Freezer Storage: Shredded Cheese Shelf Life Explained

Shredded cheese can be frozen for up to two to three months, or even six months, according to some sources. Freezing cheese is a great way to preserve it and prevent it from spoiling, but it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Harder cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan tend to freeze better than softer varieties. When freezing shredded cheese, it's recommended to use an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and odours.

How to store shredded cheese in the freezer

Storing shredded cheese in the freezer is a great way to preserve it and prevent it from spoiling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cheese

Not all cheeses are suitable for freezing. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are good options, while soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella should be avoided as their texture will suffer.

Step 2: Shred the Cheese

If you are starting with a block of cheese, shred it using a grater. Shredding the cheese helps it defrost better and can be easily portioned out for use.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese for Freezing

Place the shredded cheese in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag. You can also use a container specifically designed for freezing food. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and odours from affecting the flavour.

Step 4: Label and Date the Package

Always label the package with the type of cheese and the date it was frozen. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.

Step 5: Store in the Freezer

Place the packaged shredded cheese in the freezer. It is best to store it at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Step 6: Use Within the Recommended Time

For optimal quality, use the frozen shredded cheese within two to three months. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can last a little longer, up to six months.

Step 7: Thawing Instructions

When ready to use, thaw the frozen cheese slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent texture changes. You can also use the shredded cheese directly from the freezer by adding it to your recipes, such as sprinkling it on a pizza or stirring it into casseroles.

How long does shredded cheese last in the freezer

Shredded cheese can be frozen for up to two to three months without losing quality. However, it can be kept in the freezer for up to six to nine months for best quality. Freezing shredded cheese is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and prevent waste.

When freezing shredded cheese, it is important to use an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and odours. You can also add cornstarch to the cheese before freezing to prevent it from sticking together. Label the bag with the date and type of cheese, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

Once frozen, shredded cheese can be used directly from the freezer by breaking off or shaking out the desired amount. It is ideal for melting into casseroles, soups, or other hot dishes. If you prefer to thaw the cheese before using it, you can leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes or defrost it overnight in the refrigerator.

It is important to note that freezing may alter the texture of the cheese slightly. Therefore, it is best to use frozen shredded cheese for cooking rather than serving it fresh. Additionally, always use your best judgement before consuming frozen cheese, and avoid consuming it if you notice any odd odours, discolouring, or mould.

Best types of cheese to freeze

Freezing is a great way to preserve cheese and prevent it from spoiling. However, not all cheeses freeze well, and it's important to know the ground rules before you start moving cheese to your freezer.

Semi-Hard and Hard Cheeses

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, muenster, and provolone are examples of semi-hard or hard cheeses that freeze relatively well. These cheeses are intended to be melted into dishes after thawing. Freezing will make them more crumbly and mealy, but they will still melt just fine.

Low-Moisture Cheeses

Cheeses with lower moisture content, such as low-moisture mozzarella, are also good candidates for freezing. The moisture in cheese forms ice crystals when frozen, which can damage the protein structure. Therefore, cheeses with lower moisture content are better suited for freezing.

Pre-Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese, either store-bought or shredded at home, can also be frozen. Shredding the cheese before freezing helps it defrost better. It can be used straight from the freezer by breaking off or shaking out the desired amount, or it can be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator.

Other Options

Some sources also suggest that semi-soft cheeses like goat cheese and Swiss cheese may freeze well. Additionally, blue cheese can be finely grated and frozen to create a "snow" effect on top of salads.

What Not to Freeze

Soft, handcrafted, or moisture-rich cheeses, such as cream cheese, ricotta, Camembert, and Brie, are not suitable for freezing. These cheeses are best enjoyed fresh as freezing can negatively affect their texture and flavour.

Hard cheeses like Parmesan are also not ideal for freezing. They have a long shelf life in the refrigerator, so there is usually no need to freeze them.

Freezing Tips

When freezing cheese, it is recommended to trim it into a uniform shape and wrap it tightly to reduce oxygen contact. Vacuum sealing is the best method, followed by using parchment paper and then aluminium foil. Freezer bags are an option, but they are not as effective at protecting the cheese from oxygen.

Additionally, freezing cheese as quickly as possible helps to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can affect the taste and texture of the cheese.

How to defrost shredded cheese

Shredded cheese can be frozen for up to two to three months. When you're ready to use it, there are a few ways to defrost it.

The best way to defrost shredded cheese is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. This method will help the cheese retain some moisture, resulting in a better texture and flavour. If you're in a hurry, you can defrost the cheese at room temperature for about 20 minutes to 2.5–3 hours. However, the cheese may become firmer using this method.

Another option is to microwave the cheese in 30- to 45-second increments on the lowest power setting until it's completely thawed. This is the fastest method, but it can make the cheese oily or wet. It's important to note that only hard cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, should be microwaved. Soft cheeses like ricotta or brie will melt on the outside while remaining frozen on the inside.

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to ensure that the cheese was frozen in an airtight container. If the cheese was exposed to air, it won't be edible and should be discarded.

What to do with defrosted shredded cheese

Once you've defrosted your shredded cheese, you'll want to use it as soon as possible. If you leave it out on the counter for too long, it will start to go bad, so use it quickly after it's been thawed to avoid wasting it.

If you're cooking with your defrosted cheese, you can usually cook it straight from frozen. If you're melting it or throwing it into a recipe, you don't necessarily need to thaw it. Melting it into casseroles, soups, or other hot dishes such as macaroni and cheese is perfectly fine. You can also melt it over burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you want to use your defrosted shredded cheese in a cold dish, you can try one of these recipes:

• Grilled cheese and pepperoni sandwich
• Mushroom and olive bruschetta
• One-pot bacon cheeseburger pasta
• Cauliflower breadsticks
• Broccoli-cheddar beef rolls
• Quick tortilla pinwheels
• Deluxe walking nachos
• Peanut butter, honey, and pear open-faced sandwiches
• Bacon-cheddar potato croquettes
• Instant pot buffalo chicken dip
• BLT salad
• Pulled pork taters
• Apple-cheddar pancakes with bacon
• Almond-bacon cheese crostini
• Quick golden squash soup
• Confetti cornbread
• Cheese and herb potato fans
• Egg salad
• Chicken cordon bleu pizza
• California chicken club pizza
• Barbecue chicken Cobb salad
• Quiche
• Chipotle ham 'n' cheese dip
• Slow-cooker chicken enchilada melts
• Sour cream and cheddar biscuits
• Quick cheesy broccoli
• Cheddar French dip sandwiches
• Green beans in bacon cheese sauce
• Cheese and red pepper latkes
• Jalapeno popper spread
• Garlic bread mini muffins
• Quesadillas
• Roadside diner cheeseburger quiche
• Bacon breakfast pizza
• Cheese-stuffed burgers
• Beer and brats nachos
• Chili coney dogs
• Speedy cream of wild rice soup
• Fajita wraps
• Club roll-ups

Frequently asked questions