Can You Freeze Cheese?
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Yes! You can freeze cheese. Freezing cheese is a great way to reduce food waste and keep your favorite varieties on hand. While some types freeze better than others, the right techniques can help preserve flavor and texture. This guide will show you which cheeses freeze best and how to store them properly for later use.
What to Expect When Freezing Different Types of Cheese
While freezing cheese is possible, there is one important caveat: the texture may change.
Hard Cheeses
According to our tests, most hard and semi-hard cheese blocks tend to crumble after being frozen and thawed, making them difficult to slice or grate.
However, any texture changes are usually unnoticeable when the cheese is baked or melted in a dish like our Cheeseburger Soup or in our Beef Burritos.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and high-moisture cheeses like fresh mozzarella often release excess liquid after thawing, resulting in a grainy texture. This also applies to Velveeta, which Kraft advises against freezing.
Shredded Cheese
Prepackaged shredded cheese, on the other hand, is a different story. Thanks to the anti-caking agents added to these products, they tend to freeze and thaw more successfully, with minimal texture changes.
Good cheese candidates for freezing include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Part-skim/low-moisture mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Gouda
How to Freeze Different Types of Cheeses
- Shredded cheese – store-bought shredded cheese can be frozen directly in the original packaging. Or, you can shred a block of cheese (use our simple instructions!) and store it in an airtight freezer-safe bag.
- Cheese slices – the layers of wax paper between sliced cheese make it very easy to freeze directly in the packaging or in an airtight freezer-safe bag.
- Cheese blocks – slice into portions that you would use in a recipe. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
How long can it be frozen?
According to the USDA, as long as frozen food is kept at 0°F in the freezer, it is safe to consume for an indefinite amount of time.
While this is something we noted in writing our cookbooks, From Freezer to Table and From Freezer to Cooker, our testing has proven that most frozen foods, including cheese, should be consumed within 3-6 months for optimal flavor and freshness.
How to Thaw Frozen Cheese
For best results, shred cheese before freezing—it defrosts more evenly and can even be used directly from the freezer. This post shares our top tips for shredding cheese at home and explains why it’s worth the extra step.
If you’re working with frozen blocks or wedges, we recommend thawing them overnight in the refrigerator. According to the U.S. Dairy Council, a slow thaw in the fridge helps retain the cheese’s moisture and prevents it from drying out. Once thawed, it’s best to use the cheese as soon as possible for optimal freshness.
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FAQs
Freezing is not recommended for fresh curd cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and quark due to their high moisture content.
Cheese should be eaten 2-3 days after thawing.
Recipes to Use Up Your Frozen Cheese
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This is by far one of the most popular (and simple) recipes on Thriving Home. Shredded chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping make up this quick and comforting casserole. Enjoy “as is” or serve over pasta.
Make-Ahead Lunch Wraps
Can you freeze wraps? You bet!! These make ahead freezer-friendly lunch wraps are nutritious, hearty, and completely adaptable to whatever your family might like in them! They even made our top list of vegetarian meals for kids, because all ages like these!
Breakfast Egg Muffins
Looking for an easy breakfast idea? We love this easy Breakfast Egg Muffin recipe. It’s made with simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. These make a fabulous, freezer-friendly breakfast. For sure worth a try!
Slow Cooker Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, making a comforting batch of this Crockpot Potato Soup is mandatory. Hearty veggies, bacon, cheddar cheese, and more make this soup creamy, decadent, and filled with flavor. Bonus: your home will smell cozy and delicious, too!
Bottom Line: Can You Freeze Cheese?
You can freeze cheese, but the texture may be altered. The best types of cheese to freeze are shredded and sliced hard or semi-hard cheeses. Most frozen cheeses can still be used for melting and baking without a noticeable difference in texture.
What Else Can You Freeze?
Wondering what else you can stock up on and freeze? Here are more well-researched and well-tested articles we wrote from our experience.
- How to Freeze Tortillas
- How to Freeze Butter
- How to Freeze Muffins
- How to Freeze Bananas
- How to Freeze Zucchini
- How to Freeze Rice
- How to Freeze Avocados
- How to Freeze Cheese
- How to Freeze Pesto
- How to Freeze Quiche
- How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie
- How to Freeze Chicken and Dumplings
- How to Freeze White Chicken Chili
- How Long Steak Is Good in the Freezer
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