How to Freeze Cheese

If you’re like me, you probably have a stash of cheese in your fridge at any given moment—whether it’s for grating on tacos, tossing on pizza, or nibbling on a cracker. But let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t finish it all before it starts to go bad. So the question is – can you freeze cheese? The good news? Yes, you can freeze cheese!

You read that right—cheese can be frozen and used later without a huge loss of quality. Freezing is a great way to preserve your cheese and save money, especially if you’ve bought too much or don’t want it to go to waste. But there are a few things you need to know about which cheeses freeze well, how to store them properly, and how to use frozen cheese once it’s thawed. Let’s dive into the details!

What Kinds of Cheese Can You Freeze?

Freezing cheese is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life. However, not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to freezing. Some varieties freeze beautifully, while others don’t hold up as well and can become crumbly or lose their texture. Let me walk you through the types of cheese that freeze best and the ones you should probably skip.

Best Cheeses To Freeze

The good news is that most hard and semi-hard cheeses freeze well, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best cheeses to freeze:

• Cheddar (block, sliced, or shredded)
• Colby Jack (block, sliced, or shredded)
• Monterey Jack (block, sliced, or shredded)
• Shredded Mozzarella (great for pizza and pasta)
• Provolone (freeze in blocks or slices)

These cheeses freeze well because they have a lower moisture content, which helps them maintain their texture after thawing.

OK, But Not Great: Cheese Varieties That Can Be Frozen with Caution

Some cheeses can technically be frozen, but their texture might change, and the results can vary. These include:

• Swiss
• Blue Cheese
• Feta
• Cream Cheese
• Gouda

Worst Cheeses To Freeze

Now, there are some cheeses you’ll want to avoid freezing altogether. These cheeses have high moisture content (such as curd or soft cheese varieties) or delicate textures (such as fancy, hand-crafted cheese) that don’t fare well in the freezer. Similarly, hard varieties, such as Parmesan, don’t freeze well. They last a very long time in the refrigerator, so there’s no point in freezing them anyway. Here’s a list of cheeses that you should skip:

• Cottage Cheese
• Goat cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Brie
• Romano
• Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) or Pecorino Romano
• Processed Cheese (such as Velveeta)

These cheeses tend to break down when frozen, losing their creamy texture or turning grainy after thawing. If you have them, it’s best to use them up within their fresh shelf life.

How to Freeze Cheese

Shredded Cheese (Preferred Method)

Shredded cheese (store-bought or shredded by hand) is a great candidate for freezing. Here’s how to do it:

1. Store-bought Shredded Cheese: You can keep the shredded cheese in its original packaging and pop it straight into the freezer.
2. Homemade Shredded Cheese: If you’re shredding a block of cheese, I recommend doing it before freezing. Shredded cheese freezes more easily and is much quicker to thaw, which is convenient for future use. See the recipe at the bottom for detailed instructions on preparing homemade shredded cheese for freezing.

You can freeze shredded cheese for up to two months before losing quality. You can thaw before using, or we have had success melting frozen shredded cheese directly into casseroles and other hot dishes.

Block Or Sliced Cheese

If you’ve got block or sliced cheese, it’s best to wrap it tightly before freezing. Here’s how:

• Block Cheese: Wrap the block tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a Ziplock freezer bag. Be sure to press out any air to prevent freezer burn.
• Sliced Cheese: For sliced cheese, separate each slice with parchment paper, then wrap and bag it just like the block cheese.

You can freeze block or sliced cheese for up to two months.

Best Ways to Use Frozen Cheese

Freezing cheese does affect its texture, and most cheeses won’t be as great for eating fresh after freezing. Here’s how to use your frozen cheese:

• Grating: Frozen cheese grates nicely, making it perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, or tacos.
• Melting: Frozen cheese melts easily, so it’s perfect for casseroles, soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and other cooked dishes. You can also melt sliced cheese over burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Crumbling: Cheeses like feta or blue cheese can be crumbled straight from the freezer and added to salads or baked dishes.

Quick Tips for Freezing Cheese

Here’s a quick TLDR version of our tips for freezing cheese, just in case you need a quick reference:

1. Choose Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses freeze better than soft cheeses. Think cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone, rather than brie or ricotta.
2. Pre-Portion: It’s a good idea to shred, slice, or cut your cheese into smaller portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and use just what you need.
3. Wrap Properly: Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh.
4. Use Freezer Bags: For extra protection, place the wrapped cheese into a freezer-safe bag and press out as much air as possible.
5. Label and Date: Be sure to label your cheese with the date and type before freezing, so you know what’s what when you need it.
6. Thaw Slowly: For best results, thaw cheese in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen cheese in hot dishes without thawing.
7. Use Frozen Cheese for Cooking: While the texture of thawed cheese may be slightly different, it’s perfect for cooking, such as in casseroles, sauces, or gratins.
8. Avoid Freezing Soft Cheeses: Soft cheeses don’t freeze well, as they can separate and become crumbly when thawed.

By following these tips, you can safely freeze cheese and keep it fresh for longer, ensuring you always have a stash of cheese ready for your favorite recipes.

Can You Freeze Cheese for Long-Term Storage?

Yes! While frozen cheese is best used within 6 to 9 months for the best quality, it will technically stay safe indefinitely. Just be sure to use airtight packaging and squeeze out any excess air to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

More Uncommon Foods That Can Be Frozen

1. Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh herbs and freeze them in olive oil or water for added flavor in your dishes.
2. Coconut Milk: Freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays for later use in curries or smoothies.
3. Cooked Pasta: Freeze cooked pasta to quickly add to soups or stir-fries.
4. Bread: Freeze sliced bread or rolls for easy toasting or making sandwiches later.
5. Nuts: Freeze nuts in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent them from going rancid.
6. Tomato Paste: Freeze leftover tomato paste in small portions to use in sauces or stews.
7. Buttermilk: Freeze leftover buttermilk in ice cube trays or small containers for future use in baking or marinades.
8. Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of lemons, limes, or oranges and freeze it in small portions for adding bright flavor to dishes.
9. Fresh Berries: Freeze fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for smoothies or desserts.
10. Cooked Rice: Freeze cooked rice in individual portions for quick and easy rice bowls or stir-fries.
11. Homemade Broth: Freeze homemade broth or stock in ice cube trays or freezer bags to use as a base for soups and sauces.
12. Green Onions: Chop green onions and freeze them in small portions to add a pop of flavor to various dishes.
13. Fresh Ginger: Peel and freeze fresh ginger to grate or slice for recipes without worrying about it going bad.
14. Pumpkin Puree: Freeze homemade pumpkin puree in portions for use in soups, smoothies, or baked goods.

Final Thoughts on Freezing Cheese

Freezing cheese is an easy way to prevent waste, save money, and always have cheese on hand for your favorite recipes. Just remember to choose the right type of cheese, wrap it well, and store it in the freezer properly. Whether you’re freezing shredded, block, or sliced cheese, you can enjoy it for months to come, ready for melting, grating, or sprinkling over your next favorite cheesy dish!