Freezer-Friendly Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but how long is it safe to keep it in the freezer? Well, it depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and manchego can last up to 6-12 months in the freezer, while soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, and ricotta should be used within 2 months for the best taste and texture. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. It's important to note that freezing affects the texture of the cheese, making it drier and crumbly, so it's best to use frozen cheese in cooked dishes rather than eating it fresh.

Freezing cheese: the pros and cons

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. While it can be done, there are some pros and cons to consider before freezing your cheese.

Pros:

• Freezing cheese is an effective way to make it last longer, reducing waste and saving money.
• Frozen cheese can be kept for up to 6-9 months, and even up to 2 years if stored properly.
• It is a simple process: cheese can be frozen in its original packaging, or with additional wrapping and airtight containers.
• Frozen cheese is perfectly safe to eat, and while the texture may change, it can still be used in cooked dishes.

Cons:

• Freezing can negatively affect the quality of cheese, particularly its texture. Soft cheeses with higher water content tend to be more adversely affected, becoming dry, crumbly, or mealy.
• Freezing and thawing cheese can cause a loss of flavour and aroma.
• It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen and thawed cheese.
• Freezing cheese is not suitable for all types of cheese, and it is not the best method for storing cheese that is meant to be eaten fresh.

Overall, freezing cheese can be a good option for those who want to extend the shelf life of harder cheeses, and who plan to use the cheese in cooked dishes. However, for those who prioritise texture and flavour, freezing may not be the best option, and other storage methods may be preferable.

Best cheeses to freeze

Freezing cheese is a great way to preserve it for later, but it's important to note that not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to freezing. The quality of most cheeses will be affected, with changes in texture and taste occurring due to the formation of ice crystals. So, which cheeses are the best to freeze?

Hard and semi-hard cheeses are generally the best options for freezing. This includes varieties such as cheddar, gouda, Swiss, Edam, Muenster, and provolone. These firmer cheeses tend to retain their texture and flavour better than softer cheeses. They can become crumbly or mealy, but their flavour will remain intact, making them ideal for cooking. When freezing hard and semi-hard cheeses, it's best to grate, slice, or cut them into blocks before placing them in airtight packaging.

Some sources also suggest that industrially-produced cheese, like large blocks of store-brand cheddar, can withstand freezing with minimal loss of quality. Well-aged, hard grating cheeses such as pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano (parmesan) can also be good candidates for freezing, although they may develop a slightly metallic taste.

Soft cheeses, such as camembert, brie, ricotta, and cottage cheese, can be frozen but their texture will be more adversely affected due to their higher water content. If you do choose to freeze soft cheeses, it's best to consume them within two to four months to avoid too much change in texture and creaminess.

Overall, while freezing cheese may alter its texture and taste, it is an effective way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. When freezing cheese, it is recommended to use airtight packaging, such as heavy-duty freezer bags or containers, and to consume the cheese within six to nine months for the best quality.

Worst cheeses to freeze

Freezing is a great way to preserve cheese for later. However, not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to freezing. While harder cheeses tend to fare better, soft cheeses are more adversely affected by the process. Here are some of the worst cheeses to freeze:

Brie

Freezing and thawing soft, ripened cheeses like Brie can negatively affect their texture, making them crumbly instead of creamy. They are also highly perishable, so it's best to buy small quantities of Brie and enjoy it fresh.

Camembert

Like Brie, Camembert is a soft, ripened cheese that freezes poorly. Freezing can disrupt the ripening process of Camembert, potentially impacting its sensory quality. It's best to store it in the refrigerator and consume it fresh.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it less suitable for freezing. Freezing and thawing cottage cheese can result in a crumbly texture instead of the desired creamy consistency.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be frozen, but it may separate upon thawing. While you can whip it to improve its texture, it's generally best avoided for freezing.

Fresh Curd Cheeses

Cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and quark fall into this category and are not ideal for freezing due to their high moisture content.

Grated Hard Cheeses

While hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano can technically be frozen, they are best stored in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 12 months. Freezing these cheeses can lead to a loss in quality, so it's generally not recommended.

Hand-Crafted Cheeses

Delicate, hand-crafted cheeses with nuanced flavours and aromas are best enjoyed fresh. They don't freeze well due to their delicate characteristics.

Processed Cheese Slices and Spreads

Processed cheese products, such as cheese slices and spreads, are not suitable for freezing. They are designed for convenience and are best consumed fresh.

Blue Cheese

Freezing blue cheese can damage the moulds essential to its ripening process, potentially impacting its flavour and texture. It's generally recommended to enjoy blue cheese fresh rather than freezing it.

How to freeze cheese

Freezing cheese is a great way to preserve it for later. If you wrap it properly and store it in an airtight container, it can last for a while. However, the quality of the cheese can change after being frozen and thawed, with some types of cheese changing more than others.

When freezing cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese, the storage method, and the intended use. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze cheese:

Blocks of Cheese:

• Leave blocks of cheese in their original packaging. Wrap them in parchment paper, then loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bags with the date and the type of cheese.
• Freeze for up to nine months.

Shredded Cheese:

• Divide your shredded cheese into freezer bags and squeeze out as much air as possible.
• Label the bags with the amount and type of cheese, as many types look similar.
• Freeze for up to nine months.

Slices of Cheese:

• Separate the slices using parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the slices in an airtight container or bag.
• Label the bags with the date and type of cheese.
• Freeze for up to nine months.

Pre-shredded Store-bought Cheese:

• Store-bought, pre-shredded cheese can be kept in its original packaging and placed directly in the freezer.
• Freeze for up to two months without losing quality.

Freezing Smaller Blocks:

• If you're planning to freeze smaller blocks of cheese, choose blocks that are no larger than one pound.
• Place them in a Ziplock freezer bag, still in their original packaging if possible.
• Press out as much air as you can, then seal the bag tightly.
• For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper before bagging.
• Freeze for up to two months.

Freezing Cheese Slices:

• Place the cheese slices individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Freeze them for about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the frozen slices to a Ziplock bag, or place them in an airtight container with small pieces of parchment paper between each slice.

Freezing Soft Cheeses:

• Soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and ricotta can be frozen, but they are more susceptible to changes in texture.
• For the best results, break down larger quantities into smaller pieces, wrap them individually, and then transfer them to a Ziplock bag once frozen.

Thawing Frozen Cheese:

• Thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator for seven to eight hours per pound.
• For shredded cheese, you can also cook it directly from frozen on pizzas or casseroles.
• Use the thawed cheese within two to five days.

Best and Worst Cheeses to Freeze:

When it comes to freezing cheese, hard and semi-hard cheeses are generally the best options due to their lower moisture content. Here are some specific types of cheese that are suitable or unsuitable for freezing:

Best Cheeses to Freeze:

• Cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Parmesan
• Colby Jack
• Provolone
• Mozzarella
• Goat Cheese

Worst Cheeses to Freeze:

• Soft cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Ricotta
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fancy, hand-crafted cheeses
• Processed cheese like Velveeta
• Grated Parmesan or Romano

How long cheese lasts in the freezer

The length of time cheese lasts in the freezer depends on the type of cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses can last from six to twelve months in the freezer. However, it is recommended to consume them within six to nine months for the ultimate freshness. Examples of hard cheeses include Manchego, Parmesan, and Cheddar. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and brie can last for a shorter period, approximately two months.

Some sources suggest that cheese can be frozen indefinitely if stored properly, but the quality will deteriorate over time. After the six-month mark, cheese may begin to lose its flavor and aroma, and its texture may become dry and crumbly. Therefore, it is advisable to consume frozen cheese within a few months of storage.

To ensure the best quality and safety, regulatory groups recommend consuming cheese within six months of freezing. Additionally, it is important to note that not all types of cheese can be frozen. Hard cheeses are suitable for freezing, while softer cheeses are not recommended for freezing.

When it comes to defrosting frozen cheese, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator. Depending on the size and shape, defrosting can take between six hours and three days. Once thawed, the cheese should be consumed within two to five days.

Frequently asked questions