Pizza Cheese
Freezing: Shredded mozzarella and pizza cheese can be frozen, but they may lose some of their elasticity. This means they might not melt as smoothly as fresh cheese.
However, they’re still perfectly fine for melting on pizza, in casseroles, and other dishes where a perfectly smooth melt isn’t crucial.
Important Tips for Freezing Cheese
- Wrap tightly: Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags for the best results.
- Label and date: Label the package with the type of cheese and the date you froze it.
- Thaw properly: Thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Cheeses That Do Not Freeze Well
Freezing cheese can be tricky! Some cheeses just don’t handle the cold well. Here’s a look at cheeses you should generally avoid freezing:
Soft Cheeses
Examples: Brie, Camembert, cream cheese, feta, ricotta
Freezing Problems: These cheeses have a high moisture content. When you freeze them, the water inside turns to ice crystals. These ice crystals can puncture the cheese’s structure, making it watery and mushy when you thaw it. You might also notice a significant change in texture and flavor.
Fresh Cheeses
Examples: Mozzarella (especially fresh mozzarella), goat cheese
Freezing Problems: Similar to soft cheeses, fresh cheeses have a high water content. Freezing can cause them to become watery, lose their shape, and develop an unpleasant texture.
What to Do Instead
Enjoy them fresh: The best way to enjoy these cheeses is to eat them as soon as possible.
Use them quickly: If you have leftover soft or fresh cheese, try to use it up within a few days.
Consider alternatives: Explore other cheese options that freeze well, like hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan.
While it’s generally not recommended to freeze these cheeses, some people have success with freezing small portions of shredded mozzarella for short periods. However, it’s best to enjoy these cheeses at their peak freshness whenever possible!
Tips for Freezing Cheese
Freezing cheese can be a great way to preserve it and have it on hand when you need it. Here are some tips to help you freeze cheese successfully:
Wrapping
Take a Airtight container: Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn, which can dry out the cheese and make it taste unpleasant.
Portioning
Smaller is better: Freeze cheese in small portions. This makes it easier to thaw only the amount you need, preventing waste. It also helps prevent freezer burn, as smaller portions freeze and thaw more quickly.
Thawing
Refrigerator thaw: The safest way to thaw cheese is in the refrigerator. This takes long time, but it helps maintain the cheese’s quality.
Microwave thawing (with caution): You can also thaw cheese in the microwave, but be careful! Use the defrost setting and check the cheese frequently to prevent overheating.
How to Use Frozen Cheese?
Frozen cheese is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen! Here are some ideas on how to use it:
Cooking
Casseroles: Frozen cheese melts beautifully in casseroles, adding a creamy richness to your dish.
Soups and sauces: Stir in frozen cheese to thicken and enrich soups and sauces.
Mac and cheese: Frozen cheese is perfect for making a quick and easy mac and cheese.
Grating
Grating: You can still grate frozen cheese, but it might be a little crumbly. This makes it perfect for sprinkling on salads, pizzas, or pasta dishes.
Melting
Melting: While frozen cheese might not melt as smoothly as fresh cheese, it still melts well. It’s great for topping nachos, quesadillas, or using in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Remember, the key to using frozen cheese is to embrace its slightly different texture. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy the delicious flavor of your favorite cheeses even after they’ve been frozen!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of your frozen cheese:
Label it
Always label your frozen cheese with the type of cheese and the date you froze it. This will help you keep track of what you have and use it before it’s past its best.
Use it within 2 months
For the best quality, try to use your frozen cheese within 2 months. After that, it may start to lose some of its flavor and texture.
Don’t refreeze
Once you’ve thawed cheese, do not refreeze it. This can increase the risk of bacterial growth and make the cheese unsafe to eat.
Conclusion
Freezing cheese can be a convenient way to preserve it, especially for hard cheeses. However, it’s important to remember that freezing can slightly alter the texture and flavor of some cheeses. Soft and fresh cheeses generally don’t freeze well.
To maximize quality, wrap cheese tightly, freeze in small portions, and thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Avoid refreezing thawed cheese. While freezing extends shelf life, enjoying cheese fresh will always provide the best experience.