Bushra Griffith
Freezing cheddar cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but it's important to consider the impact on its texture and flavour. While freezing cheddar is safe and possible, it can alter the cheese's quality. The formation of ice crystals during freezing affects taste and texture, and the breakdown of its molecular structure can result in a crumbly, drier consistency upon thawing. To minimise these effects, it's recommended to grate or cut the cheese into smaller cubes before freezing. Additionally, wrapping the cheese in parchment paper, followed by aluminium foil, and then sealing it in an airtight bag can help maintain its quality.
Freezing Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you freeze it? | Yes |
| Best type of cheese | Hard or semi-hard block |
| Preparation | Shred, slice, or cut into cubes |
| Portion | 1 pound (500 grams) max per portion |
| Packaging | Vacuum sealer, parchment paper, plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, ziplock bag, or airtight container |
| Freezing temperature | At least -9 °F (-23 °C) |
| Storage time | Up to 2-3 months |
| Defrosting time | Up to 48 hours |
| Use after defrosting | Melting into soups, casseroles, or pastas |
| Re-freezing | Not recommended |
| Texture after defrosting | Crumbly, drier, mealy, or grainy |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese freezing methods
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but its texture will likely be compromised. The best way to freeze cheddar cheese depends on how you plan to use it after thawing. If you plan to grate the cheese, it is best to grate it before freezing. This way, it will be ready to use straight from the freezer. If you plan to use the cheese in cubes, it is best to cut it into cubes before freezing. For both grated and cubed cheese, it is best to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap and then seal it in a zipper-lock bag. You can also wrap the cheese in parchment paper followed by a loose covering of aluminium foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
Freezing changes the texture of cheese because ice crystals form during storage in the freezer. Water expands when it freezes and contracts when it thaws, which breaks down the molecular structure of the cheese. This is why cheese becomes crumbly when thawed. Soft cheeses are particularly susceptible to this, as they have a higher water content.
It is best to use frozen cheese within three months and to thaw it in the refrigerator. Once thawed, use the cheese within two to three days. Previously frozen cheese performs best when grated, crumbled, or melted.
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How to defrost frozen cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that its texture will change and become drier, crumbly, and mealy. The flavour, however, should remain largely unaffected.
Defrosting Frozen Cheddar Cheese:
When it comes to defrosting frozen cheddar cheese, it is best to do it slowly and gradually in a refrigerator to preserve its quality. Depending on the size of the cheese block or shred, it could take up to 48 hours to defrost fully. If you are using shredded cheddar cheese, you can add it directly to hot dishes like soups or casseroles without defrosting it first. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese.
For cubes of frozen cheddar cheese, it is recommended to defrost them in the fridge overnight. For grated frozen cheddar cheese, if you plan to use it in cooking, you can add it directly to your dish. Otherwise, you can defrost it in the fridge for 1-2 hours, and it will be ready to use in sandwiches. Once defrosted, it is recommended to consume the cheese within 3 days.
It is important to note that you should not refreeze cheddar cheese that has been previously frozen and defrosted.
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Best uses for frozen cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life, but its texture will change and it will become more crumbly and mealy. Frozen cheddar cheese is best used in cooked dishes where it will be melted, such as soups, casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pasta.
- Soups: Frozen shredded cheddar cheese can be added directly to soups without thawing. It will melt easily and add a delicious cheesy flavour.
- Casseroles: Similar to soups, casseroles are a great dish to use frozen cheddar cheese in. Simply add the frozen cheese to your casserole and bake as usual.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: While frozen cheddar cheese may not give you the perfect cheese pull, it will still make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Thaw the cheese slowly in the refrigerator before using, then grate or slice it and add to your sandwich.
- Pasta: Frozen cheddar cheese can be grated or shredded and added to pasta dishes. It will melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Snacks or appetizers: Frozen cheddar cheese can be thawed and used for snacks or appetizers such as cheese plates, cheese dips, or stuffed jalapeno poppers.
Remember to properly prepare your cheddar cheese for freezing to ensure the best quality. Cut it into uniform shapes or shred it, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. Frozen cheddar cheese will last for about two to three months in the freezer, but it's best used within two months to maintain its quality.
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Cheddar cheese types that freeze well
Cheddar cheese freezes well, especially when it is shredded or sliced before freezing. It is best to use frozen cheddar cheese for melting into soups, casseroles, or pastas.
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses tend to freeze better than soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which helps them maintain their texture after thawing. Cheddar has a lower water content than other cheeses such as cottage cheese, which means it freezes at a lower temperature.
When freezing cheddar cheese, it is important to prepare it properly for storage. It is recommended to shred, slice, or cut the cheese into smaller portions before freezing, as this makes it easier to thaw and use. It is also important to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh. Plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper can be used, and if using an airtight container or bag, it is essential to remove as much air as possible.
Some sources recommend adding cornstarch to shredded cheddar cheese before freezing. This helps to extend the shelf life of the cheese and prevent it from becoming soggy. One tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese should be added, and the cheese should be stirred or shaken to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.
It is also recommended to freeze cheese as quickly as possible to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the protein structure of the cheese and affect its texture and performance under heat. Using the quick freeze function on your freezer, if available, can help with this.
Overall, freezing is a great way to preserve cheddar cheese and extend its shelf life, but it is important to follow these steps to ensure the best quality and texture after freezing and thawing.
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How to package cheddar cheese for freezing
Cheddar cheese can be frozen, but its texture will change, becoming drier and crumbly. This is because when cheese is frozen, its water and fat content form ice crystals that can damage the protein structure of the cheese.
When packaging cheddar cheese for freezing, it is important to reduce its contact with oxygen as much as possible. There are several ways to do this:
Vacuum Sealing
The best method for freezing cheese is to use a vacuum sealer. This will eliminate contact with the surrounding air and allow the cheese to be frozen for the longest time.
Parchment Paper and Aluminium Foil
If you do not have access to a vacuum sealer, you can wrap the cheese tightly in parchment paper and then in aluminium foil. The parchment paper will create a barrier, while the foil will hold everything in place.
Plastic Wrap, Foil, or Wax Paper
Other sources suggest wrapping the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the cheese fresh.
Freezer Bags
If you are freezing shredded or grated cheddar cheese, you can place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it tightly. You can also add cornstarch to shredded cheese to help prevent it from clumping together.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to freeze cheddar cheese is to grate it or cut it into smaller cubes before placing it in the freezer. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then seal it in an airtight container or a zipper-lock bag with the air pressed out.
Grating or cutting the cheese increases its surface area, which makes it easier to defrost. If you freeze a large block of cheese, it will be difficult to slice after defrosting as it will have lost its natural moisture and will tend to crumble.
Frozen cheese can be stored indefinitely from a safety perspective, but it's best to use it within three months for optimal quality.
You can defrost frozen cheddar cheese in the refrigerator or by cooking it directly from the frozen state. For cubes of frozen cheese, defrost in the fridge overnight. For grated cheese, you can defrost in the fridge for 1-2 hours or use it straight from frozen.
Use defrosted cheddar cheese within two to three days of pulling it from the freezer. Previously frozen cheese is best when grated, crumbled, or melted.
