Cheese is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what if you want to save some cheese for later? Can you freeze cheese? The answer is yes, you can! But there are a few things you need to know first.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about freezing cheese. We’ll give you some tips on how to freeze cheese so that it maintains its quality, and we’ll also tell you what not to do when freezing cheese. So read on to find out everything you need to know about freezing cheese!
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What is the best way to freeze cheese?
Vacuum sealing can preserve a cheese for up to two months, and the parchment/foil method will keep the cheese for one month, says Windsor. “If using a freezer bag, you should try and thaw the cheese after two weeks of storage.”
Dairy products are some of the most versatile in the kitchen, but when it comes to freezing them, there are some things you should know. Cheese, specifically, can be a little bit tricky.
The first thing to note is that hard cheeses tend to survive freezing better than soft cheeses. Hard cheeses have less moisture content, meaning they’re less likely to suffer from changes in texture or flavor when frozen.
That said, all cheeses will change somewhat when frozen. They may become crumblier or grainier, and their flavors may become duller. For this reason, it’s best to use frozen cheese in cooked dishes rather than eating it on its own.
The best way to freeze cheese is in portions. Cut it into small pieces or slices, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the cheese, then store it in the coldest part of your freezer.
When you’re ready to use frozen cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature, as this can cause bacteria to grow. Once thawed, use the cheese within a few days.
Can shredded cheddar cheese be frozen?
Shredded cheddar cheese can be frozen for up to three months. Just place the shredded cheese in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag and pop it in the freezer. (You can also freeze store-bought bags of shredded cheese.)
Here are a few tips for freezing shredded cheese:
- Shred the cheese just before freezing to prevent it from drying out.
- For easy melting, shred your cheese on the coarse side.
- If you’re freezing a lot of shredded cheese at once, divide it into smaller portions so that you can thaw only what you need.
When you’re ready to use the frozen shredded cheese, simply thaw it in the refrigerator. Frozen shredded cheese can be used in any recipe that calls for shredded cheese,including pizza, tacos, casseroles, and more.
Is cheese still good if you freeze it?
We found that as long as you wrap the cheeses extremely well (or better yet, vacuum-seal them) to prevent freezer burn, it’s fine to freeze cheese for up to two months.
When it comes to freezing cheese, the biggest concern is freezer burn. Freezer burn happens when food is exposed to air, causing dehydration and oxidation. This can make the food dry, tough, and lacking in flavor. But if you wrap your cheese tightly or vacuum-seal it, you can prevent freezer burn from happening.
Another thing to keep in mind is that hard cheeses tend to fare better in the freezer than soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have less moisture, so they’re less likely to dry out or become crumbly. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, can become mushy when thawed.
Here are some tips for freezing cheese:
- Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or aluminum foil.
- Place cheese in a zip-top bag before freezing.
- Vacuum-seal cheese for long-term storage.
- Label cheese with the date it was frozen.
- Thaw cheese in the refrigerator.
If you follow these tips, you can successfully freeze cheese and enjoy it for up to two months.
Why shouldn’t you freeze cheese?
Freezing cheese causes ice crystals to develop, disrupting the cheese’s structure. This may affect the texture and make it drier, more crumbly, and mealy. It can also halt the ripening process of cheeses with beneficial, active mold populations.
When ice crystals form in cheese, they cause the proteins and fats to separate. This results in a change of texture, making the cheese drier and crumblier. In addition, freezing can stop the ripening process of mold-ripened cheeses.
Some people say that freezing does not affect the taste of the cheese, but others say that it changes the flavor slightly. If you plan to eat the cheese after it has been frozen, it is best to try it first to see if you like the taste.
How do you defrost frozen cheese?
Thawing Successfully
- Leave the package tightly wrapped in plastic or in the plastic bag it was frozen in to retain moisture as the cheese thaws.
- Place it in the refrigerator.
- Thaw overnight or for 24 hours, or until the cheese is completely defrosted.
- Solid blocks of cheese take longer to defrost than shredded cheeses.
Once thawed, use immediately. If you need to refreeze, know that there will be some loss of quality. Rewrap the block of cheese tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there is no air exposure before freezing.
Blocks of cheese that have been frozen and then thawed will not crumble as easily as fresh blocks when grated. So, if you’re planning to grate the cheese, do so before freezing.
Unsafe Methods Never leave cheese out of the fridge for more than two hours, whether frozen or not. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises against using the microwave to thaw frozen cheese, as this unevenly heats the product and can cause bacteria to form.
Is it better to freeze cheese whole or shredded?
Whole Cheese If you have a piece of cheese that you know you won’t be able to eat before it goes bad, your best bet is to freeze it whole. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, making sure that no air can get in. Then, wrap that in foil or place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge.
Shredded Cheese Store-bought, pre-shredded is always going to be a good bet. You can keep it in its original packaging and put it straight in the freezer. You can also shred cheese from a block and then freeze it (I prefer this to freezing an entire block.
When freezing cheese, you always want to make sure that there is no chance for freezer burn. Cheese is a delicate food, and even a small amount of freezer burn can ruin the taste. By wrapping the cheese tightly, you can avoid any problems.
One thing to keep in mind is that freezing cheese will change its texture. It will become crumbly and dry, so it’s not ideal for eating on its own. However, it’s perfect for cooking with. So, if you’re looking to add some cheesy goodness to a recipe, frozen shredded cheese is the way to go.
