Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a strong-tasting cheese made using cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and matured with penicillium. It is generally agreed that blue cheese can be frozen, but it is not always recommended due to the impact freezing can have on its texture and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can blue cheese be frozen? | Yes |
| Best way to freeze blue cheese | Wrap tightly in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper. Place in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. |
| How long can blue cheese be frozen for? | 6-8 months. After this, the flavour and texture will be affected. |
| Can frozen blue cheese be eaten? | Yes, it is safe to eat but the texture will be affected. |
| Best use for frozen blue cheese | Cooking, e.g. in a sauce or on a pizza. |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing blue cheese is safe and it still tastes great
Freezing blue cheese is safe and it can still taste great! Blue cheese is a very strong type of cheese, made using cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and matured with penicillium. The good news is that freezing blue cheese is perfectly safe. In fact, any type of cheese can be frozen.
However, freezing blue cheese can affect its texture and flavour. After 6-8 months in the freezer, blue cheese will start to lose its quality. Its texture may become crumbly and mealy, and it will be harder to slice. Freezing also stops the cheese from ripening properly, which can affect its overall sensory quality.
Despite this, frozen blue cheese is still tasty and has many uses. It can be used just like fresh cheese. It's great for sprinkling over salads and other dishes, and it can be peeled into curls with a vegetable peeler or paring knife. It's also perfect for cooking with, and can be added to sauces, or used on pizza.
If you want to freeze blue cheese, it should be tightly wrapped in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper. Squeeze out any excess air, and place the cheese in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
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Blue cheese can be frozen for 6-8 months
To freeze blue cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper, ensuring that all excess air is removed. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a sealable bag to avoid freezer burn and protect the cheese from the cold air of the freezer.
When thawed, frozen blue cheese may not be as suitable for serving as a table cheese due to changes in texture. However, it can still be used in various dishes, such as salads, sauces, or cooked recipes like pizza or blue cheese dip. Freezing blue cheese can also make it easier to break off or peel into curls using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
It is worth noting that blue cheese has a long shelf life and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 weeks without freezing, maintaining its taste and texture. Therefore, freezing may not be necessary unless you plan to extend its lifespan significantly beyond its fridge lifespan.
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Blue cheese is best enjoyed fresh
While blue cheese can be frozen, it is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing temperatures can damage the moulds that are essential to the ripening process of blue cheese, potentially decreasing its overall sensory quality. Therefore, blue cheese is better enjoyed fresh to maximize its flavour and texture.
Blue cheese has a long shelf life and will be quite happy in the fridge for some time, even months. The fridge is the best place to store blue cheese, as it certainly needs low temperatures. The coldest part of the fridge is at the back, so wrap your cheese well and place it there. Even chilly temperatures above freezing will still affect the flavour and texture of blue cheese, so to enjoy your cheese at its best, take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you intend to eat it.
If you do choose to freeze your blue cheese, it should last a long time in the freezer. After 6-8 months of freezing, the flavour and texture of frozen blue cheese will start to be affected. It'll still be safe to eat after that, although it won't be at its finest. When you have leftover blue cheese, throw it in the freezer in a sealable bag. Freezing doesn’t damage the cheese and it still tastes great. The frozen blue cheese is always ready to go on top of salads and other dishes. Plus, when it’s frozen, the cheese breaks off easily. It can also peel off in curls using a vegetable peeler or paring knife. Use it just as you would fresh cheese.
However, freezing doesn’t kill microbes — it only damages them. Thus, they may become active again when the cheese thaws. As blue cheese has live mould and bacteria populations deliberately added to give it distinctive textures and flavours, freezing can stop these cheeses from ripening properly when thawed. This can make the cheese drier, more crumbly, and mealy. It can also halt the ripening process of cheeses with beneficial, active mould populations.
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Blue cheese can be frozen in a sealable bag or wrapped in foil
Freezing blue cheese can affect its texture, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. It can also alter the flavour and halt the ripening process, as the low temperatures can damage the moulds essential to the ripening process. Therefore, frozen blue cheese is better suited for cooked dishes rather than being eaten fresh. When used in cooking, frozen blue cheese can still be delicious and add a unique flavour to dishes such as salads, sauces, or pizzas.
It is important to note that frozen blue cheese should be safe to eat as long as there is no mould on it. The flavour and texture of frozen blue cheese will start to be affected after 6-8 months, but it will still be safe to consume. To ensure food safety, it is recommended to label the freezing date on the bag or container and consume the cheese within a reasonable timeframe.
In summary, while blue cheese can be frozen in a sealable bag or wrapped in foil, it is important to manage expectations regarding the changes in texture and flavour. Frozen blue cheese is ideal for cooking and can be a convenient way to reduce waste and save money.
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Blue cheese can be frozen and used in cooked dishes
However, if you intend to use blue cheese in cooked dishes, freezing can be a viable option to extend its lifespan. When frozen, blue cheese can be easily broken off or peeled into curls, making it convenient for adding to recipes. It is recommended to freeze blue cheese in small portions that can be used in a single go, as freezing and thawing cycles can further affect its quality. Properly preparing and storing the cheese is crucial to minimise quality loss.
To freeze blue cheese, portion it into manageable quantities, wrap it tightly in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper, and then place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Squeeze out any excess air and consider using a vacuum sealer if available. Additionally, label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its lifespan. Blue cheese can be safely frozen for 6-8 months, after which its flavour and texture may deteriorate.
When using frozen blue cheese in cooked dishes, allow it to thaw completely before adding it to your recipes. It can be used in various dishes, such as salads, sauces, pizzas, dips, or fritters. Freezing blue cheese is especially useful for those who want to reduce waste, as it can extend the lifespan of leftover cheese. However, it is important to note that the cheese's texture and flavour may differ from its fresh counterpart, so adjustments may be necessary when using it in recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese can be frozen.
Blue cheese can be frozen for 6-8 months. After this time, the flavour and texture will be affected, but it will still be safe to eat.
Blue cheese can be frozen in a sealable bag or plastic container. It should be tightly wrapped in aluminium foil, cling film, or parchment paper to protect it from the cold air of the freezer.
Frozen blue cheese can be used in cooked dishes such as sauces, salads, and pizzas. It can be peeled into curls using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
