Can You Freeze Cheese? Tips, Dos and Don’ts, and More
Cheese is a staple in many households, whether it’s for snacking, cooking, or topping off favorite dishes. But what do you do when you have more cheese than you can consume, or when you want to stock up on your favorite varieties? That’s where freezing comes in handy. However, freezing cheese is not as straightforward as you might think.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of freezing cheese. We will cover the dos and don’ts of freezing cheese, tips on pre-freezing preparations, the best methods for storing frozen cheese, ways to use the cheese once it’s thawed, and much more. So, let’s get started.
How to Freeze Cheese: Tips and Tricks
Before you start freezing cheese, there are a few considerations that you need to make. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your frozen cheese retains its flavor and texture.
Prepare the Cheese
Before you freeze the cheese, you have to prepare it first. You should remove it from its original packaging and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure that all the cheese surfaces are completely covered, including the sides and corners, to prevent freezer burn. If you have a block of cheese, you can also cut it into small pieces before wrapping it, as this can help to speed up the thawing process.
Choose the Right Freezer-Safe Container
You will want to freeze your cheese in a container that is airtight, moisture-proof, and freezer-safe. You can use a freezer bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. If you use a freezer bag, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. This will help to reduce the risk of freezer burn.
Label and Date It
It’s important to label and date your frozen cheese so that you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer. You can use a marker or a label to indicate the cheese type, the date of freezing, and the expiration date.
Store It Properly
Once you have wrapped your cheese and put it in a container, you should store it in the freezer. It’s a good idea to place the cheese in the back of the freezer, where it’s coldest, to avoid fluctuations in temperature. Don’t forget to keep it away from other strongly flavored foods, as it can pick up their flavors if stored together.
Thaw It Slowly
The best way to thaw cheese is to do it slowly. You should take the cheese out of the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw. The thawing process can take several hours, or even a whole day, depending on the size of the cheese.
It’s essential to note that once the cheese is thawed, it will start to degrade quickly. So, once you have thawed it, try to consume it within a few days.
The Dos and Don’ts of Freezing Cheese
Now that you know how to freeze cheese let’s look at what to do and what not to do when freezing cheese.
The Dos of Freezing Cheese
- Choose cheese varieties that are suitable for freezing.
- Prepare cheese before freezing by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
- Label and date the cheese for easy tracking.
- Store the cheese in the back of the freezer to avoid temperature fluctuations.
- Thaw cheese slowly in the fridge.
The Don’ts of Freezing Cheese
- Do not freeze soft cheeses, as they tend to become crumbly and lose their texture when thawed.
- Do not freeze cheese that has already been grated. Grated cheese tends to clump together and can result in a significantly altered texture.
- Do not use regular plastic wrap or aluminum foil, as they are not moisture-proof and can lead to freezer burn.
- Do not thaw cheese at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can compromise the texture and flavor of the cheese
Can You Freeze Different Types of Cheese? A Comprehensive Guide
Not all types of cheese are suitable for freezing. Freezing can alter their texture, flavor, or appearance. Here’s a list of cheese types that can be frozen and how their texture and taste may change when thawed.
Hard Cheeses
Examples: Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, Gouda
Hard Cheeses are great for freezing because they retain their texture when thawed. They may become a bit crumbly and lose some of their aroma but will remain suitable for cooking or grating.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Examples: Colby, Monterey Jack, Havarti
If you must freeze semi-soft cheese, you should do so after shredding it. Freezing can cause semi-soft cheese to become mushy or crumbly when thawed, making it unsuitable for use as a standalone cheese platter.
Soft Cheeses
Examples: Feta, ricotta, Brie, Camembert
Soft cheeses generally do not freeze well because they tend to separate when thawed, resulting in a gritty texture. Therefore, you should avoid freezing soft cheeses if possible.
The Benefits of Freezing Cheese: Long-Term Storage and Cost-Effective Solution
Freezing cheese can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for people who find themselves with too much cheese than they can consume. Here are some of the benefits of freezing cheese:
Keep Cheese Fresh for Longer
Freezing cheese is a great way to keep it fresh for longer. Cheese that has been frozen can last for up to six months when stored correctly. So, if you have excess cheese, freezing it can save you from wasting it.
Reduce Food Waste
Freezing cheese can help to reduce food waste. You can avoid throwing away cheese that has gone bad by freezing it, and you can use it later when it’s convenient.
Cost-Effective Solution
When you buy cheese in bulk, it’s generally cheaper than buying it in small quantities. Freezing it can help you avoid buying cheese at a higher price. So, you can save money by purchasing larger quantities of cheese, freezing it, and using it as needed.
Creative Ways to Use Frozen Cheese: Recipes and Ideas
If you have frozen cheese, there are a lot of ways to use it beyond the usual cheese sandwiches or macaroni and cheese. Here are some creative ways to use frozen cheese:
Casseroles
You can use thawed cheese in casseroles such as lasagna, Shepherd’s Pie, or chicken and rice casseroles. You can also use it in vegetable casseroles or meatloaf.
Cheese Sauce
Thawed cheese can be used to make cheese sauce for nachos, fries or macaroni and cheese. It can be an excellent way to repurpose cheese that has lost its texture.
Pizzas
You can use thawed cheese to make homemade pizza. It’s a quick and easy way to have homemade pizza any time you want.
Q&A: Answering Common Questions about Freezing Cheese
How long can you freeze cheese?
Typically, frozen cheese can last up to six months. However, this can vary depending on the type of cheese and the storage condition. Always consult the cheese’s expiration date before freezing it and follow the recommended storage instructions.
How do you prevent freezer burn?
To prevent freezer burn, make sure to wrap the cheese tightly and adequately. Use freezer bags or containers that are air-tight and moisture-proof. Label the cheese with the date of freezing and use it within six months.
What happens if you thaw cheese at room temperature?
If you thaw cheese at room temperature, this can compromise its texture and flavor. Thaw cheese slowly and in the fridge so that it can retain its freshness and texture.
Conclusion
Freezing cheese can be a great way to keep it fresh for longer, reduce food waste, and save money. However, not all types of cheese are suitable for freezing. Always wrap the cheese tightly and label it before storing it in the freezer. Remember to thaw the cheese slowly in the fridge for the best quality and texture.
Now that you know how to freeze cheese, it’s time to experiment and see how it can fit into your meal planning. Try using thawed cheese in casseroles, sauces, and even homemade pizza, and share your experiences with friends and family.