Can You Freeze Cheese? Explained


Yes, you can freeze cheese if you intend to use it for cooking. Since the texture of the cheese changes the moment it got exposed to cold.

If you freeze cheese, it will be safe to eat but it will be crumbly compared to the usual. This will be good for future consumption if you have to use it for soups, sauces, and other dishes.

Make sure not to freeze the cheese for more than six months to avoid any health issues. You can slice them not larger than half a pound each. Or grate them so it will be ready to use for cooking.

Then place it inside a Ziploc bag. Thaw them in your fridge before using it in 2-3 days. You can freeze almost any type of cheese so you can stock them longer. (Checklist of freezable cheese further down in the article)

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Can You Freeze Cheese? Explained
Piles of Cheese

Can You Freeze Cheese Slices?

You can freeze cheese slices but it will have a different preparation depending on the slices. Just make sure that you have a freezer bag or an airtight Ziploc bag to protect them from moist so it will not get into your cheese.

You will have to slice them anyway before you freeze them. The only difference is that cheese slices can be thinner than the usual block of cheese that you can buy from the supermarket.

It’s also the best way to store them if you think that you cannot consume that much in a few days. That way, you can have some extra cheese from your freezer in case you need it to make some dishes.

Since frozen cheese is no longer good to eat as it is, it’s best to use them for cooking. It will give a creamy taste and texture to your dishes even if it was frozen before using it with your soup or pasta sauce.

How Do You Freeze Sliced Cheese?

Here are some ways for you to freeze sliced cheese. It depends on the slices so you better take note of them since there are only two types of cheese slices. This is an important thing to remember so that you will not end up with a spoiled cheese inside your freezer.

Prepacked Cheese Slices

The usual cheese slices you can get from the supermarket is the prepacked cheese slices. You can freeze them easily by placing them in a freezer bag. Then you can simply put it inside your freezer.

Deli Cheese Slices

When it comes to some deli-sliced cheese, you will need to have some parchment paper. You can place it in between the slices. The wrap them in a freezer paper first and tape it before putting them in a freezer or Ziploc bag.

Can Sliced Cheese Be Frozen and Used Later?

The answer is yes but don’t attempt to eat it straight after freezing. You will not like the crumbly texture of it anymore since it has been frozen.

You can use it when you make some mac and cheese or if you are planning to make some home-made pizza. It’s also great for other pasta sauces or even some cheesy soup.

If you happen to stumble upon a great cheese sale from the supermarket, it’s best to separate some for your consumption first before freezing them. That way, you can freshly enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Then store the remaining cheese that you can no longer eat in a freezer bag. Just let them sit into your freezer until you want to use them again. This way, you will save more money and have cheese available for you at any time.

How Long Will Sliced Cheese Last in the Fridge?

Sliced cheese can last from 2 to 3 weeks inside your fridge. So if you are not planning to store them for a few months, it’s best to keep them on the fridge instead of freezing them.

The American sliced deli cheese can last longer than the expiry date if you can store them properly. But make sure to always keep them in the fridge.

If it’s unopened, it can retain the original store packaging that will make it lasts longer. So if you are not going to use it just yet, don’t open the package. You can just put it in your fridge right away so that it will not be exposed in heat.

If you want to store it for as long as 8 months, you can wrap the sliced cheese tightly using an aluminum foil and put it inside the freezer bag before tossing it to your freezer.

How Do You Defrost Frozen Cheese?

If you want to defrost frozen cheese, it’s best to have it defrost slowly. This will help moisture to stay while the cheese is thawing. It will be less crumbly compared to just take it out of the freezer and leave it to defrost under the room temperature.

Here’s what you can do to have a successful thawing.

  • Leave the plastic wrap so that it can retain the cheese moisture better so it will be less dry. The original packaging can lock in the moisture while the cheese thaws.
  • Transfer it to your fridge and let it sit there overnight. By keeping the temperature cold, it will give the cheese a slow defrost process.
  • Once the cheese defrosts, you can now use the cheese for cooking.

Can You Freeze Shredded Mozzarella Cheese?

Sure you can! Although you need to make sure to have the original packaging sealed. Don’t open the package so that it will not get ruined when you freeze it.

If you’re planning to freeze it longer than two months, place it inside a strong freezer bag. That way, it will not get some freezer burn while it’s stored for future use.

Can You Microwave Frozen Cheese?

You can microwave frozen cheese so that you can thaw it faster. It is not advisable to do it for cooking purposes though. Just make sure that you will only do it under the lowest heat so that you can have a perfectly thawed cheese that you can use.

  • Unwrap the cheese and place it in a microwavable container. This is the fastest way to defrost your frozen cheese.
  • Microwave the cheese under the lowest power for about 45 seconds.
  • Cut through the center of cheese to check if it has been defrosted completely.
  • If not, put it back to the microwave for another 30 seconds.

What Cheese Can You Freeze?

Although you can freeze most of the cheese you can find from the supermarket, it is still best to know exactly what you can and cannot freeze.

This way, you will not end up having frozen cheese that disintegrates after thawing. It will be a waste of money and resources since you cannot use them if it’s not good anyway.

Cheese You Can Freeze:

  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Swiss
  • Havarti
  • Emmental
  • Parmesan
  • Feta
  • Mozzarella
  • Brie (Check guide on how below)

Cheese You Should Not Freeze:

  • Camembert
  • Stilton
  • Cream cheese
  • Low-fat versions of cheese

Does Cheese Go Bad in the Freezer?

Cheese can go bad even if you put them in the freezer depending on what kind. Hard cheeses can be stored longer compared to the soft types. If you were not able to properly store the cheese, it can spoil and smells like sour milk. So make sure that you put them inside an airtight freezer bag before tossing them inside your freezer.

Another reason why cheese can go bad in the freezer is if you forget that you have it there. Make sure that you label them with the date of your storage fo that you will not end up eating spoiled cheese. You can get very sick by consuming a bad batch of cheese.

How Do you Freeze Brie Cheese?

You can freeze a wedge of brie cheese so that it can last up to 6 months if done properly. That way, it will still be safe to consume even after it is already passed the expiry date from the original packaging label.

Here’s how to freeze brie cheese:

  • Cut the brie cheese into portions.
  • Wrap in a strong aluminum foil or a freezer wrap.
  • Place it inside a freezer bag.
  • Put them in the freezer.

Is Freezing Cooked Corn on the Cob Similar to Freezing Cheese?

Freezing cooked corn on the cob and freezing cheese are not similar processes. While freezing cheese can alter its texture and flavor, freezing cooked corn on the cob can help preserve its freshness and taste. Both can be frozen, but the results are different.

Can I Use the Same Freezing Method for Cheese to Freeze Tomatoes?

Yes, you can use the same method for freezing tomatoes at home as you do for cheese. Simply wash and dry the tomatoes, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage.

Conclusion

You can freeze cheese to extend the life of your favorite cheese. It will not be the same texture as when you get it from the supermarket. But the taste will still be the same if you use it for cooking instead.

By freezing cheese, it can help you to save money since you can now take advantage of the cheese sale. You can buy a bulk of them only if you have enough room in your freezer.

This way, you don’t have to worry about buying them at its original price since cheese can get expensive sometimes. It will also allow you to save food now that you know how to make it last longer.

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