Frederic Melton
Goat cheese is a soft cheese that can be frozen and thawed, although its texture may change. Freezing goat cheese is simple: divide the cheese into portions, wrap them in freezer-safe plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag or wrap them in foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place the cheese in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, depending on its thickness. Alternatively, for a quicker defrost, leave it on the countertop for 2.5-3 hours, or microwave it in short bursts until thawed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best way to thaw frozen goat cheese | In the refrigerator over the course of 2 days |
| Other ways to thaw frozen goat cheese | On the countertop for 2.5-3 hours, in the microwave in 30-45 second increments, or in the microwave in 10-second increments |
| How to store goat cheese before freezing | Divide the goat cheese into portions, if desired. Wrap the log or portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe zipper top bag or wrap in a layer of foil |
| How long can frozen goat cheese be stored | Up to 3 months |
| How to use frozen goat cheese | Grate the goat cheese over a salad or cube or crumble it when it's still quite frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese can be frozen in its original packaging
Yes, goat cheese can be frozen in its original packaging. If you plan to use a full package at a time after thawing, you can freeze the cheese in its original packaging. If you will only be using a portion of the package after thawing, it is recommended to cut the cheese into usable chunks, wrap each with plastic wrap, and store the chunks in a zip-top freezer bag.
To thaw frozen goat cheese, it is best to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator to retain moisture and preserve its original texture and flavor. This will take about 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. For a quicker option, you can defrost the cheese on your countertop, which will take about 2.5-3 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can also microwave the cheese in 30-45 second increments until it is completely thawed.
Freezing goat cheese can extend its shelf life, but it is important to note that it may change the texture and taste of the cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses are more suitable for freezing than soft cheeses, as they have a lower water content and won't suffer as much textural damage. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cheese in cooked dishes after freezing.
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Thawing in the refrigerator is the preferred method
Thawing frozen goat cheese in the refrigerator is the preferred method. This is because goat cheese is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses tend to sweat and melt when defrosted at room temperature or in the microwave. Sweating and melting can negatively affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
When cheese is frozen, the water and fat in it crystallize, which irreparably changes the flavour and texture of the cheese. Thawing the cheese slowly in the refrigerator gives it the opportunity to retain some of the moisture in its packaging, giving it a better texture and preserving its original flavours.
To thaw frozen goat cheese in the refrigerator, place the cheese in an airtight container or wrapping and put it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. If you are thawing a package of deli slices, leave it for 24 hours. For large bricks of cheese, you will need to leave it for 48 hours to fully thaw.
If you are in a hurry, you can defrost the cheese on your countertop. This will take 2.5-3 hours, but the cheese may be a little firmer when it's ready to be used. You can also microwave the cheese in 30- to 45-second increments until it's completely thawed. However, these quicker methods may negatively affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
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Thawing on the countertop is a quicker option
Thawing frozen goat cheese on the countertop is a quicker option than thawing it in the refrigerator. While the latter is the preferred method to preserve the cheese's texture and flavor, countertop thawing will only take 2.5 to 3 hours. If you're in a hurry, this may be your best option.
However, it is important to note that leaving soft cheeses like goat cheese at room temperature for too long can cause them to spoil. Soft cheeses that have been left at room temperature for more than 4 hours should be discarded. Therefore, if you choose to thaw your goat cheese on the countertop, be sure to use it soon after it has thawed.
To thaw frozen goat cheese on the countertop, simply remove it from the freezer and place it on a plate or in a container on your countertop. If the cheese was frozen in a large block, you may need to wait until it has thawed enough to cut it into smaller pieces, which will speed up the process.
It is also important to note that frozen goat cheese may have a different texture and flavor than fresh goat cheese. The freezing and thawing process can make the cheese more crumbly and harder, and it may not be suitable for recipes that require soft, creamy, and spreadable cheese. However, frozen and thawed goat cheese can still be used in recipes like salads, where it can be grated over the top.
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Microwaving is the fastest way to thaw frozen goat cheese
Thawing frozen goat cheese can be done in several ways. However, if you're in a hurry, microwaving is the fastest way to get the job done.
When you're ready to thaw your goat cheese, take it out of the freezer and inspect the packaging. It's important to ensure that the cheese was frozen in an airtight container. If not, the cheese won't be edible—it will be incredibly hard and flavorless, and may have absorbed bacteria from exposure to open air.
If your goat cheese is safely sealed, unwrap it and place it in a microwave-safe container. It's best to use a microwave-safe plate, bowl, or pan, and put the cheese in the center. Glass and unpainted ceramic containers are always safe to use in the microwave.
To thaw the cheese, heat it in 30- to 45-second increments on the lowest power setting. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want to accidentally melt your cheese! Depending on the thickness of the cheese, it may take several minutes for it to thaw completely.
While microwaving is the quickest method, it's important to note that it can affect the texture of the cheese. The cheese may become oily or wet, as the whey and milk are lifted from the cheese during the thawing process. Therefore, this method is best if you plan on melting the cheese in a recipe or if you're in a rush.
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Freezing and thawing goat cheese changes its texture
Freezing and thawing goat cheese will change its texture, but it can be done. Goat cheese is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which means it is more susceptible to changes in texture and taste when frozen. When cheese is frozen, the water in it turns to ice crystals, which shred the proteins that hold the cheese together. As a result, the cheese becomes crumbly and harder.
To minimise the change in texture, it is important to package the goat cheese in as airtight a way as possible before freezing. A double wrapping of parchment paper and aluminium foil will work, as will vacuum sealing. Freezing for one to two months is recommended for the best quality.
When you are ready to use the goat cheese, you can thaw it in the refrigerator over the course of two days to let it defrost slowly. This will give the cheese the opportunity to retain some of the moisture in its packaging, preserving its original texture and flavour. If you are in a hurry, you can defrost the cheese on the countertop, which will take 2.5 to 3 hours, but the cheese may be firmer when it is ready to be used. The fastest option is to microwave the cheese in 30- to 45-second increments until it is completely thawed.
If you plan to cook with the goat cheese, you can use it straight from the freezer without thawing. It can be melted or thrown into a recipe, such as pasta, pizza, a panini, or soup.
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Frequently asked questions
Thawing frozen goat cheese can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the method used. The fastest way is to microwave the cheese in 30-45 second increments until it's completely thawed. The second fastest way is to leave it on the countertop, which will take 2.5-3 hours. The slowest but most recommended way is to let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
The best way to thaw frozen goat cheese is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it sit overnight or for 24-48 hours. This allows the cheese to rehydrate and regain its original texture and flavor.
Yes, you can cook with frozen goat cheese. If you're melting it or adding it to a recipe, you don't need to thaw it. You can also grate frozen goat cheese over salads.
To store goat cheese in the freezer, divide it into portions if desired, then wrap the portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe zipper bag or add an extra layer of foil to protect from freezer burn. If you're storing the goat cheese for more than three months, it's a good idea to label the packaging with the date.
