What if you purchased a lot of cheese? If you have an extra wedge of Parmesan or too much shredded mozzarella in your fridge, you may wonder, “Can you freeze cheese?”.
The answer is yes, but it depends on the type and how you plan to use it later.
Some freeze cheese better than others, but a few tips help you distinguish between them. Understanding the basics of freezing cheese can help you store it correctly.
From cheddar to brie and shredded varieties, freezing them correctly keeps their texture, flavour and freshness. Let’s explore the ways to freeze cheese without ruining its quality.
Overview
It’s the concern of many people, “Does cheese freeze? Yes, cheese can be frozen, although not all types freeze well. Hard and semi-hard cheeses are suitable for freezing. To freeze, place it in a freezer bag, press the air out, and label. If you wish to grate it, do so before freezing. Lay a bag of grated cheese down flat and avoid packing it tightly.
The cheese can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Grated cheese can be added to meals cooked directly from frozen.
For Example, Cheddar, Gouda, Emmental, and Parmesan freeze well and retain their flavour, although the texture might suffer slightly.
How to Freeze Cheese
Do you want to know how to freeze cheese”? The answer is here. When you decide to freeze your cheese, you should follow these steps to ensure the loss of quality.
- Preparation
It’s a good idea to prepare the cheese properly before freezing. First, cut it into small portions based on how much you use it at one time. If it’s a large block like cheddar, you should not try to freeze more than 1 pound (about 500 grams) in one go. Cheese can be grated or sliced before freezing.
Freezing
To avoid large ice crystals, freeze cheese to at least -23°C (-9°F). Use your freezer’s quick-freeze setting if possible. If you’re thinking about “how long can you freeze cheese”? Frozen cheese is kept indefinitely, but should be used within 6–9 months for best quality.
Thawing
Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator at 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit (0-1 degrees Celsius) for 7-8 hours per pound (500 grams). Shredded cheese for pizza toppings or cooking can be used from the package without thawing.
In addition, after thawing the cheese, temper it in the refrigerator to improve its quality. It means keeping it in the fridge for a few days to many weeks, depending on the kind, to allow it to ripen slightly.
Remember that frozen and thawed food, like cheese, can’t be refrozen again. Frozen cheese works best in cooked dishes with less obvious texture changes, like sauces, pizza, or grilled cheese.
Can I Freeze Cheddar Cheese?
If you’re wondering, “Can cheddar be frozen”? The answer is yes. Cheddar is perhaps one of the best cheeses to freeze. It will willingly sit in your freezer for a year or more.
A good suggestion is to carefully clean the cheese’s outside before wrapping it in parchment paper or aluminium foil. This reduces the impact of ice crystals, which are detrimental to frozen cheese. Other hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Gouda, freeze well.
Can you Freeze Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese can be frozen, but it will not have the same texture or appearance. The delicate tastes of fresh cheese will have been lost during the freezing process, and the texture may be unpleasant.
Cream cheese and other soft cheeses, such as creamy brie, mozzarella, and camembert, have a high moisture content that makes freezing difficult.
Which Cheeses Don’t Freeze Well?
Some cheeses can’t be frozen because they contain more water and are more susceptible to harm from ice crystals formed during freezing. Here are the following cheeses which shouldn’t be frozen:
- Creamier cheese
- Brie Cheese
- Camembert
Conclusion
In conclusion, all doubts of food lovers will be cleared with our blog “Can You Freeze Cheese?” After their answers, you don’t need to look further.
Freeze cheese by following our methods, and enjoy your meal with fresh cheese. Cheese’s shelf life can be increased, and waste can be reduced by freezing.
However, it might make the product crumbly, mealy, and drier. Soft and delicate, artisanal cheeses are less suitable for freezing than higher-fat, industrially produced cheeses like cheddar.
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