How To Freeze Cheese

Cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But what if you have too much cheese and don’t want it to go to waste?

You can freeze cheese! Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and save money.

In this post, we will teach you how to freeze cheese like a pro. We will cover everything from the best types of cheese to freeze to how to thaw and use frozen cheese.

A variety of cheese and crackers along with nuts and grapes on a cutting board.

Answer

To freeze cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you are freezing shredded cheese, place it in a single layer in a freezer bag. Label the cheese with the type of cheese, the date it was frozen, and the date it should be used. Frozen cheese can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

What Types of Cheese Freeze Well?

Not all cheeses freeze well. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, do freeze well. These cheeses have a high-fat content, which helps to protect them from freezer burn.

Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and blue cheese, do not freeze well. These cheeses have a high moisture content, which can cause them to become crumbly or watery when thawed.

Here are the steps on how to freeze cheese:

Choose the right type of cheese. Refer to the table below to see which types of cheese freeze well.
Prepare the cheese for freezing. If you are freezing a block of cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you are freezing shredded cheese, place it in a freezer bag or container.
Label the cheese. Be sure to label the cheese with the type of cheese, the date it was frozen, and the date it should be used.
Freeze the cheese. Place the cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips for Freezing Cheese

To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the packaging before freezing.
If you are freezing a block of cheese, you can cut it into smaller pieces before freezing. This will make it easier to thaw and use.
If you are freezing shredded cheese, you can place it in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing. This will help to prevent the cheese from clumping together.
Thaw frozen cheese overnight in the refrigerator.

Cheese Freezing Cheat Sheet

Here’s a handy table that sums up the main points about freezing different types of cheese:

Cheese Type	Can It Be Frozen?	Changes in Texture?	Best Used In
Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Parmesan)	Yes	Minimal	Any dish
Semi-Hard Cheeses (Gouda, Swiss)	Yes	Minimal	Any dish
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert)	Yes, but with caution	Significant	Cooked dishes
Creamy Cheeses (Cream cheese, Ricotta)	Yes, but with caution	Significant	Cooked dishes

How Long Will Cheese Last in the Freezer?

The length of time that cheese will last in the freezer depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, can last for up to 2 months in the freezer according to the USDA. Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and blue cheese, should only be frozen for up to 1 month.

It is important to note that the quality of frozen cheese will decline over time. After 2 months, hard cheeses may start to lose their flavor and texture. Soft cheeses may become crumbly or watery.

To better understand how to tell if cheese has gone bad you can visit our comprehensive guide that goes over the signs of a variety of cheeses that have spoiled.

How to Thaw Frozen Cheese

The best way to thaw frozen cheese is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the cheese from becoming watery or losing its flavor.

If you need to thaw frozen cheese more quickly, you can thaw it on the counter for a few hours. However, be careful not to thaw cheese too quickly, as this can cause it to become crumbly or watery.

Once the cheese is thawed, it can be used in cooked dishes, such as casseroles, soups, and sauces. It can also be used on top of pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads.

Additional Tips:

If you are thawing a block of cheese, you can cut it into smaller pieces before thawing. This will help to speed up the thawing process.
If you are thawing shredded cheese, you can place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help to prevent the cheese from clumping together.
Do not refreeze thawed cheese. This can cause the cheese to become watery or lose its flavor.

You can also learn more about how to store cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or brie cheese to ensure you are keeping your cheese fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Freeze Cheese

While technically all types of cheese can be frozen, the result varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss freeze well, while soft and creamy cheeses like Brie and Ricotta may undergo significant texture changes when frozen and thawed.

Frozen cheese should be defrosted slowly in the refrigerator. Depending on the size of the cheese pieces, this could take up to a day.

Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes like casseroles, soups, or pizza. The texture changes caused by freezing are less noticeable when the cheese is melted or mixed into these dishes.

Conclusion

Freezing cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and save money. With a little planning, you can easily freeze cheese and have it on hand whenever you need it.