Can you freeze cheese? It depends…
Fresh Cheese
- Freezing most fresh cheese is not advised as flavour and texture may change.
- Cream cheese freezes well. If crumbly and slightly separated, whip before using.
- When used as an ingredient, the dish may be frozen without affecting the flavour or quality of the product.
Aged Cheese
- Aged cheese freezes well; the flavour will be the same although the texture may change slightly.
- It is best used for cooking.
- Freezing aged cheese has the advantage of preventing mold and helping some of the more perishable cheeses retain their flavour for longer periods.
- Grate or freeze in small pieces no more than 3 cm thick or 500 g, as larger pieces tend to crumble when thawed.
- Wrap cheese so that it is airtight. Wrap first in plastic, then foil or freezer bags; label and date.
- Thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator, allowing 7-8 hours per 500 g.
- Recommended maximum storage time in the freezer is 3 months.
Processed Cheese
- Freezing is not recommended.
