Yes, you can freeze grated Parmesan cheese. Put it in a sealed container or freezer bag. It might feel a little different after you thaw it, but it will still be okay to eat.
Ever bought a big chunk of Parmesan, only to find it covered in mold a week later? Or maybe you just hate throwing away those little bits that get left behind?
We’ve all been there! So, can you freeze Parmesan cheese? Good news – you totally can! Freezing Parmesan is a super smart way to save money (no more tossing moldy cheese!), cut down on food waste, and keep your cheese fresh for ages.
It’s like a magic trick for your fridge! Freezing Parmesan is actually pretty simple and works really well if you do it the right way.
This way, you can always have delicious Parmesan ready to sprinkle on your pasta, pizza, or whatever your heart desires!
Why Freeze Parmesan Cheese? (Benefits)
Why should you freeze Parmesan cheese? Let’s talk about the awesome benefits!
First off, freezing Parmesan is a champion at reducing waste. Think about it: how many times have you had to toss out a chunk of cheese because it grew a fuzzy coat before you could use it all? Freezing stops that from happening. You can use what you need, and save the rest for later, preventing it from going bad.
This also means you’ll save money! No more throwing your hard-earned cash in the trash along with that moldy cheese. By freezing Parmesan, you’re getting the most bang for your buck. You buy it once, and it lasts much longer.
Freezing Parmesan also makes life easier. Imagine this: you’re whipping up a quick pasta dinner, and instead of having to grate a whole block of cheese, you just grab a bag of pre-grated Parmesan from the freezer. Boom! Instant flavor, no extra work. It’s all about convenience.
Finally, frozen Parmesan lasts way longer than cheese in the fridge. While refrigerated Parmesan might only last a week or two (if that!), frozen Parmesan can stay good for several months.
That’s a huge difference! So, freezing Parmesan is a win-win-win: less waste, more savings, and super convenient.
How to Freeze Grated Parmesan Cheese (Step-by-Step Guide)
Let’s get that Parmesan into the freezer, nice and fresh! For freezing, freshly grated Parmesan is usually the best way to go. It tends to hold its texture better than pre-grated cheese from the store. But if you have pre-grated on hand, that works too!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Freezer bags or airtight containers (choose sizes based on how much cheese you have)
- Measuring spoons (if you want to pre-portion)
- Cornstarch or flour (optional, but helpful!)
- A marker or pen for labeling
Now, let’s freeze that cheese!
Portion it out: Decide how much cheese you want to freeze in each bag or container. Think about how you usually use Parmesan. Do you use a little at a time or a lot? Portioning it out now makes it easier to use later.
The cornstarch/flour trick (optional): This is a neat step that helps keep the cheese from clumping together. For every cup of grated Parmesan, add about a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour. Toss the cheese gently to coat it evenly. This helps absorb any moisture and keeps the cheese nice and loose.
Pack it up: Put the portioned cheese into your freezer bags or containers. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. For containers, make sure they are tightly sealed.
Label and date: This is super important! Write the date on the bag or container so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. Frozen Parmesan is usually good for a few months.
That’s it! You’ve successfully frozen your Parmesan. Now you can enjoy fresh, flavorful cheese whenever you need it!
How to Freeze a Block of Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Okay, so you’ve got a whole block of Parmesan and want to keep it fresh? Freezing it is a great idea! Here’s how to freeze a block of Parmesan cheese:
Wrap it up: First, wrap the block of Parmesan tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure it’s completely covered with no air gaps. This first layer of plastic wrap is key to preventing freezer burn and keeping the cheese’s flavor intact.
Bag it (or box it): Next, place the wrapped block of cheese into a freezer bag or an airtight container. Again, if you’re using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it up. A container also works well, just make sure it seals tightly.
Label and date: Just like with grated Parmesan, label the bag or container with the date. This way, you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer. A block of Parmesan can usually be frozen for a few months.
When you’re ready to use the cheese, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that the texture of the Parmesan might change slightly after freezing, becoming a bit crumblier. It will still be delicious and flavorful, though!
How Long Does Frozen Parmesan Last?
Frozen Parmesan, whether grated or in a block, can last a good amount of time in the freezer – usually around 3 to 6 months. That’s a lot longer than it’ll last in the fridge!
But how do you know if your frozen Parmesan has gone bad? Keep an eye out for a few telltale signs:
Texture Changes: If your Parmesan has developed a strange, overly crumbly, or icy texture, it might be past its prime. While freezing can slightly change the texture anyway, extreme changes are a warning sign.
Off-Smell: This is the biggest indicator. If your Parmesan smells funky, sour, or just “off,” don’t risk it. Trust your nose! A bad smell means the cheese has probably gone bad, even if it’s only been a few months.
If your frozen Parmesan passes the texture and smell tests, it should be perfectly fine to use!
How to Use Frozen Parmesan Cheese?
One of the best things about frozen Parmesan is that you can often use it directly from the freezer without thawing! This is especially true for grated Parmesan. Just grab the amount you need and sprinkle it right onto your food. Easy peasy!
Here are some great ways to use your frozen Parmesan:
Pasta, Pizza, and More: The classic! Frozen Parmesan is perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian-inspired creations.
Sauces and Soups: Add a boost of flavor to your sauces and soups by stirring in some frozen Parmesan. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy taste.
Salads: A sprinkle of frozen Parmesan adds a salty, savory bite to salads.
Baked Dishes: Use frozen Parmesan in casseroles, baked vegetables, or any dish where you want a cheesy topping.
Just a heads-up: The texture of Parmesan might be a little different after freezing. It can sometimes become a bit more crumbly, especially if you froze a block.
But don’t worry, the flavor will still be delicious! So, go ahead and enjoy your frozen Parmesan – it’s a convenient and tasty way to keep your cheese fresh and ready to use.
Tips for Freezing Parmesan Cheese (Best Practices)
Here are some handy tips to make sure your Parmesan freezing experience is a total success:
Fresh is Best: Freeze your Parmesan as soon as possible after you buy it or grate it yourself. The fresher the cheese when you freeze it, the better the quality will be after thawing.
No Refreezing: Once you’ve thawed Parmesan, don’t put it back in the freezer. Refreezing can change the texture and flavor, and it might not be as good. It’s best to freeze your cheese in portions that you’ll use in one go.
Ice Crystals are Okay (Sometimes): If you see a few ice crystals on your frozen Parmesan, don’t worry too much. It’s still safe to eat. However, lots of ice crystals might mean the cheese has been in the freezer for a while, and the texture might be affected.
Think Small: Freezing your Parmesan in smaller portions is a smart move. This way, you only thaw what you need, and you avoid having to refreeze any leftover cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While freezing grated parmesan cheese
Let’s talk about some common pitfalls to avoid when freezing Parmesan cheese:
Don’t Freeze It As-Is: Freezing Parmesan in its original store packaging isn’t the best idea. Those packages aren’t usually designed for long-term freezing and might not prevent freezer burn. Always repackage your Parmesan in freezer bags or airtight containers.
Label, Label, Label: Forgetting to label your frozen Parmesan with the date is a big no-no. You’ll have no idea how long it’s been in there, and you might end up with cheese that’s past its prime. A simple label with the date makes a world of difference.
The Refreezing Trap: We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: never refreeze thawed Parmesan. It will negatively impact the texture and flavor. Portion your cheese wisely to avoid this.
Don’t Overstuff: Resist the urge to cram too much Parmesan into your freezer bags or containers. Overfilling can prevent proper sealing and might lead to freezer burn. Leave a little bit of space for the cheese to breathe (especially with bags) or for expansion (especially with containers).
FAQs
What is the best way to store grated parmesan cheese?
To keep your grated Parmesan fresh, you should store it in a sealed container or bag in the fridge. If you want it to last even longer (like, for months!), freezing it is a good idea. When freezing, you can also mix in a little cornstarch to help keep the cheese from sticking together.
Is mouldy grated parmesan safe to eat?
No, moldy grated Parmesan cheese is not safe to eat. Mold can produce harmful toxins, and it’s best to discard any cheese that shows signs of mold growth. It’s not recommended to simply cut the mold off, as it can penetrate deeper than visible.
How do you remove mold from parmesan cheese?
It’s not recommended to try and remove mold from Parmesan cheese, especially if it’s grated. Mold can penetrate deeper than what you see, and may produce harmful toxins. It’s best to discard the cheese entirely to avoid any potential health risks.
How do you know if grated parmesan is bad?
If your grated Parmesan smells off (musty, sour), looks slimy or moldy, or tastes strange, it’s likely gone bad. Toss it to avoid getting sick.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Freezing Parmesan cheese is a fantastic way to keep your cheese fresh, save money, and reduce food waste. Think about all the times you’ve had to throw away a chunk of moldy Parmesan – those days are over!
By following these simple tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful Parmesan whenever you need it.
We encourage you to give it a try! Freezing Parmesan is easy, effective, and a great way to be a little eco-friendlier in the kitchen.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have any special tips or tricks for freezing Parmesan? Share them in the comments below – let’s learn from each other and make the most of our cheese!
