Hard Cheese: How Long Does It Stay Fresh?

Freezing cheese is a great way to make it last longer, but it's important to note that not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to freezing. Hard and semi-hard cheeses, like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, tend to freeze well due to their lower moisture content. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese don't freeze as well because they have a higher water content, which can lead to a crumbly texture after thawing. Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes, as the changes in texture are less noticeable. It's recommended to consume frozen cheese within six to nine months and to avoid refreezing previously frozen cheese.

Hard cheese can be frozen for up to 6-9 months

Freezing hard cheese will alter its texture and quality. When frozen, the moisture in the cheese forms ice crystals, and when thawed, the cheese can become dry and crumbly. However, hard cheese that has been frozen still melts beautifully and is perfect for cooking.

Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan hold up best in the freezer. These cheeses have a lower moisture content and higher fat content, which makes them better suited for freezing.

It is important to note that freezing hard cheese will affect its texture and quality, making it more difficult to slice. Therefore, it is recommended to use frozen hard cheese in cooked dishes rather than eating it fresh.

Additionally, it is best to avoid refreezing hard cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed.

Soft cheese doesn't freeze well

Soft cheeses don't freeze well. This is due to their higher moisture content, which means more water will be present to form ice crystals. This can significantly damage the structure of the cheese, and you may be left with a pool of previously delicious cheese when it thaws.

The degradation of texture is very noticeable in any frozen cheese that is eaten plain. So, if you're thinking of freezing a cheese that's destined for a cheese board, it's best to buy and serve it fresh.

Soft, ripened cheeses, such as brie, Camembert, fontina, or Muenster, are best eaten fresh and can be ripened in the refrigerator.

Freezing is also not recommended for fresh curd cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and quark due to their high moisture content.

Processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, also don't freeze well.

Freezing cheese changes its texture

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and reduce waste. However, it is important to note that freezing will change the texture of the cheese, especially if it is a softer variety.

When cheese is frozen, its water content turns into ice crystals, which can damage the protein structure. This leads to a crumbly and mealy texture that is more difficult to slice. The higher the water content in the cheese, the more ice crystals will form, and the more noticeable the change in texture will be. Therefore, harder cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar or Swiss, are better suited for freezing than soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Additionally, freezing can affect the fat content of the cheese, causing it to harden and clump together. This can alter the mouthfeel and creaminess of the cheese. Freezing can also impact the volatile compounds in the cheese, resulting in a less intense flavour and aroma upon thawing.

For these reasons, cheese that has been frozen is best used in cooked dishes where the changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

To minimise the impact of freezing on the texture of the cheese, it is recommended to shred or grate the cheese before freezing. This increases the surface area, allowing for quicker and more even freezing, and reduces the chances of uneven texture or moisture loss. It is also important to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent air infiltration, which can cause freezer burn and further affect the texture.

Best cheeses to freeze include cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone

Freezing cheese is a great way to increase its shelf life, reduce waste, and save money. However, it is important to note that freezing affects the texture and quality of the cheese, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. The best cheeses to freeze are those with a relatively low moisture content, such as semi-firm and firm varieties.

Cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone are three excellent choices when it comes to freezing cheese. Here's what you need to know about each of them:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular variety of cheese that freezes relatively well due to its semi-hard texture and low moisture content. However, it is important to note that freezing will affect the texture, making it crumbly and harder to slice. Freezing also halts the aging process, which may impact the flavour. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze cheddar in smaller portions that can be used in cooked dishes, rather than eaten raw.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella, the most popular cheese in the US, can also be frozen. However, it is important to note that fresh mozzarella with high moisture content may develop an "off" texture as it freezes and defrosts. To minimise this, wrap the mozzarella tightly in freezer-safe wrappings, such as plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and consider doubling up on the layers. When defrosting, allow larger chunks to slowly warm up in the fridge overnight to minimise condensation. Frozen mozzarella is best used in cooked dishes, such as pizza or lasagna, as melting can help cover up any textural changes.

Provolone

Provolone is another semi-firm cheese with a relatively low moisture content that freezes well. It can be frozen in blocks, grated, or sliced, and is best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten raw. When freezing, portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use at once and store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

In general, it is recommended to use frozen cheese within three to six months for the best quality. Frozen cheese should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator, and it may need to be tempered or ripened in the refrigerator for a few days to several weeks to improve its texture and flavour.

Freezing cheese is a good way to reduce food waste

Freezing cheese is a great way to reduce food waste. While cheese is best enjoyed fresh, freezing it can extend its shelf life, allowing you to use it whenever needed and reducing the likelihood of it going bad. This is especially useful if you have a large amount of cheese that you won't be able to consume before its use-by date.

When it comes to freezing cheese, hard and semi-hard cheeses are your best options. These include varieties like cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, and provolone. Their lower moisture and higher fat content make them more suitable for freezing. While freezing can alter the texture of these cheeses, making them more crumbly and mealy, they will still perform well in cooked dishes.

On the other hand, soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, and Camembert, are not ideal for freezing. Freezing these cheeses can significantly damage their structure, resulting in a pool of previously delicious cheese when thawed. Handcrafted, delicate cheeses with subtle flavours and aromas are also not recommended for freezing, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

If you do decide to freeze your hard or semi-hard cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, prepare the cheese by cutting it into blocks or grating it. Then, wrap it in foil or cheese paper, and separate slices with parchment paper. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag and freeze it as rapidly as possible to prevent the formation of large ice crystals.

When it comes to thawing frozen cheese, it's best to do so slowly in the refrigerator. This will help retain moisture and get the cheese as close to its original texture as possible. You can also use frozen cheese straight from the freezer in certain dishes, such as adding shredded cheese to pizzas or casseroles.

By freezing your cheese, you can effectively reduce food waste, save money, and always have a supply of cheese on hand for your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions