Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek and Mediterranean cooking, known for its sharp flavour and crumbly texture. Freezing feta is a great way to extend its shelf life and avoid food waste. While frozen feta retains its flavour, its texture may change, becoming drier and crumblier. To defrost feta cheese, the preferred method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to thaw slowly and retain moisture. Alternatively, for a quicker option, submerge the cheese in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours, ensuring it's in a sealed bag. Once defrosted, use the feta within three days to avoid spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best way to defrost feta cheese | Place it in the fridge overnight in its storage container |
| Other ways to defrost feta cheese | Place it in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours or on the countertop for 2.5-3 hours |
| How to store feta cheese before freezing | Vacuum seal it or submerge it in olive oil in a jar or container |
| How to store feta cheese after freezing | Freeze it in cubes or crumble it into a freezer bag or container |
| How to use defrosted feta cheese | Best used crumbled or in cooked dishes |
| How long does defrosted feta cheese last? | 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Defrosting feta in the refrigerator
Feta cheese can be defrosted in a refrigerator. This method is preferred over defrosting at room temperature to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. It is also a safer option than defrosting in a microwave, which could cause the cheese to boil uncontrollably.
To defrost feta cheese in the refrigerator, first, take the cheese out of the freezer. Check that the packaging is still airtight. If the cheese wasn't frozen in an airtight container, it won't be edible. Place the cheese on a plate and keep it sealed in its package. Put the plate on a shelf in the refrigerator and leave it for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. Deli slices will take around 24 hours to defrost, while a large block of feta will need the full 48 hours.
If you portion the cheese before freezing, it will take less time to defrost than a whole block. Once defrosted, use the feta within three days, as it could turn sour after this point.
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Using a bowl of cold water
Feta cheese can be defrosted using a bowl of cold water. This method is faster than defrosting the cheese in a refrigerator. However, it is important to note that the cheese may not retain its original texture and flavour when defrosted using this method.
To defrost feta cheese using a bowl of cold water, follow these steps:
- Place the frozen feta cheese in a bowl of cold water. Ensure that the water covers the cheese completely.
- Change the water periodically to keep it cold.
- Stir the cheese occasionally to help it defrost evenly.
- Once the cheese is completely defrosted, remove it from the water and blot it dry with a paper towel.
It is important to work quickly when defrosting feta cheese in cold water, as the cheese can start to spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Soft cheeses like feta should not be left at room temperature for more than four hours.
Additionally, if the cheese has been frozen for more than six months, it may not be edible, so it is important to check the quality of the cheese before beginning the defrosting process.
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Vacuum sealing
To begin the process of vacuum sealing, it is important to first blot or dry the feta cheese with a paper towel to absorb any excess water or moisture. This step ensures that the cheese is ready for storage and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Next, it is advisable to cut the feta cheese into appropriate sizes or portions. This step is particularly useful if you plan to use the cheese in smaller quantities or if you want to defrost only what you need. By cutting the cheese into portions, you make it easier to handle, store, and defrost.
After portioning, wrap each piece of feta cheese individually in plastic film wrap or heavy-duty freezer paper. This layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the quality of the cheese. Then, place the wrapped cheese into a vacuum sealer bag. It is crucial to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Humidity and air can negatively impact the flavour and texture of the cheese.
Finally, seal the vacuum bag using a vacuum sealer. Label the bag with the name and date of freezing. This step helps you keep track of how long the feta has been stored and ensures you consume it within its recommended period.
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Using feta in cooked dishes
When using feta in cooked dishes, it is important to consider how the heat will affect the cheese's texture and flavour. Feta is a soft, crumbly cheese with a distinct salty taste that can add a delicious flavour dimension to many dishes. Here are some tips and ideas for using feta in your cooking:
One of the most popular ways to use feta in cooking is to add it to salads. Crumble the defrosted feta over a Greek salad for a traditional flavour profile. The cool, crisp salad vegetables contrast beautifully with the sharp, salty feta. You could also try adding it to a warm grain salad; the slight tang of feta goes well with roasted vegetables and grains like farro or quinoa.
Feta can also be used to make delicious savoury pastries and pies. Try adding some crumbled feta to a spinach and ricotta pie for extra flavour, or use it as a filling for phyllo triangles or spanakopita. The salty, creamy cheese pairs well with leafy greens and the crisp, flaky pastry.
For a quick and easy meal, toss some defrosted feta through your favourite pasta dish. Feta works well with tomato-based sauces, and its creamy texture means it melts beautifully, creating a rich and indulgent dish. You could also try making a feta pasta bake; simply cook your favourite pasta shape, mix through a tomato-feta sauce, and bake in the oven until golden and bubbling.
Feta is also a great addition to egg dishes. Try adding some crumbled feta to an omelette or frittata for a tasty breakfast or brunch option. The saltiness of the feta pairs well with eggs, and you can add herbs and vegetables of your choice to create a flavourful and nutritious dish.
When using feta in cooked dishes, it's best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking the cheese. This will ensure the feta retains its flavour and texture. Experiment with different combinations of feta in your cooking to find your favourite flavour pairings!
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How to store defrosted feta
Once defrosted, feta cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 1 to 2 days.
If you want to store defrosted feta cheese for longer, you can use a brine solution. To make a brine solution, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water. You can adjust the amount of water and salt as needed to ensure that the cheese is completely covered. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
Another option for storing defrosted feta cheese is to cover it with olive oil. This method can also add some flavour to the cheese.
Additionally, if you are not planning to use the defrosted feta cheese right away, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions or cubes and place them in a freezer container or bag. When you are ready to use the frozen feta cheese, let it thaw and use it within 1 to 2 days.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to defrost feta cheese is to place it in the fridge overnight in its storage container. This method requires little effort but does need some patience. If you're in a hurry, you can defrost the cheese by submerging it in a bowl of cold water for 2.5-3 hours. Make sure the cheese is in a ziplock bag and fully submerged.
Defrosting feta cheese in the fridge can take a full night, especially if you are defrosting a whole block. If you are defrosting smaller portions, it will take less time. Defrosting feta cheese in a bowl of cold water will take 2.5-3 hours.
Feta cheese that has been frozen and defrosted will lose some of its signature richness and saltiness, and will be drier and crumblier. If you want to use defrosted feta in a salad, it may not taste spectacular, but it will still be fine to eat. If you want to use defrosted feta in a cooked dish, the changes in taste and texture will be impossible to notice.
No, you should not refreeze feta cheese once it has been defrosted. Make sure you only defrost as much as you need, and use the rest within three days.
