Can You Freeze Cheese?

Can you freeze cheese? The short answer? Yes, you can freeze cheese. However, the texture may change slightly after it is thawed so free cheese can very much depend on the type of cheese you wish to freeze.,

Harder, aged cheeses such as parmesan and cheddar tend to freeze the best and retain their flavor and texture the most successfully.

Soft cheeses such as blue cheese, brie, and feta can also be frozen, but their texture may become more crumbly once thawed.

Freezing cheese

My favorite cheese to freeze at home is cream cheese. Freezing cream cheese lets me take advantage of the great sales for $1 or less saving a small fortune through the year. Freezing means I never have to worry about using up cream cheese before it goes bad despite buying it in large quantities.

What are the best cheeses for freezing?

Blocks of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are excellent choices. For unopened blocks, simply freeze them in their original packaging. Alternatively, opt for a resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible for opened blocks. Shredded cheeses that come in packaging can also be frozen. Ensure to press out the air before freezing and seal securely. Your frozen cheese can last for 3 -6 months depending on the freezer you are using.

How to freeze hard cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, are a staple in many kitchens and can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. While hard cheeses have a long shelf life when stored properly in the refrigerator, they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Freezing hard cheeses can help to extend their shelf life and make it easier to portion out servings for future use. Here is a guide on how to freeze hard cheeses for storage:

If your cheese is already vacuum sealed in an air-tight container you can simply toss the entire block of cheese into the freezer. The vacuum seal will protect it.

If your cheese is open you can vacuum seal it or wrap it in plastic and then place it in a freezer bag for storage.

Hard cheeses can be frozen for 6 to 9 months without issue in a deep freezer and about 3 months in the freezer attached to your refrigerator.

When you are ready simply leave the cheese on the counter for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

How to freeze soft cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and feta, are a popular choice for many people due to their creamy texture and rich flavor.

While soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses and should be stored in the refrigerator, they can also be frozen for longer storage. Freezing soft cheeses can help to extend their shelf life and make it easier to portion out servings for future use. Here is a guide on how to freeze soft cheeses for storage:

If your cheese is already vacuum sealed in an air-tight container you can simply toss the entire block of cheese into the freezer. The vacuum seal will protect it.

If your cheese is open you can vacuum seal it or wrap it in plastic and then place it in a freezer bag for storage.

Hard cheeses can be frozen for up to 6 months without issue in a deep freezer and about 3 months in the freezer attached to your refrigerator.

When you are ready simply leave the cheese on the counter for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

How to freeze shredded cheeses

Shredded cheese is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. While shredded cheese has a relatively long shelf life when stored properly in the refrigerator, it can also be frozen for longer storage.

Freezing shredded cheese can help to extend its shelf life and make it easier to portion out servings for future use. Here is a guide on how to freeze shredded cheese for storage:

To freeze the entire package:

Open one corner of the package and squeeze as much air out as you can before resealing. For extra protection, you can place this in a vacuum-sealed bag or inside a freezer bag.

To freeze in smaller portions:

Take your shredded chees and portion it out into the amounts you would like to place in freezer bags or vacuum seal. If you are using freezer bags remove as much air from your new freezer bags

To use the frozen shredded cheese, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Shredded cheese can also be thawed at room temperature for a quicker thaw, but it is important to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t become too soft.

Can you freeze sliced cheese?

If you have pre-sliced cheese from the grocery store, simply keep the cheese sealed in its packaging and place it in the freezer.

If you have hard cheese from the deli or slice it yourself, arrange the slices in a plastic freezer bag with small sheets of parchment paper placed between each slice to prevent them from sticking together. Ensure to press out any excess air before sealing the bag tightly.

How freezing cheese can alter the flavor and texture

Freezing cheese can alter its texture and flavor due to the changes that occur in the cheese’s structure and composition during the freezing and thawing processes. Here’s how freezing affects cheese:

Texture changes: When cheese is frozen, the water within the cheese forms ice crystals. These ice crystals can disrupt the protein and fat matrix of the cheese, leading to changes in texture. As the cheese thaws, the ice crystals melt, causing moisture to be released. This can result in a softer, sometimes crumbly texture. The cheese may lose its original smoothness and become slightly grainy or mealy.

Moisture loss: Freezing and thawing can cause moisture loss in cheese. When the ice crystals melt, they release water, which can contribute to a loss of moisture content in the cheese. This moisture loss can lead to a drier texture, making the cheese less creamy and more brittle.

Flavors changes: Freezing can also impact the flavor of cheese. The breakdown of the cheese’s structure and the loss of moisture can affect the distribution of flavors within the cheese. Some delicate flavors may become muted or altered, while other flavors may become more pronounced. The overall taste of the cheese may also be slightly different after freezing and thawing.

It’s important to note that not all cheeses freeze and thaw equally. Some cheeses, like hard cheeses (e.g., Parmesan), may tolerate freezing better than soft cheeses (e.g., Brie), as they have a lower moisture content. Hard cheeses may still retain their flavor and texture reasonably well after freezing. However, even with hard cheeses, there may still be some textural changes.

To minimize the negative effects of freezing on cheese, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container before freezing. This can help reduce moisture loss and protect the cheese from absorbing other flavors from the freezer. Additionally, it’s best to consume frozen cheese relatively soon after thawing to maintain the best possible flavor and texture.

Can cheese be frozen and thawed?

Absolutely! To thaw cheese, place it in the refrigerator while still in its original packaging. Allow a few hours for the cheese to defrost before using it. It’s best to consume the cheese as soon as possible after thawing.

You can use the cheese while it’s still frozen, such as topping a pizza with frozen shredded mozzarella that will melt in the oven.

How to tell if your frozen cheese is freezer burnt

Freezer burn is a common problem when storing food in the freezer, and it can affect cheese. Freezer burn occurs when food is not properly wrapped or sealed, allowing air to come into contact with the surface of the food. This can cause the food to dehydrate and develop ice crystals, which can affect its texture, flavor, and overall quality.

To tell if cheese is freezer burnt, you can look for the following signs:

Discoloration: Freezer burnt cheese may appear discolored or grayish in areas where the ice crystals have formed.

Dried-out texture: The texture of freezer-burnt cheese may be dry and hard, with a crumbly or grainy consistency.

Off flavor: Freezer burnt cheese may have an off flavor or a sour taste, which can be caused by the dehydration of the cheese.

Ice crystals: You may be able to see small ice crystals on the surface of the cheese if it has freezer burn.

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese rather than try to use it. Freezer burnt cheese is not harmful to eat, but it may not taste as good as fresh cheese and could potentially ruin a recipe.

To prevent freezer burn, be sure to wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable plastic bag before storing it in the freezer. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it, as this will help to prevent the cheese from drying out.