Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a soft, creamy, and tangy cheese that is often sold in large quantities, which can be difficult to consume before it perishes. Freezing goat cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy it for longer and reduce food waste. However, freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese, so it is important to consider how you plan to use the frozen cheese. In this article, we will explore the best methods for freezing goat cheese, the impact on its texture and taste, and provide creative ways to use frozen goat cheese in your recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freezing Goat Cheese | Possible |
| Reason | Extend shelf life |
| Taste and Texture | Affected by freezing |
| Freezing Method | Place in a freezer bag or wrap in plastic and then foil |
| Thawing Method | In the refrigerator or at room temperature |
| Freezing Time | 1-2 months |
| Use | Grate over a salad or use in a cooked dish |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing goat cheese to extend its shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to handle and has a short shelf life. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of goat cheese, but it's important to do it properly to avoid affecting its texture and taste.
Firstly, it's important to note that not all types of goat cheese are suitable for freezing. Dry and semi-hard goat cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing quite well. However, fresh and ripened goat cheeses are more delicate and their texture and flavour can be altered during the thawing process. Freezing ripened goat logs is generally not recommended.
If you do choose to freeze your goat cheese, start by dividing it into portions if desired. You can freeze an entire log or portion-sized parts, depending on how much you typically use at one time. Wrap the cheese tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe zipper-top bag or wrap it in foil for extra protection from freezer burn. Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within two months, as freezing does not entirely stop the ripening process.
Another option for freezing goat cheese is to grate it. Grated frozen goat cheese can be used in recipes like roasted asparagus with herb goat cheese or sprinkled over salads. This technique adds a tangy bite to dishes without the cheese clumping together.
Additionally, meals and culinary preparations containing cooked goat cheese can be frozen without any issues. Simply wrap the dishes properly, then place them in an airtight container, preferably made of glass to prevent odour absorption.
Remember to take the frozen goat cheese out of the freezer a little ahead of time, as it thaws quickly. With these tips, you can enjoy goat cheese anytime and extend its shelf life!
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How to freeze goat cheese
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese! Freezing is a great option to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. However, it's important to note that freezing can affect the texture and taste of the cheese. Here's how to do it:
First, look out for sales or discounts on goat cheese at your local grocery stores. When you find a good deal, stock up and get ready to freeze! Before freezing, divide the goat cheese into portions. You can choose to freeze the entire log or cut it into smaller parts. If you plan to use a full package at once after thawing, you can freeze it as is. Otherwise, cut it into halves or smaller portions.
Next, wrap the goat cheese. You can use plastic wrap, parchment paper, or freezer paper. Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. Squeeze out any extra air from the bag or container. You can also add an extra layer of foil for more protection.
Label the container or bag with the date, so you know when you froze it. Goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator. You can take it out a little ahead of time, as goat cheese thaws quickly. Even when it's still slightly frozen, you can cube or crumble it.
Freezing goat cheese is a great way to make sure you always have some on hand for recipes like salads, roasted asparagus, or sandwiches. Enjoy your frozen goat cheese!
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Grated frozen goat cheese on salads
Freezing goat cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life. It can be frozen in its original packaging or cut into portions and wrapped tightly before freezing. This helps to reduce bulk and cut down on plastic wrap. Frozen goat cheese can be cubed or crumbled when it is still quite frozen, making it a convenient option for salads.
Grated frozen goat cheese can be used to top off salads, adding a tangy bite to every inch of the dish. It is best to use a Microplane grater or a cheese grater for this purpose. The cheese should be very cold but not completely frozen, so it is still grateable. To achieve this, place the cheese in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes before grating.
A salad with grated frozen goat cheese can be made with a variety of ingredients. One option is to use kale as the base, along with chopped almonds, croutons, and the grated frozen goat cheese. Another option is to add grated or julienned carrots, dried cranberries, and brussels sprouts to a bed of salad greens. A third option is to create a warm goat cheese salad by frying goat cheese medallions coated in panko breadcrumbs, egg, and flour, and then adding them to a salad with baby greens, hazelnuts, grated carrots, dried cranberries, and delicata squash.
The versatility of grated frozen goat cheese in salads allows for endless combinations of ingredients to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. It is important to note that not all recipes are suitable for grated frozen goat cheese, as some dishes require soft and creamy cheese, such as strawberry goat cheese bruschetta. However, for salads and other dishes where a tangy, crumbly cheese is desired, grated frozen goat cheese is an excellent option.
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Thawing frozen goat cheese
Goat cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing and thawing can affect the texture and taste of the cheese. The key to ensuring that your frozen goat cheese keeps its consistency and fresh flavour is to let it thaw properly.
To thaw frozen goat cheese, you can use the refrigerator, countertop, or microwave method. The preferred method is to thaw the cheese in the refrigerator over the course of 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cheese. This slow thawing process allows the cheese to retain moisture, resulting in a better texture and flavour. If you opt for a quicker thawing method, you can leave the cheese on the countertop for 2.5 to 3 hours. However, the cheese may turn out a little firmer. For the fastest option, unwrap the cheese and microwave it in 30- to 45-second increments until it's completely thawed.
When freezing goat cheese, it's essential to package it in an airtight manner. You can use parchment paper, aluminium foil, vacuum sealing, or a Ziploc bag. Freezing goat cheese in portion-sized parts can be more convenient for later use.
While goat cheese can be frozen, it's important to note that soft cheeses like goat cheese may develop an unpleasant crumbly texture and may not thaw as well as harder cheeses. Therefore, it's recommended to consume thawed goat cheese in dishes where its texture won't be a primary concern, such as grated or melted into hot dishes.
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Using frozen goat cheese in recipes
Frozen goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, but it is important to note that freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese. Here are some tips and recipes for using frozen goat cheese:
Grated Goat Cheese
Grating frozen goat cheese is a great way to add a tangy flavour to your salads. You can grate the frozen cheese directly onto the salad, just like you would grate a hard cheese such as Parmesan. This technique works well with salads that have roasted vegetables, like a peeled tomato salad or roasted asparagus. Just be sure to add the grated goat cheese towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking it.
Cubed or Crumbled Goat Cheese
If you're using frozen goat cheese in a recipe that calls for cubed or crumbled cheese, you can simply thaw the cheese slightly and then cube or crumble it. This method is perfect for adding goat cheese to a strawberry chicken salad or using it as a topping for a cheese platter.
Cooking with Frozen Goat Cheese
To maintain the flavour and texture of frozen goat cheese, consider using it in cooked dishes. For example, you can make cheese croquettes by combining flour, butter, garlic, stock, and frozen goat cheese. This way, you can enjoy the creaminess of the cheese without worrying about changes in texture due to freezing.
Freezing and Storing Tips
When freezing goat cheese, it's best to divide it into portions before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. You can then place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen goat cheese can last for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer and should be thawed in the refrigerator before use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese. It is a great way to extend its shelf life.
You can freeze goat cheese in its original packaging if you plan to use the entire package after thawing. If you only need a portion, cut the cheese into chunks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
It is best to thaw frozen goat cheese in the fridge overnight for the best taste and texture. You can also cube or crumble it while it is still frozen. Frozen goat cheese is perfect for grating or shredding over salads.
