Dehydrating Cheese: How Long Does It Take?

Dehydrating cheese is a great way to make it last longer. The moisture content in cheese is what causes it to spoil, so removing most of the moisture means it can be stored in a pantry or refrigerator long-term. Dehydrated cheese has a multitude of uses, from being added to trail mix to being ground into a powder and used as a seasoning. The time it takes to dehydrate cheese depends on the type of cheese and the method used. For example, harder cheeses with lower moisture content, like Parmesan, will take less time to dehydrate than softer, wetter cheeses like cottage cheese. Dehydrating cheese in a food dehydrator will take around six to 36 hours, while dehydrating cheese by leaving it out to dry can take a month or longer.

Dehydrating cheese without a heat source

Dehydrating cheese is a great way to preserve it for long-term storage without refrigeration. It can be a tricky process, though, as the high fat content of cheese makes it susceptible to going rancid. Here is a guide to dehydrating cheese without a heat source.

Preparation

First, you will need to decide what type of cheese to use. Hard cheeses with low moisture content, such as Parmesan or cheddar, are the easiest to dehydrate. Softer cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or ricotta can also be dehydrated, but they will need more time to dry out.

Once you have selected your cheese, cut it into small pieces, no more than 1/2 inch thick. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they will dry. If you are using a soft cheese, do your best to strain out as much liquid as possible using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.

Dehydrating

The ideal way to dehydrate cheese is with a food dehydrator, but these can be expensive. If you have a food dehydrator, set it to its lowest heat setting, usually between 125-135°F (52-57°C). Spread the cheese out on the dehydrator tray, making sure the pieces are not overlapping. If your dehydrator doesn't have a sheet to absorb moisture, line the tray with paper towels to catch any grease.

If you don't have a food dehydrator, you can use your oven. Set your oven to a low heat, ideally between 110-170°F (43-77°C). Spread the cheese out on an oven-safe baking sheet, again ensuring the pieces do not overlap. If you are using a wetter cheese, put down parchment paper or paper towels to absorb any grease.

Storage

The dehydration process will take several hours, depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses will take around 6 hours, while softer cheeses may need up to 12 hours. Check on the cheese periodically. It is ready when it is dry, crunchy, and slightly brown.

Once the cheese is dehydrated, remove it from the heat source and let it cool. Then, place the cheese in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or another airtight container. Stored in a cool, dry place, dehydrated cheese can last for several months, or even longer if you can vacuum seal it.

Other Options

In addition to dehydrating cheese, there are a few other methods you can use to preserve it without refrigeration. One option is to age the cheese. After making your cheese, let it age for 5-7 days in the fridge. If it seems too moist, rub the outside with salt and let it sit for 12 hours, then blot off any excess moisture. Wrap the cheese and leave it in the fridge for another week to develop flavours and even out the moisture levels.

Another option is to freeze the cheese. However, freezing will change the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly, and it will only last for about 3-6 months before taking on a "freezer" taste.

Finally, you can also dry cheese in the refrigerator. Finely grate the cheese and spread it out on a tray or plate. Stir it occasionally, and it will dry out over the course of about a week. You can then transfer it to a darker cabinet or place with good airflow to continue drying for another month or so.

Dehydrating cheese in a food dehydrator

Dehydrating cheese is a great way to make your cheese last longer. It's an especially good method for those who want to make their own grated or powdered cheese for seasoning or for those who want to add cheese to their camping meals.

Preparation

First, cut or shred the cheese into small pieces. The exact size doesn't matter, but the smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they will dry. The thickness of the slices is important, though. The cheese slices should be no more than 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices will take too long to dry.

If you're using wet cheese like cottage or ricotta, strain out as much liquid as possible with a fine strainer or cheesecloth.

Using a Food Dehydrator

Set your food dehydrator to its lowest heat setting, which is usually between 125–135 °F (52–57 °C). This is ideal for slow-drying the cheese.

Spread the cheese out on the dehydrator tray, making sure the pieces don't overlap so they dry out evenly. If your dehydrator doesn’t have a sheet to absorb moisture, line the tray with paper towels as the drying process creates a lot of grease.

If you’re drying a lot of cheese and run out of room, just save some in the refrigerator and dry it the following day.

Dehydration Time

Leave the cheese in the dehydrator for 6-10 hours. The dehydration time depends on how much water the type of cheese contains. Parmesan or hard provolone is already pretty dry, so the drying time will be around the 6-hour mark. Softer cheeses like mozzarella or brie need more time.

Very wet cheeses like ricotta might even need up to 12 hours to dry. As a general rule, the softer a cheese is, the more water it has.

Testing and Storing

Check on the cheese after a few hours. Pick some up and squeeze it. If the cheese is crunchy and hard, then it's ready to take out. If it’s still soft or a little mushy, then it needs more time.

Arrange the cheese onto paper towels to soak up any excess grease and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dried cheese can last several years, and maybe even up to 10 years.

Making Powdered Cheese

You can grind the dried cheese in a coffee grinder or food processor to make a powder. This is a great topping for pasta or snacks. Store the powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Dehydrating cheese in an oven

Dehydrating cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and create tasty, portable snacks. Here is a step-by-step guide to dehydrating cheese in an oven:

Preparation

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Fresh cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or feta work well)
• An oven-safe baking sheet
• Parchment paper or paper towels
• A cheese grater or sharp knife

Step 1: Cut or Shred the Cheese

Start by cutting or shredding the cheese into small pieces. Blocks of cheese won't dry all the way through, so it's important to cut them into cubes no larger than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) on any side. If you're using a cheese grater, pat the cheese with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before shredding. You can also use wet cheese like cottage or ricotta, but be sure to strain out as much liquid as possible using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 110-170°F (43-77°C). This will allow the cheese to dehydrate slowly. If your oven doesn't go below 200°F (93°C), it may not be suitable for dehydrating cheese.

Step 3: Arrange the Cheese on a Baking Sheet

Spread the cheese out in a single layer on the oven-safe baking sheet. Avoid overlapping the pieces so they can dry evenly. If you're using a wetter cheese, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or paper towels to absorb any excess grease. It's safe to use paper towels in the oven at these temperatures, but avoid using them at higher temperatures as they could catch fire.

Step 4: Bake the Cheese

Place the baking sheet in the oven and dehydrate the cheese for 8-12 hours. The time will depend on the type of cheese you're using. Drier cheeses will take closer to 8 hours, while wetter cheeses may need the full 12 hours. If the cheese looks very greasy, remove it from the oven after 3-4 hours and blot it with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the cheese has been in the oven for several hours, check to see if it's done. The cheese should be crunchy and slightly brown. Pick up a piece and squeeze it gently; if it's still soft or mushy, it needs more time.

Step 6: Cool and Store the Cheese

Once the cheese is dehydrated, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. You can then store it in an airtight container or resealable bags to maintain its crispiness. Dehydrated cheese can last for several months, especially if vacuum-sealed and stored in a cool, dry place.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also dehydrate cheese in a food dehydrator, which will yield better results than an oven. Set the dehydrator to its lowest setting, typically 125-135°F (52-57°C), and dehydrate the cheese for 6-10 hours.
• To make cheese powder, break the dehydrated cheese into small pieces and grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor. You can then use this powder as a tasty topping for pasta, popcorn, or snacks.
• Hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, are best for dehydrating.
• If you're using pre-shredded cheese, be aware that it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dehydration process, so it's best to grate the cheese yourself.

How to prepare cheese for dehydration

Dehydrating cheese is a great way to make it last longer, and it can be a tasty addition to a variety of dishes. However, it is important to note that cheese is not recommended for home dehydration due to the risk of food poisoning and the difficulty of dehydrating its high-fat content. If possible, it is best to use a home freeze-dryer instead. If you do choose to proceed with dehydration, here are the steps to prepare your cheese:

Firstly, the type of cheese you use is important. Hard cheeses with low moisture content, such as Parmesan, are ideal. However, softer cheeses like cottage cheese can also be dehydrated, but they require a few extra steps. Before dehydration, pat the exterior of the cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For cottage cheese, drain and strain it through a cheesecloth to get rid of excess water.

Next, shredding the cheese is optional but recommended, as blocks of cheese dry better in small shreds. You can use a box grater or a food processor for this step. If you prefer not to shred, you can cut the cheese into thin slices.

Now, prepare your food dehydrator by lining the trays with paper towels, especially if you are using a wet cheese like cottage cheese. This step is optional but can help with the dehydration process.

Spread the cheese on the trays in a thin layer, ensuring that the pieces do not touch each other. If you have sliced the cheese, place them in a single layer with a small space between each piece.

Finally, set your dehydrator to its lowest heat setting, ideally between 125 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as the cheese will cook instead of dehydrate.

Now that your cheese is prepared and the dehydrator is ready, you can begin the dehydration process. Depending on the type of cheese, it may take between 6 and 36 hours for the cheese to fully dehydrate. Remember to rotate the trays regularly for even drying.

Storing dehydrated cheese

Dehydrated cheese is a nutritious pantry item that can be stored long-term. As long as the dehydrated cheese is kept dry, it will stay good. Here are some tips for storing dehydrated cheese:

Containers

Use airtight containers to store your dehydrated cheese. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or vacuum-sealed bags are good options. If using a glass jar, make sure it is placed in a cool, dry location. Vacuum sealing will further extend the shelf life of the dehydrated cheese.

Shelf Life

Dehydrated cheese can be stored for several months in cold storage or even longer if vacuum-sealed. If you're using vacuum-sealed bags, consider using mylar bags or mason jars. You can also add an oxygen absorber to remove any extra oxygen from your container, further extending the shelf life.

Moisture Control

It is important to keep the dehydrated cheese completely dry. If the cheese comes into contact with moisture, it should be discarded. To prevent moisture buildup, ensure the storage area is well-ventilated and avoid storing the cheese in humid environments.

Powdered Cheese

If you plan on grinding your dehydrated cheese into a powder, store it in a dry, airtight container. Powdered cheese can be used as a seasoning or added to recipes like cheese sauces, popcorn seasoning, or pizza dough.

Food Safety

When preparing dehydrated cheese for storage, it is essential to follow proper food safety guidelines. Ensure the cheese is fully dehydrated and cooled before storing. Wash your hands and use clean utensils to handle the cheese during the packaging process.

Frequently asked questions