Defrosting Cheese: The Best Way To Do It

Freezing cheese is a great way to reduce food waste and save money, but not all cheeses can be frozen. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and provolone, are better for freezing and thawing than softer cheeses like brie or Camembert, which tend to sweat and melt when defrosted. The best way to defrost frozen cheese is to place the unopened package on a plate and leave it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This method helps to preserve the flavour and texture of the cheese. For a quicker option, the cheese can be placed on the counter to thaw for 2.5 to 3 hours or microwaved in short increments until completely thawed. However, microwaving may cause the cheese to lose some of its flavour and texture.

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Defrosting cheese in the microwave

To defrost cheese in the microwave, first, unwrap the cheese and place it in a microwave-safe container, such as a plate, bowl, or pan. Adjust the power setting on your microwave to the lowest available level. Heat the cheese in 30- to 45-second increments, checking after each interval to ensure it doesn't melt. It may take several minutes for the cheese to fully defrost, but working in small increments will help prevent accidental melting.

To check if your cheese is fully defrosted, use a butter knife to try to cut through the center. If your knife moves easily through the cheese, it is fully thawed. If not, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds.

For best results, cheese should be defrosted slowly in the refrigerator over the course of two days. This will help the cheese rehydrate and regain some of its original texture. If the cheese wasn't frozen in an airtight container, it will not be edible as it may have been exposed to bacteria.

Defrosting cheese in the refrigerator

Defrosting cheese slowly in the refrigerator is the best way to preserve its flavour and texture. This method works well for hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and provolone, which have lower water content and can withstand textural changes. Softer cheeses, like goat cheese, brie, or Camembert, tend to become crumbly and sweaty when defrosted and are not ideal for this method.

To defrost cheese in the refrigerator, place the frozen cheese on a plate or in a bowl. Ensure that the cheese is still in its original, airtight packaging. Leaving the packaging intact helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out. Place the packaged cheese in the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly over 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese.

It is important to note that cheese that has been exposed to air in the freezer may not be safe to eat. Before placing the cheese in the refrigerator, carefully inspect the packaging to ensure it remains airtight and there is no sign of freezer burn.

When defrosting cheese in the refrigerator, it is best to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the cheese to thaw slowly. This method helps retain the cheese's original characteristics and ensures it is safe to consume.

Best cheeses for freezing

Freezing cheese can prolong its shelf life and reduce waste. However, it may become drier, more crumbly, and mealy, and its flavour may be affected. Therefore, frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes where changes to its texture are less noticeable.

Hard and semi-hard aged cheeses with lower water content are the best for freezing, as they won't suffer as much textural damage. Examples include:

• Cheddar
• Swiss
• Monterey Jack
• Parmesan
• Pecorino Romano
• Provolone
• Mozzarella (especially shredded)
• Brick cheese
• Gouda

Some semi-soft cheeses like Stilton or soft goat cheese are also well-suited to freezing. Cream cheese can be frozen but may separate upon thawing, in which case it can be whipped to improve its texture.

Cheeses that are not well-suited for freezing include soft cheeses like:

• Goat cheese
• Brie
• Camembert
• Cottage cheese
• Ricotta
• Quark
• Fontina
• Muenster
• Blue cheese (as freezing will kill the mould that gives it its flavour)
• Fresh curd cheeses
• Processed cheeses and cheese spreads

Grilled cheese sandwiches, sauces, and pizzas are some dishes that can be made with frozen cheese.

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How to wrap cheese for freezing

Freezing cheese is a great way to prevent waste, save money, and always have cheese on hand for your favourite recipes. However, it is important to wrap the cheese properly to prevent freezer burn and to keep it fresh.

If you are freezing shredded cheese, place it in a bowl or plastic freezer bag and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese. Shake the bag or stir the contents of the bowl until the cornstarch evenly covers the cheese shreds. Then, press the air out of the bag and reseal it tightly.

For block cheese, wrap the block tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper, then wrap and bag it in the same way as block cheese.

Alternatively, you can use a vacuum sealer to virtually eliminate contact with the surrounding air and allow the cheese to be frozen for longer. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, you can try using parchment paper followed by aluminium foil. Tightly wrap the cheese in parchment paper and then in aluminium foil to keep everything in place while freezing.

Finally, when you are ready to defrost your cheese, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight to let it thaw slowly and retain its flavour and texture.

How long to defrost cheese

The best way to defrost cheese is to place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. This method helps retain the cheese's moisture, thereby preserving its texture and flavour. The time taken to defrost cheese in a refrigerator depends on the density of the cheese. Softer cheeses will thaw in 2.5 hours, while harder cheeses may take up to 3 hours or more.

For a quicker option, place the cheese on the kitchen counter to defrost for 2.5 to 3 hours. The time required for defrosting on the counter also depends on the density of the cheese, with softer cheeses thawing faster than harder cheeses.

If you are short on time, you can defrost cheese in the microwave in 30- to 45-second increments until it is completely thawed. However, this method is not recommended as the cheese may lose its flavour and texture.

It is important to ensure that the cheese is stored in an airtight container or well-sealed packaging before placing it in the refrigerator or on the counter to defrost. If the cheese was not frozen in an airtight container, it may have been exposed to bacteria and may not be safe to consume.

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