Freezing Mozzarella: How Long Does It Really Last?

Mozzarella is a versatile soft cheese that is a staple in many kitchens. It is used in a variety of dishes, from pizzas to salads, sandwiches, and pasta. However, its high moisture content means it has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses. Proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and quality. While unopened mozzarella can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, once it is opened, its shelf life reduces significantly. Freezing mozzarella is an option to extend its shelf life, but how long does mozzarella cheese last in the freezer?

How to store mozzarella cheese in the freezer

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient with a soft and creamy texture, used in dishes from pizzas to Caprese salads. While it's best consumed on the same day it's purchased, you can extend its shelf life by storing it in the freezer. Here are the steps to properly store mozzarella cheese in the freezer:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Cut the mozzarella cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. This will make it easier to store and thaw smaller amounts as needed.

Step 2: Wrap the Cheese

Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place the cheese inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of the cheese.

Step 3: Place in an Airtight Container (Optional)

For added protection, you can place the wrapped cheese inside an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. This will provide an extra layer of protection from air and odours in the freezer.

Step 4: Store in the Freezer

Place the mozzarella cheese at the back of the freezer, where the temperature is more consistent. The cheese will remain safe to consume indefinitely if stored at a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C). Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about 6 months.

Step 5: Thawing and Using Frozen Mozzarella

Thaw frozen mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to gradually defrost. It is best to use the thawed cheese as soon as possible, as it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Frozen and thawed mozzarella is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

How long does unopened mozzarella cheese last in the freezer?

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile and mild-flavoured soft cheese that is a staple in many kitchens. It is often used in pizzas, caprese salads, sandwiches, and Italian dishes like lasagna. While it is best consumed on the same day it is purchased, proper storage can extend its shelf life.

When it comes to unopened mozzarella cheese, its shelf life depends on the type of mozzarella and the storage conditions. Fresh mozzarella, which is high in moisture, has a shorter shelf life compared to low-moisture mozzarella.

If you're planning to store unopened mozzarella cheese in the freezer, it's important to note that it can last for up to 6 months and even beyond that, although the quality may start to deteriorate after that period. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of mozzarella cheese, and it can be safely consumed beyond the "best by" date as long as it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.

To ensure the best quality, it is recommended to use the frozen cheese within 3 to 6 months. The cheese should be wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or placed inside a heavy-duty freezer bag before placing it in the freezer.

Additionally, it is important to note that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. It is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, rather than being consumed as it is.

In summary, unopened mozzarella cheese can last for a considerable period in the freezer, especially when stored properly. By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life and enjoy your mozzarella cheese for longer.

How long does opened mozzarella cheese last in the freezer?

The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends on its form and whether it has been opened. Once opened, mozzarella cheese should ideally be consumed within 3 to 5 days for the best quality. However, if stored properly in the fridge at temperatures below 40°F (4°C), it may remain safe to consume for up to two weeks.

Properly storing mozzarella cheese is essential to maintain its freshness and quality. To keep mozzarella cheese fresh, follow these guidelines:

• Temperature: Store mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34°F and 40°F.
• Packaging: Once opened, wrap mozzarella cheese tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Moisture: For fresh mozzarella, store it in its brine or a water solution to maintain moisture.

To extend the shelf life of mozzarella cheese, you can freeze it. Freezing is suitable for long-term storage and can extend the shelf life of mozzarella cheese by up to a year. To freeze mozzarella cheese:

• Pre-freeze shredded mozzarella on a baking sheet to prevent clumping.
• Wrap blocks or pre-frozen shreds tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring all air is expelled.
• Protect with a second layer of aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag.
• Store in the freezer, ensuring the temperature is maintained at 0°F (-18°C).

When thawing frozen mozzarella cheese, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to gradually return to the right temperature. Use thawed mozzarella as soon as possible to enjoy its best quality.

It is important to note that frozen mozzarella cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To maximize the shelf life of mozzarella cheese and ensure food safety, it is crucial to follow proper storage practices, regularly check for signs of spoilage, and consume the cheese within the recommended time frames.

What are the signs that mozzarella cheese has gone bad?

Fresh mozzarella is a soft cheese with a short shelf life. It's important to keep an eye on its freshness to avoid foodborne illnesses. Here are some signs that will tell you if your mozzarella cheese has gone bad:

Smell

Fresh mozzarella should have a mild, milky scent. If it has developed a sour or ammonia-like odour, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded.

Appearance

Check for any discolouration. Fresh mozzarella is usually white or light cream in colour. If you notice any yellowing, blue, green, or black spots, it indicates mould growth and spoilage.

Texture

Fresh mozzarella should be soft and slightly stretchy. If it feels slimy, sticky, or excessively hard, it has spoiled.

Taste

If your mozzarella tastes sour or bitter, discard it. Trust your senses and intuition. If it doesn't taste nice, it's best to throw it out.

Expiry Date

While not a sign of spoilage, it's important to check the "best before" or "sell by" date on the package. Fresh mozzarella can typically last 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date if stored correctly.

How to thaw frozen mozzarella cheese?

When you want to thaw frozen mozzarella cheese, it's best to plan ahead. It is not recommended to use a microwave to defrost mozzarella, as this will harden the cheese, which will lose its taste. Instead, it is best to leave the cheese wrapped and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator. This will give the cheese the opportunity to retain some of the moisture in its packaging, giving it a better texture and preserving its original flavour.

If you need to defrost the cheese more quickly, you can do so by thawing it on the countertop. This will take 2.5-3 hours, but the cheese may be a little firmer when it's ready to be used. If you are adding the cheese to a salad or eating it cold, you can also thaw it in cold water. To do this, you will need to prepare the cheese so that it doesn't become too flexible and fragile. Unwrap the cheese and create a layer of parchment or wax paper between the layers of cheese. Place it on top of some plastic wrap to keep its surface area dry and stop extra moisture from reaching it while defrosting. Alternatively, you can place the cheese in a resealable plastic bag overnight.

Once the cheese is thawed, it is best to use it right away. If you are not going to use it immediately, it can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 3-4 days.

Frequently asked questions