Freezing High-Temp Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but the type of cheese and how you plan to use it later are important considerations. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda can be frozen and typically last longer than soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese. Soft cheeses can still be frozen but may not be as suitable for certain dishes due to changes in texture. Frozen cheese is best used within 6 to 9 months and should be thawed in the refrigerator before use.

Freezing high-temp cheese: the best and worst cheeses

Freezing is a great way to preserve cheese and increase its shelf life. However, it is important to note that freezing affects the texture and quality of cheese, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. Therefore, it is better suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable.

When it comes to freezing high-temp cheese, it is important to consider the moisture content and the type of cheese. Here are some of the best and worst cheeses for freezing:

Best Cheeses to Freeze:

• Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella freezes well and can be used in cooked dishes or shredded for pizza toppings.
• Cheddar: Cheddar is a hard, high-fat, industrial cheese that freezes well due to its lower moisture content. However, its texture may become crumbly and mealy, and it will be harder to slice.
• Swiss: Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can be frozen but may have a similar texture to cheddar after freezing.
• Blue Cheese: Freezing blue cheese is possible, but it may damage the moulds essential to the ripening process. It is recommended to grate frozen blue cheese to create a "snow" topping for salads.
• Provolone: Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that freezes well and can be used in cooked dishes.
• Low-moisture aged cheeses: Cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Pecorino can be frozen, especially if vacuum-sealed, but may not be necessary as they have a long refrigerator life.

Worst Cheeses to Freeze:

• Soft cheeses: Soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, and quark have a high moisture content and do not freeze well. They are best bought in smaller portions and eaten fresh.
• Processed cheese: Processed cheese slices and spreads are not suitable for freezing and are best avoided.
• Handcrafted cheeses: Delicate, handcrafted cheeses with low moisture content and strong flavours are not ideal for freezing as they will lose quality. It is better to consume these cheeses fresh.
• Brie and Camembert: Freezing these soft, ripened cheeses can affect their distinctive textures and flavours. They are best ripened and consumed fresh.

How to freeze high-temp cheese

Freezing high-temp cheese is a great way to increase its shelf life and reduce waste. However, it's important to note that freezing will affect the texture and quality of the cheese, making it drier and crumblier. Here's how to freeze high-temp cheese:

Preparing the Cheese for Freezing:

• Portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheese, it is recommended to freeze no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion.
• You can also grate or slice the cheese before freezing to make it more convenient for future use.

Choosing the Right Packaging:

• The cheese can be stored in its original packaging if it is unopened. If it has been opened, wrap the cheese in foil or cheese paper.
• For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight ziplock bag or container to prevent dry air from causing freezer burn.

Freezing the Cheese:

• Freeze the cheese as quickly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can further damage the texture.
• Use the quick freeze function on your freezer if it is available.
• Cheese can be kept frozen for an indefinite period, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use it within 6 to 9 months.

Thawing the Frozen Cheese:

• Frozen cheese should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator at 32–34 °F (0–1 °C) for 7 to 8 hours per pound (500 grams) of cheese.
• Shredded cheese for pizza toppings or cooking can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
• Tempering the cheese in the refrigerator after thawing can improve its quality. This involves leaving it in the refrigerator for a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of cheese, to allow it to ripen slightly.
• Do not refreeze cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed, as this will further affect its texture and quality.

Best Practices and Recommendations:

• Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture and higher fat content, such as cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese, are better suited for freezing.
• Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Camembert, Brie, and ricotta, can be frozen but may not retain their texture and quality as well.
• Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

How long does high-temp cheese last in the freezer?

High-temp cheese, or hard cheese, can be stored in the freezer for up to six months to indefinitely, depending on the source. However, it is recommended to consume the cheese within six to nine months for the best quality.

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, have lower moisture content, which makes them less prone to spoilage and more suitable for freezing. They can also be left out at room temperature for up to four hours, making them a convenient option for cheese platters or picnics.

When freezing hard cheese, it is important to prepare it properly for storage. Portion the cheese into quantities that you are likely to use at one time, as freezing affects the texture and makes it more difficult to slice or grate. Wrap the cheese in its original packaging, or in foil or cheese paper, and place it in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

While freezing hard cheese can extend its shelf life, it is important to note that the freezing process can alter the texture of the cheese. Freezing and thawing can cause the cheese to become drier, crumblier, and less meltable. Therefore, hard cheese that has been frozen is best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Additionally, it is important to note that frozen cheese should not be refrozen after thawing, as this can further affect its quality and safety.

How to defrost high-temp cheese

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but it can be tricky to defrost it without affecting its texture and flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to defrost high-temp cheese:

Thawing in the Fridge:

The preferred method for defrosting cheese is to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This method helps the cheese retain moisture, resulting in a better texture and flavour. Place the unopened package of cheese on a plate or tray in the fridge. The duration depends on the size of the cheese, with smaller blocks (200-300g) requiring at least 6 hours, while larger blocks may need 24-48 hours.

Defrosting on the Counter:

If you're short on time, you can defrost cheese at room temperature. Remove the cheese from the freezer, ensuring the packaging is still intact. Place the cheese, still in its packaging, on a plate or tray and leave it at room temperature for 2.5-3 hours. Softer cheeses will thaw faster, while harder cheeses may take a little longer. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Using the Microwave:

The microwave is the quickest option, but it may affect the cheese's texture and flavour. Unwrap the cheese and place it in a microwave-safe container. Use the defrost setting or low power in 30-45 second intervals for hard cheeses. For softer cheeses, do not exceed 20 seconds at a time. Check the cheese after each interval to ensure it doesn't melt. This method is best when you plan to melt the cheese or use it in a cooked dish.

Using the Oven:

The oven method provides more control over the defrosting process. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cheese in a plastic bag or airtight container with a small amount of water. For harder cheeses, slice the cheese into pieces before placing it in the oven. Leave the cheese in the oven for about 5 minutes. This method is suitable for most types of cheese.

Using a Bowl of Warm Water:

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and place the unopened cheese package in it. Ensure the water is not too hot, as it should only melt the cheese and not cook it. Let the cheese sit in the water for 20-60 minutes, depending on its size and the temperature of the water. Remove the cheese from the bowl and unwrap it. Check if it can be cut easily; if not, return it to the water for a little longer.

Tips:

• Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, are better suited for freezing and thawing than softer cheeses like ricotta or brie.
• Always check the packaging to ensure it is airtight before defrosting. If exposed to air, the cheese may not be edible.
• For best results, consume defrosted cheese as soon as possible, as it can spoil quickly at room temperature.

How to use high-temp cheese after freezing

High-temp cheese can be frozen for up to six months and still be safe to eat, but its flavour and texture will be affected. Freezing high-temp cheese is a good way to preserve it if you don't think you'll be able to eat it before its use-by date.

When freezing high-temp cheese, it's best to grate or crumble it first, so that it's ready to use in recipes. You can then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a reusable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date by which the cheese needs to be used.

Once you're ready to use your frozen high-temp cheese, you can safely thaw it in the fridge for no more than two to three days. If you're using it to top a pizza or casserole, you can even sprinkle it on directly from frozen.

• Mix it into mashed potatoes
• Use it as a topping for tacos
• Add it to cheese bread or muffin recipes
• Use it for grilled cheese, tuna melts or paninis
• Put it on nachos or casseroles
• Add it to hearty soups or chilli
• Sprinkle it on salads

Remember, it's best to use frozen high-temp cheese in cooked dishes, as its texture will be different from fresh cheese. It will be more crumbly and difficult to slice, but it will still melt just fine.

Frequently asked questions