Can You Freeze Cheese, and Should You?

Cheese is best enjoyed fresh to maximize its flavor and texture, but sometimes it’s not feasible to use large amounts of it within the use-by date.

Freezing is an ancient food preservation method that has been used for over 3,000 years.

It’s an effective way to increase the shelf life of foods, reduce waste, and save money.

This article tells you all you need to know about freezing cheese.

How freezing and thawing affects cheese

Freezing cheese causes ice crystals to develop, disrupting the cheese’s structure. This may affect the texture and make it drier, more crumbly, and mealy. It can also halt the ripening process of cheeses with beneficial, active mold populations.

Best and worst cheeses to freeze

Any cheese can technically be frozen, but some varieties respond to freezing better than others.

Here are some of the best and worst cheeses to freeze:

Best cheeses to freeze

Pizza cheese, Cheddar,Colby,Edam,Gouda,Monterrey Jack,Limburger,Provolone and Swiss cheese

Worst cheese to freeze:

Queso fresco,Paneer,Brie,Camembert,Cottage cheese,Ricotta,Parmesan,Romano and Processed cheese

Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture and higher fat contents are best suited for freezing. Delicate, hand-crafted cheeses, processed varieties, and most soft cheeses are generally unsuited for this preservation method.

How to freeze cheese

If you decide to freeze your cheese, there are several steps you can take to ensure the least loss of quality.

To freeze cheese, portion, wrap, and pack it in an airtight container before rapidly freezing it. Use it within 6–9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and is best used in cooked dishes.

Conclusion:

Freezing cheese can reduce waste and prolong shelf life.

Still, it may cause the product to become drier, more crumbly, and mealy.

Higher-fat, industrially produced cheeses like cheddar are better suited for freezing than soft cheeses and delicate, handcrafted varieties.

Overall, cheese is best enjoyed fresh for maximal flavor and texture, though freezing can be a convenient way to keep some cheeses on hand for use in cooking.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-freeze-cheese