Randy Chandler
Freezing cheese is a great way to reduce food waste and extend its life. However, it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and Camembert tend to have a texture and taste change upon thawing, while hard and semi-hard aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are better suited for freezing due to their lower water content. To freeze cheese, it is recommended to grate or crumble it first, as this makes it easier to use in recipes and speeds up the thawing process. Vacuum sealing or using airtight containers are ideal for minimizing contact with oxygen and preserving the cheese's quality. When using frozen cheese, it is best to cook it into dishes like pizza, casseroles, or soups, where the change in texture is less noticeable, and the cheese melts nicely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese types that freeze well | Hard and semi-hard aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and provolone |
| Cheese types that don't freeze well | Soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie, Camembert, and burrata |
| Freezing methods | Vacuum sealing, double wrapping with parchment paper and aluminum foil, using a Ziploc bag or freezer bag |
| Freezing duration | Vacuum sealing (up to 2 months), parchment/foil method (1 month), freezer bag (2 weeks), shredded cheese (up to 6 months) |
| Thawing methods | Move airtight container from freezer to fridge overnight, grate or shred cheese before freezing to speed up thawing |
| Using frozen cheese | Melt directly from frozen on hot dishes like pasta, pizza, panini, or soup, mix into mashed potatoes, use in tacos, casseroles, grilled cheese, nachos, salads, etc. |
| Impact on flavor and texture | Freezing and thawing may affect flavor and texture, harder cheeses retain flavor better |
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What You'll Learn
How to freeze cheese
Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. However, it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well, and the quality of the cheese can change after being frozen and thawed. Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture content tend to freeze better than soft cheeses with higher water content.
When freezing block cheese, wrap the block tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place it in an airtight Ziplock freezer bag. Be sure to press out any air to prevent freezer burn. You can also wrap the block in parchment paper before adding the foil layer. For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper, then wrap and bag it just like a block of cheese.
Shredded cheese, whether store-bought or homemade, can be frozen in its original packaging and placed straight into the freezer. Homemade shredded cheese may be easier to thaw if shredded before freezing. Frozen shredded cheese is great for sprinkling on pizza or tacos, or melting into casseroles, soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
Regardless of the type of cheese, it's important to label the bags with the date and try to use the cheese within six to nine months of freezing. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator for seven to eight hours per pound and used within two to three days of thawing.
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How to thaw frozen cheese
Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but the process of thawing it can be tricky. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly thaw frozen cheese to ensure the best texture and flavour:
Prepare the Cheese for Thawing
Before you begin the thawing process, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, inspect the packaging to ensure that it is still airtight. If the cheese wasn't frozen in an airtight container, it may have been exposed to air and bacteria, making it unsafe to eat. Check that the cheese is still within its expiration date and hasn't developed any strange odours or discolouration.
Choose a Thawing Method
There are several methods you can use to thaw frozen cheese, each with its own advantages and considerations:
- Refrigerator Thawing: This is the preferred method as it allows the cheese to slowly defrost over 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. This slow thawing helps the cheese retain moisture, resulting in a better texture and flavour. Place the cheese on a plate or container in the fridge, and ensure it is sealed to prevent absorbing other food smells.
- Countertop Thawing: If you need a quicker option, you can thaw the cheese at room temperature. This method will take around 2.5 to 3 hours, but the cheese may be firmer and drier.
- Microwave Thawing: For a rapid thaw, you can use the microwave. Place the cheese in the microwave and heat in 30- to 45-second increments until completely thawed. However, this method can be risky as cheese can quickly melt or sweat, especially softer varieties.
Handle the Cheese Post-Thawing
Once the cheese is thawed, it's important to use it as quickly as possible to preserve its flavour and texture. Never refreeze thawed cheese, as this can further degrade its quality. If you have shredded or grated the cheese before freezing, you can melt it directly from its frozen state into hot dishes like pasta, pizza, or soup.
It's important to note that the freezing and thawing process will affect the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly and harder. Softer cheeses are more susceptible to these changes and have a shorter shelf life at room temperature. Harder and semi-hard aged cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, tend to freeze and thaw better due to their lower water content.
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Best types of cheese to freeze
Freezing cheese is a great way to preserve it for longer. However, it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well, and the texture and flavour of the cheese may change. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content tend to freeze better. Here are some of the best types of cheese to freeze:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a popular choice for freezing due to its firm texture and low moisture content. It is a hard or semi-hard cheese that can be found in blocks or slices and freezes well when vacuum-sealed or placed in a plastic freezer bag with parchment paper between the slices.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a very firm, dry, low-moisture cheese that freezes well, especially if it is vacuum-sealed. Its long ageing process gives it a low moisture content, making it ideal for freezing.
Mozzarella
When it comes to mozzarella, opt for low-moisture, part-skim varieties. These freeze much better than fresh balls or logs of full-fat mozzarella, which have a higher moisture content and can become grainy after freezing and thawing.
Colby, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster
These semi-firm cheeses are widely available and affordable options that react well to freezing. They can be found in blocks or slices and are often vacuum-sealed, making them convenient choices for the freezer.
Other Low-Moisture Aged Cheeses
In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, other low-moisture aged cheeses like Asiago and Pecorino can also fare well in the freezer if they are vacuum-sealed to protect them from freezer burn.
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Uses of frozen cheese in cooking
Freezing cheese is a great way to reduce food waste and extend its life. However, it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Soft cheeses, such as brie, Camembert, and goat cheese, are not suitable for freezing as they have a high water content and their texture and taste can be significantly altered. Harder and semi-hard aged cheeses with lower water content, such as cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano, are better options for freezing.
When freezing cheese, it's recommended to grate or crumble it first to speed up the thawing process and make it easier to use. Grated or crumbled cheese can be thawed in the fridge for 2-3 days before use. It can also be sprinkled directly onto dishes like casseroles, pizzas, or anything au gratin without thawing. Freezing cheese in this manner ensures it is ready to use in recipes that call for melted cheese, such as on pasta, in French onion soup, or in grilled cheese sandwiches.
To maintain the quality of the cheese, it is crucial to package it properly for freezing. Vacuum sealing is the preferred method as it eliminates contact with surrounding air and allows the cheese to be stored for up to two months. If a vacuum sealer is not available, using parchment paper followed by aluminum foil or a Ziploc bag can also work. When using the parchment paper and foil method, the cheese can be stored for up to one month.
It is important to note that freezing and thawing cheese can affect its texture and flavour. The water and fat content in the cheese crystallize during freezing, altering its original consistency. Therefore, frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes where its texture is less noticeable, such as in soups, casseroles, or melted on top of dishes.
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Packaging methods for freezing cheese
Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, reduce waste, and save money. However, it is important to note that cheese can undergo changes in texture and quality when frozen. Thus, it is best to use frozen cheese for cooking rather than eating it fresh.
When it comes to packaging methods for freezing cheese, there are several options to consider:
Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing is a packaging method that involves removing air from the package before sealing it airtight. This technique can help extend the shelf life of frozen cheese by up to two months, according to some sources. Vacuum sealing helps to prevent freezer burn and slows down the formation of ice crystals, which can affect the texture and quality of the cheese.
Freezer Bags
Using freezer bags is a common method for freezing cheese. It is recommended to use resealable freezer bags, such as Ziplock bags, and to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to prevent freezer burn and reduces the cheese's exposure to dry air. Freezer bags are suitable for storing blocks of cheese, shredded cheese, and sliced cheese. For sliced cheese, it is advisable to place parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together.
Original Packaging
For store-bought shredded cheese, sliced cheese, or prepackaged cheese blocks, freezing in the original packaging is an option. However, if the package has been opened, it is recommended to place the entire package into a freezer bag to ensure airtightness and prevent freezer burn.
Wrapping and Sealing
For blocks of cheese or hard cheeses, wrapping them tightly before placing them in a freezer bag is suggested. Plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or cheese paper can be used for wrapping. This method provides an extra layer of protection against air exposure and helps maintain the cheese's texture.
Freezer-Safe Containers
Another option for packaging cheese is to use freezer-safe containers. These containers should be airtight to prevent air exposure and the development of freezer burn. Containers can be used for storing shredded or grated cheese, as well as soft cheeses, ensuring they are well-sealed to maintain freshness.
It is important to note that proper portioning and preparation of cheese before freezing can also impact its quality and shelf life. Additionally, the type of cheese and its moisture content will determine its suitability for freezing, with harder cheeses generally freezing better than softer varieties.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to thaw frozen cheese is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge, letting it sit overnight and rehydrate. This helps the cheese regain some of its original texture.
It is recommended to grate or crumble the cheese before freezing so that it is ready to be used in recipes. Portion the cheese into small, usable quantities to avoid waste. Vacuum sealing is the best method for freezing cheese as it eliminates contact with surrounding air. If vacuum sealing is not an option, use parchment paper followed by aluminium foil.
Hard and semi-hard aged cheeses are best for freezing as they have a lower water content and won't suffer as much textural damage. Cheeses that freeze well include cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Provolone. Soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or Camembert do not freeze well.
No, do not try to refreeze cheese. Use the thawed cheese as quickly as possible to preserve its flavour.
Frozen cheese melts very well and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be sprinkled on pizzas, casseroles, nachos, soups, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Frozen cheese can also be mixed into mashed potatoes, used as taco toppings, or added to bread or muffin recipes.
