Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and prevent wastage. However, not all cheeses freeze well, so it’s important to understand which cheeses are suitable for freezing and the best practices for freezing cheese properly.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about freezing cheese:
- Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss freeze well, while soft cheeses like brie and cottage cheese do not.
- Grate or cut cheese into pieces before freezing so it’s easier to use later. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags.
- Thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Allow several hours or overnight for larger pieces.
- Most cheeses can be frozen for 2-3 months before quality deteriorates. Properly wrapped cheese may last up to 6 months.
- Freezing alters cheese texture slightly. Thawed cheese may be crumbly or grainy but will still taste fine.
What Kinds of Cheese Can Be Frozen Successfully?
The best cheeses for freezing are those that are firm and lower in moisture content. Higher moisture cheeses do not hold up well to freezing. Here are some examples of cheeses that freeze well versus those that do not:
| Freeze Well | Do Not Freeze Well |
|---|---|
| Cheddar | Cottage cheese |
| Swiss | Cream cheese |
| Parmesan | Ricotta |
| Provolone | Mascarpone |
| Gouda | Mozzarella |
| Feta | Brie |
In general, good cheeses for freezing include aged, hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, parmesan, provolone, and gouda. Soft, high moisture cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and brie do not hold up well to freezing.
How to Prepare Cheese for Freezing
Prepping your cheese properly before freezing will help maintain its texture and flavor. Follow these tips:
- Grate or cut into pieces: Grated or cut cheese is much easier to use later on. Grate hard cheeses or cut soft cheeses into cubes or slices before freezing.
- Package tightly: Wrap cheese pieces very tightly in plastic wrap, or place in freezer bags and squeeze out excess air. This prevents freezer burn.
- Use small packages: Freeze cheese in smaller portions rather than large blocks. This helps the cheese freeze faster and allows you to thaw only what you need.
- Label packages: Include type of cheese and date on the package so you know what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen.
Freezing Different Types of Cheese
Certain cheeses require some special considerations when freezing. Here are some tips for freezing common cheese varieties successfully:
Hard Cheeses
For hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or parmesan, grate or cut into 1/2 inch cubes before freezing. Hard parmesan wedges can also be frozen whole after wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Portion the cheese in amounts you will use at one time.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like feta or goat cheese crumble easily when frozen. Freeze in cubes or slices, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Shredded Cheeses
Loose shredded cheese tends to clump together in the freezer. To avoid this, spread shredded cheese out on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to airtight bags or containers. Another option is to add a bit of cornstarch or flour to the shredded cheese to prevent clumping.
Cheese Spreads
Spoon cream cheese, goat cheese spreads, and other soft cheese spreads into an ice cube tray. Cover and freeze, then transfer cubes to an airtight container once frozen solid. Thaw what you need overnight in the refrigerator.
Cheese Sauces
Freeze extra cheese sauce in ice cube trays or muffin tins, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw cubes in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese does not freeze well. For the best results, use extra cottage cheese within 3-4 days of opening rather than freezing.
How Long Does Cheese Last in the Freezer?
Cheese can be frozen for 1-6 months depending on the variety. Here are some general guidelines for cheese freezer life:
- Cheddar, Swiss: 3-6 months
- Parmesan: 6-8 months
- Feta: 1-2 months
- Soft cheeses: 1-2 months
- Shredded cheeses: 2-3 months
Always label cheese packages with the date before freezing. For best quality and food safety, use frozen cheese within the recommended timeframe above.
Thawing Cheese
Always thaw cheese slowly in the refrigerator, not on the counter at room temperature. Here are some thawing guidelines:
- Large blocks: Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Shredded cheese: Thaw in fridge 2-3 hours.
- Cheese cubes or slices: Thaw in fridge 3-4 hours.
- Cheese sauces: Thaw overnight in fridge or heat gently on stove.
Thawed cheese may have a slightly different texture than fresh cheese. It may be more crumbly or grainy. However, frozen and thawed cheese is still perfectly safe to eat and tastes the same.
Tips for Using Thawed Cheese
- Use thawed shredded cheese as crumbles rather than trying to keep it shredded.
- Mix cubed cheese into cooked dishes like casseroles or pasta sauces.
- Grate or finely crumble any cheese with a crumbly texture after thawing.
- Avoid freezing cheese you plan to eat raw or unmelted, like cheese platters.
While thawed cheese may not have the same smooth, sliceable texture as fresh, it still tastes delicious melted or mixed into cooked foods. Plan to use thawed cheese in cooked recipes rather than uncooked.
Conclusion
Freezing is a simple way to reduce cheese waste and always have your favorites on hand. Hard cheeses freeze best, while soft, high moisture cheeses should be avoided. Grating or cutting cheese before freezing makes it easier to use. Thaw cheese slowly in the refrigerator before use for the best texture. While the texture may be a bit crumbly after thawing, frozen cheese still tastes fresh and can be enjoyed melted or cooked in recipes. Follow proper freezing and thawing methods, and most cheeses will freeze for 2-6 months with little quality loss.