Cheese can last up to two weeks in the fridge, but what if you want to save it for longer? There are a lot of misconceptions about how to freeze cheese. So, in this post we tackle if and how to easily store different cheese at home!
Some people believe you can’t store cheese in the freezer. In fact, we have read a common misconception is that freezing is only suitable for hard cheeses!
The truth is, most types of cheese can be frozen with great results. You just need to know how.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best methods for freezing different types of cheese, as well as how long they will last in the freezer.
Let’s get started!
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What Cheese Can You Not Freeze, And Why?
There are a few types of cheese that will not be successfully stored in your freezer. This is due mainly to their high moisture content.
These include:
- Brie
- Camembert
- Roquefort
- Gorgonzola
As these are high in moisture, they will crumble when thawed after being frozen. If you need to store these cheeses for longer periods, it’s best to grate them before freezing.
How To Properly Freeze Cheese According To Type
Different types of cheeses will survive freezing in different ways. This is why it is important to know which method is best for each cheese.
When you freeze cheese improperly, it can become crumbly and tasteless which is less than desirable.
By following the proper methods for different types of cheese, however, you can ensure that it will stay fresh and taste great.
In addition, knowing how to store cheese will allow it to last longer in the freezer than if it is not frozen correctly.
Hard Cheeses
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Gouda
- Provolone
Method:
- Freeze cheese in blocks or slices.
- Wrap hard cheese tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place the cheese on a baking sheet until solid and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag. Our experts suggest using a top home food vacuum sealer to remove the maximum amount of air from the bag.
- Hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the freezer if stored correctly.
Soft Cheeses
- Feta
- Cottage Cheese
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella
Method:
- Freeze soft cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag. Again, we suggest using a good food vacuum sealer, however, make sure you don’t squash the cheese when sealing. Use a low vacuum setting with moist food mode and take care!
- Soft cheeses can be frozen for up to two months.
How Do You Defrost Cheese?
There are two ways to defrost cheese: in the fridge or at room temperature. Our experts suggest to defrost it in the fridge which will take several hours for the cheese to thaw.
If you choose to defrost it at room temperature, it will take about two hours.
FAQs
How long will cheese last in my freezer?
Most types of cheese can be frozen for up to two months. However, some hard cheeses will last safely for up to six months if stored correctly.
Can you freeze grated cheese?
Yes, and with great results! Best of all, it will not change the taste or texture of the cheese.
Allow the cheese to fully defrost in the fridge to avoid clumping.
Can you vacuum seal cheese?
Yes, you can vacuum seal cheese and the fact is that our experts say this is the best method to ensure safe storage. Cheese that has been properly prepared and then vacuum sealed will last up to 6 months in the freezer!
What is the best way to store cheese in the freezer?
Firstly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. You may wish to slice hard cheese, or cut it into blocks before doing this.
Once your cheese is ready, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before freezing for best results.
Conclusion
We hope you can see that it is easy to freeze cheese at home.
So, what type of cheeses are safe to store in the freezer? Almost any! However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you are doing this.
Make sure that the cheese is tightly wrapped and sealed in an airtight container or bag. This stops it from absorbing any “flavors” from other foods in your freezer.
Generally speaking, most cheeses will stay fresh for about two months in the freezer. In fact, hard cheese will last up to 6 months if stored correctly!
When you’re ready to use frozen cheese, allow it to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. Less ideal is to thaw it at room temperature.
Grated or shredded cheese can be used while still partially frozen without too much trouble.
If you have any questions about how to freeze cheese, let us know in the comments below!
And as always, happy home preserving!
For more freezing tips, check out our articles on the link below;
Hi! I’m Sally-Anne!