Yes, you can freeze blue cheese crumbles to extend their shelf life, often for 6 months or even longer according to sources like Cooklist and wikiHow.
While freezing is effective for preservation, you should expect the texture to become crumblier after thawing, making them best suited for cooked dishes rather than eating plain.
Ever buy a tub of those yummy blue cheese crumbles for a salad or maybe some buffalo chicken dip, and then you have leftovers?
You stick them back in the fridge, but you know you might not use them up before they go bad. It feels like such a waste, right? That tangy, unique flavor is too good to toss!
So, you might be wondering, “Can I just freeze the leftover blue cheese crumbles?” The simple answer is: Yes, you definitely can! Freezing is a handy trick to keep your blue cheese good for much longer.
Now, freezing can change the texture a little bit, making it even more crumbly once it thaws out. 1 But don’t let that stop you! In this guide, we’ll explore the upsides and downsides of freezing blue cheese.
We’ll show you exactly how to freeze the crumbles step-by-step, give you easy tips for thawing them out later, and share the absolute best ways to use those crumbles once they’ve been frozen.
Can You Freeze Blue Cheese Crumbles?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze blue cheese crumbles. Freezing is a good way to extend their shelf life.
Here’s what you need to know:
Effects of Freezing
- Texture: The main change you’ll notice after thawing is the texture. Blue cheese becomes more crumbly and slightly drier after being frozen. Since you’re starting with crumbles, this change might be less noticeable than freezing a whole wedge.
- Flavor: The flavor generally holds up quite well, although some people find it slightly less intense after freezing.
How to Freeze Blue Cheese Crumbles
- Ensure the crumbles are relatively dry.
- Place them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You might consider double-bagging for extra protection.
- Label the container or bag with the date.
How Long to Freeze
For the best quality, try to use the frozen blue cheese crumbles within 2 to 6 months. They will remain safe to eat beyond this time if kept consistently frozen at 0∘F(−18∘C), but the quality (texture and potentially flavor) will degrade further over time.
How to Thaw
Thaw the crumbles slowly in the refrigerator. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can affect the texture and safety.
Best Uses After Freezing
Due to the textural changes, thawed blue cheese crumbles are often best used in cooked dishes where the texture is less critical. They work great in:
- Sauces and dressings
- Soups
- Casseroles
- Melted on burgers or steaks
- Mixed into dips
In summary, freezing blue cheese crumbles is perfectly fine, especially if you plan to use them in cooked applications where the increased crumbliness won’t matter. Just be sure to package them well to minimize freezer burn.
Why Freeze Blue Cheese Crumbles?
So, why bother freezing blue cheese? Well, think about it. Once you open that container, blue cheese crumbles usually only stay fresh in the fridge for about a week or so. Freezing is like hitting the pause button!
Here are the main reasons freezing is a great idea:
Lasts Way Longer
Instead of just a week, freezing keeps your blue cheese good for months!
Stop Wasting Food
No more finding fuzzy blue cheese in the back of the fridge and tossing it out. Freezing helps you use everything you buy.
Save Money
Wasting less food means you’re saving money because you don’t have to buy cheese as often.
Super Convenient
Craving that tangy blue cheese kick? Just grab some from the freezer! It’s awesome to always have some ready to go for recipes.
What Happens When You Freeze Blue Cheese?
Freezing food almost always changes it a little bit, and blue cheese is no exception. Here’s what you can expect:
Texture
This is the biggest change. Because blue cheese has a good amount of moisture, freezing makes it more crumbly and less creamy once it thaws. The little ice crystals that form break down the cheese’s structure a bit.
Flavor
Most people find the flavor stays pretty much the same, but sometimes freezing can make the sharp, tangy taste a little milder. It usually won’t be a huge difference, especially if you use it in cooking.
Appearance
Frozen and thawed blue cheese generally looks the same. You’ll still see those signature blue or green veins. Sometimes, when it thaws and hits the air, the veins might even look a bit brighter.
How to Freeze Blue Cheese Crumbles: Step-by-Step Guide
Freezing blue cheese crumbles is super easy. Just follow these steps for the best results:
Start Fresh
Make sure the blue cheese you’re freezing is still fresh and hasn’t started to go bad. Don’t freeze cheese that’s already past its prime.
Portion It Out (Optional but Smart)
Think about how much blue cheese you usually use at one time. Consider dividing the crumbles into smaller, recipe-ready portions (like half-cup or quarter-cup amounts). This way, you only thaw what you need.
Wrap It Tight
This is super important. You need to protect the cheese from freezer burn (those nasty ice crystals that ruin flavor and texture).
And stop it from picking up smells from other foods in the freezer (or making everything else smell like blue cheese!). Here are a few ways to do it:
Method 1 (Double Wrap)
Wrap your portions tightly in wax paper or parchment paper first. Then, wrap that bundle again tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Method 2 (Freezer Bag)
Place the crumbles directly into a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you possibly can before sealing it tight. You can even double-bag it for extra protection.
Method 3 (Vacuum Sealer)
If you have a vacuum sealer, this is the best option! It removes almost all the air, giving your cheese maximum protection.
Label It
Grab a marker and label the bag or container with “Blue Cheese Crumbles” and the date you froze it. This helps you know what it is and use the oldest stash first.
Freeze
Place your well-wrapped, labeled cheese crumbles in the freezer. Done!
How Long Can You Freeze Blue Cheese Crumbles?
Frozen blue cheese crumbles can last quite a while! For the best quality (closest texture and flavor to fresh), try to use them within 6 months.
They can often stay safe to eat for even longer, maybe up to a year, but you might notice the texture gets even more crumbly or the flavor fades a bit more the longer it stays frozen.
How to Thaw Frozen Blue Cheese Crumbles
When you’re ready to use your frozen blue cheese, how you thaw it matters!
Best Way: Slow Thaw in the Fridge
The safest and best way to thaw blue cheese crumbles is slowly in the refrigerator. Just take the package out of the freezer and put it in the fridge. Allow about 24 to 48 hours for it to thaw completely, depending on the size of the portion.
Why Avoid the Counter?
Never thaw cheese at room temperature. It warms up too quickly on the outside while the inside is still frozen, which can mess up the texture and, more importantly, create a safety risk by letting bacteria grow.
Use it Soon
Once thawed, try to use the blue cheese crumbles within 2 to 3 days for the best quality.
Best Ways to Use Previously Frozen Blue Cheese Crumbles
Because freezing makes blue cheese more crumbly, it works best in dishes where that perfect creamy texture isn’t the star of the show. Think cooked or mixed-in uses. Here are some great ideas:
- Melted on top of burgers or steaks
- Sprinkled on pizza before baking
- Stirred into creamy pasta sauces or a rich steak sauce
- Added to hearty soups or bubbly casseroles
- Mixed into dips (especially if you blend them) or homemade salad dressings
- Used in baked dishes like gratins or savory pastries
While you can use them in salads, be prepared for a drier, more crumbly texture. They might not be the best choice for a fancy cheese board where texture is really important, unless you specifically want very crumbly cheese.
Tips for Success
Let’s quickly recap the keys to successfully freezing blue cheese:
- Freeze it Fresh: Start with good quality cheese.
- Wrap it Well: Airtight is the goal! Prevent freezer burn and odor transfer.
- Thaw it Slow: Patience pays off – use the fridge method.
- Use it Smart: Choose recipes where the crumblier texture works well (think cooked dishes!).
- Manage Expectations: Remember the texture will change a bit, and that’s okay!
FAQ about Freezing Blue Cheese
Can you freeze a whole block or wedge of blue cheese instead of crumbles?
Yes, you can freeze blocks or wedges too! The process is the same (wrap it very well!). However, portioning it before freezing is often more convenient, as frozen cheese can be hard to cut. Crumbles are generally easier to freeze and thaw in usable amounts.
Can you refreeze blue cheese after it’s been thawed?
It’s generally not recommended. Refreezing cheese that’s already been frozen and thawed can make the texture even worse (mushy or very dry) and might affect the flavor negatively. It’s best to only thaw what you think you’ll use.
How can I tell if my thawed blue cheese is still good to eat?
Use your senses, just like with fresh cheese! Give it a sniff – it should smell tangy like blue cheese, not sour, yeasty, or like ammonia.
Look at it – check for any unusual colors like pink, brown, or fuzzy green mold (the blue/green veins are normal). If it smells off or looks weird, it’s best to toss it out.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Freezing blue cheese crumbles is doable and a fantastic way to cut down on food waste and keep that delicious tangy flavor on hand.
Just remember to wrap it tightly, thaw it gently in the fridge, and use it in dishes where its new, crumblier texture can shine – like melted into sauces or sprinkled over a hot burger.
By following these simple steps, you can confidently freeze those leftovers and enjoy your blue cheese for months to come. Give it a try!
