Bushra Griffith
Freezing cheese is a great way to increase its shelf life and reduce waste. Cheddar cheese, being a hard cheese, can be frozen. However, it is important to note that freezing cheese will alter its texture, even after it is defrosted. The quality of the cheese can change after being frozen and thawed, with some types of cheese changing more than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freezing Cheddar Cheese | Possible |
| Best Cheddar Cheese for Freezing | Blocks or large hunks |
| Cheddar Cheese Portion for Freezing | Not more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion |
| Cheddar Cheese Preparation for Freezing | Grated, sliced, or shredded |
| Cheddar Cheese Packaging for Freezing | Original packaging, resealable plastic bag, or airtight container |
| Cheddar Cheese Storage for Freezing | Separate slices with parchment paper |
| Cheddar Cheese Freezing Temperature | At least -9 °F (-23 °C) |
| Cheddar Cheese Freezing Duration | Up to nine months |
| Cheddar Cheese Thawing Duration | Seven to eight hours per pound |
| Cheddar Cheese Post-Thawing Usage | Within two to three days |
| Cheddar Cheese Refreezing | Not recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese freezing methods
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but its texture will change and become dry, crumbly, and mealy. The quality of the cheese will also be impacted, and it will be harder to slice.
To freeze cheddar cheese, first portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use in one go. For large blocks of cheddar, do not freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion. You can then grate or slice the cheese before freezing. Cheddar cheese can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. If you have sliced the cheese, separate the slices with parchment paper. The wrapped cheese should then be placed in an airtight container or bag. This step is essential to prevent dry air from getting into the cheese and causing freezer burn.
Freeze the cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large, disruptive ice crystals. Use the quick-freeze function on your freezer if it is available. Frozen cheddar cheese should be used within six to nine months of freezing and should not be refrozen once it has been thawed.
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How to prepare cheddar cheese for freezing
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but it's important to note that freezing will alter its texture, even after it is defrosted. The quality of the cheese can change, and its texture may become dry, crumbly, and mealy.
To prepare cheddar cheese for freezing, start by portioning the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheddar cheese, it is recommended to not freeze more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. You can grate or slice the cheese before freezing to make it easier to use later. Cheddar cheese can also be frozen as a shredded cheese, which is useful for pizzas or casseroles.
Once you have portioned the cheese, you can store it in its original packaging or wrap it in foil or cheese paper. If you are freezing sliced cheese, separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag, ensuring that as much air as possible has been removed. This step is crucial to prevent dry air from causing freezer burn.
Finally, freeze the cheddar cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can affect the texture and quality of the cheese. Use the quick freeze function on your freezer if it is available. Properly prepared and stored, frozen cheddar cheese can last up to six to nine months in the freezer.
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Cheddar cheese texture after freezing
Cheddar cheese is a hard or semi-hard, high-fat, industrially-produced cheese. Freezing such cheeses will lead to a change in texture, causing it to become drier, crumbly, and mealy. Cheddar cheese, therefore, will undergo a similar transformation.
When cheese is frozen, its water and fat content form ice crystals that can damage the protein structure of the cheese. Both fat and protein contribute to the texture of the cheese and how it performs under heat. Freezing these types of cheese will make them more crumbly, mealy, and difficult to slice. However, they will continue to melt just fine.
The quality of the cheese can be improved by tempering the cheese in the refrigerator after thawing. This means leaving it in the refrigerator for a few days to several weeks, depending on the type, to let it ripen. It is best to use any frozen cheese within two to three months of freezing it. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can typically last a bit longer.
It is important to note that frozen cheese should not be refrozen after it has been thawed. The cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and is best used in cooked dishes. Freezing cheese can reduce waste and prolong shelf life.
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Cheddar cheese shelf life after freezing
Cheddar cheese can be frozen for up to six to nine months. However, it is important to note that freezing affects the texture and quality of the cheese. When frozen, small ice crystals form inside the cheese, disrupting its internal structure. As a result, frozen cheddar may become dry, crumbly, and mealy, and it may also be less meltable, especially if stored for longer periods.
To freeze cheddar cheese, it is recommended to portion it into quantities that will be used at one time, as freezing and thawing cheese multiple times can impact its quality. For large blocks of cheddar, it is suggested to freeze no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. The cheese can be grated or sliced before freezing, and then stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. To prevent freezer burn, it is essential to place the wrapped cheese in an airtight ziplock bag or container.
When thawing frozen cheddar cheese, it is recommended to allow seven to eight hours per pound at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It is important to note that shredded cheddar cheese can be cooked without thawing and should be used within two to three days if thawed.
While freezing can extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, it is generally recommended to consume it fresh to maximise its flavour and texture. Cheddar cheese that has been frozen and then thawed may not taste the same as fresh cheddar, and its texture may be negatively affected, making it harder to slice or grate.
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Cheddar cheese types that freeze well
Cheddar is a hard or semi-hard cheese with a lower moisture content and higher fat content, which makes it suitable for freezing. While freezing, its water and fat content form ice crystals that can damage the protein structure of the cheese, affecting its texture and quality. This is true for all types of cheese.
Cheddar cheese can be frozen in blocks, grated, or sliced. If you are freezing a block of cheddar, it is best to not freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion. The cheese can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. If you are freezing slices, separate them with parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or bag.
Other hard and semi-hard cheeses that freeze well include Swiss, brick cheese, blue cheese, Colby, mozzarella, muenster, and provolone. It is best to use frozen cheddar and other cheeses within two to nine months of freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze cheddar cheese.
Portion the cheese into quantities you’re likely to use in one go. For large blocks of cheese, don't freeze more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion. You can grate or slice the cheese before freezing. Then, wrap the cheese in parchment paper, followed by a loose covering of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag.
Frozen cheese should be used within six to nine months of freezing.
No, you should not re-freeze cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed.
