The Lifespan Of Frozen Mozzarella Cheese: How Long?

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient in Italian cooking, used in pizzas, lasagnas, and garlic bread. But what happens when you have leftover mozzarella? Can you freeze it, and if so, how long will it last? Freezing mozzarella cheese is possible and can be a convenient way to extend its shelf life. However, there are some important factors to consider, including the type of mozzarella, the freezing and thawing process, and the potential impact on texture and flavour.

How to freeze mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese can be frozen, but it's important to note that its texture will change. Frozen mozzarella tends to become crumbly and dry, so it's best to use it in cooked dishes where it will be melted.

Block Mozzarella

Block mozzarella can be frozen, but it will become crumbly after thawing, so it's best to cut it into slices or shred it before freezing. If you want to slice it, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between each slice. Then, put the cheese in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the type of cheese and a "use by" date that is 3 months in the future. Frozen mozzarella should be used within 3-4 months.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is high in moisture, which can cause crystals to form in the freezer and ruin its texture. To freeze fresh mozzarella, first remove it from its original packaging and slice it into individual portions. Remove the excess moisture with a paper towel, then wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or cling film. Place the wrapped slices on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 8 hours. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

Shredded Mozzarella

Shredded mozzarella can be frozen in its original packaging if it's unopened. If you have shredded the cheese yourself, place it in a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the type of cheese and a "use by" date 3 months in the future. Frozen shredded mozzarella can be used directly from the freezer in cooked dishes, such as pizza or stuffed vegetables.

Frozen mozzarella cheese will last for around 3-4 months in the freezer. However, the longer it is frozen, the harder it will be to melt, so it's best to use it within 1-3 months.

How long does it last in the freezer?

Mozzarella cheese can be frozen for up to six months, but it is recommended to use it within the first three months to protect its texture and flavour.

Mozzarella is a soft cheese, and freezing soft cheeses is more challenging. Fresh buffalo mozzarella, made from buffalo milk, and its cow milk equivalent are not recommended for freezing. This is because their delicate texture and high moisture content can cause it to separate upon thawing, resulting in a crumbly or rubbery texture. The nuanced, fresh taste that these cheeses are known for may also be lost.

Mozzarella that comes in blocks or shredded can be frozen more successfully. However, freezing shredded mozzarella may cause it to clump together, affecting its ability to melt evenly when used in cooking. Block mozzarella can become slightly grainy after freezing, but this may be less noticeable when melted in dishes like pizza or lasagna.

To freeze mozzarella cheese, it is important to prep it beforehand. Drain fresh mozzarella thoroughly, removing excess moisture to preserve the cheese's texture and prevent it from becoming overly watery. For shredded mozzarella, transfer it to airtight freezer-safe packaging to protect against freezer burn or moisture loss over time. For block mozzarella, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag or use a vacuum seal.

How to defrost it

Frozen mozzarella cheese can last for over six months in the freezer, but it's recommended to use it within three to four months to protect its texture and flavour. Now, here's how you can defrost it:

How to Defrost Frozen Mozzarella Cheese:

• Planning ahead is key: You'll need to plan ahead for an ideal defrost of your frozen mozzarella. While shredded mozzarella can be used directly from frozen, larger chunks of mozzarella should be placed in the fridge overnight to slowly warm up, minimising condensation.
• Avoid thawing at room temperature: To prevent moisture loss and texture changes, avoid thawing shredded mozzarella at room temperature. Instead, transfer the sealed bag or container of shredded mozzarella from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight or for several hours until completely thawed.
• Gradual thawing for blocks of mozzarella: Similarly, for blocks of mozzarella, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw gradually overnight or for several hours. Thawing in the refrigerator helps maintain the cheese's texture and prevents it from becoming overly soft.
• Avoid using the microwave: Avoid using the microwave or thawing at room temperature, as these can lead to uneven thawing and undesirable texture changes.
• Pat dry with paper towels: After thawing, pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• Use promptly: Use the defrosted mozzarella promptly in recipes to enjoy its best flavour and texture.
• Use in cooked dishes: While freezing can alter the characteristics of mozzarella, it is still suitable for cooked dishes where texture changes are less noticeable, such as lasagna or pizza.

What to use defrosted cheese for

Mozzarella cheese can be frozen and then defrosted for future use. However, it is important to note that freezing and defrosting can alter the texture and taste of the cheese. Fresh buffalo mozzarella or its cow milk equivalent, for example, tend not to be recommended for freezing as their delicate texture and fresh, milky flavour can be lost.

Defrosted mozzarella is best used in cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable. Here are some ideas for what to use defrosted mozzarella for:

Pizza

Mozzarella is a popular cheese to use on pizza. Its soft texture means it melts easily, creating a delicious, gooey topping. Freezing mozzarella cheese in its string form can be a great way to extend its shelf life, and once defrosted, it can still be used as a topping.

Lasagna

Defrosted mozzarella can be used in lasagna, where the differences in texture can be disguised. It can be added to the layers of pasta and sauce, creating a cheesy, flavourful dish.

Casseroles or Pasta Bakes

Shredded mozzarella can be frozen and then defrosted for use in casseroles or pasta bakes. While the freezing process may slightly alter the texture of the cheese, it will still taste delicious in these types of dishes.

Salads

Mozzarella can be added to salads, and freezing it beforehand can help extend its shelf life. To defrost mozzarella for a salad, it can be placed in cold water, but it should be prepared properly to avoid becoming too flexible and fragile.

Quesadillas

Defrosted mozzarella can be used in quesadillas, adding a tasty, stretchy element to this popular dish.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Mozzarella is a soft cheese, so it can be frozen, but it's best to shred it first. Frozen mozzarella will last around 3-4 months in the freezer.

Mozzarella cheese that has gone bad will be obvious, as there will be visible mould on the exterior. If you see any mould, throw the cheese away. Do not attempt to trim the mould off. While this is safe for hard, low-moisture cheeses, food safety specialists warn that bacteria may permeate beneath the surface of soft, high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella.

If there is no mould, check the smell of the cheese. If it has an off smell, or smells like sour milk, it has gone bad. If it smells like mozzarella, it's likely safe to eat.

Tasting a tiny amount of old mozzarella will be unpleasant but is unlikely to make you sick. If it tastes fine, it is safe to eat.

If you are in doubt, it's best to throw the cheese away.

Frequently asked questions