We all know that cheese is superior among most foods, and is definitely top-tier among dairy products. But like all great things in this world, cheese is not built to last. You may have heard that, due to its highly perishable nature, cheese should typically be enjoyed shortly after opening it. Plus, it definitely should not be consumed if left out at room temperature for a long period of time. What you may not know is that it is actually possible to freeze some of your favorite cheeses— you can even freeze grated cheese! This allows you to extend the shelf-life and enjoy it for a longer period of time.
There are a few key elements you should consider before tossing your cheddar in the freezer and calling it a day. With proper care, and knowing these few simple tips, you can enjoy your favorite food for months after you purchase it.
Wrap your cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then seal it in a zipper-lock bag. When you’re ready to consume the cheese, let it defrost overnight in the fridge or for 2.5 hours on the countertop.
How to Properly Freeze Cheese
While you now know some cheeses are off-limits for freezing, all hope is not lost. In fact, there are tons of cheeses that are able to be frozen after opening and stay fresh for weeks, and even months in some cases. You should have excellent luck if you freeze Parmesan, fontal, or any grated cheese, to name a few.
The key to successfully freezing your cheese is to extract as much oxygen from the food as possible. A great way to achieve this is through separating the cheese. For example, if you freeze fontal, try cutting it up into small pieces, and wrap it very tightly in a cling wrap, or toss it into a freezer bag. If it’s frozen in a large block, it can lose moisture and become crumbly. By eliminating an oxygen intake as much as possible, you’ll reduce the chances of the cheese turning.
This is also why freezing grated or shredded cheese is a good option. By separating it into small pieces, it reduces the chances of freezer burn that could result in freezing a whole block. With careful preservation, your cheese can stay fresh for up to six months (although you’ll maintain the most flavor if you thaw and enjoy within the first two months).
Which Cheeses Can You Freeze?
First and foremost, it’s important to identify which cheeses are actually freezable. Unfortunately, this isn’t an effective method for preserving all cheeses. Technically speaking, any cheese is able to be frozen, but softer cheeses like cream cheese, mascarpone, and brie will really suffer from freezing after opening. Freezing these cheeses causes a severe lack of flavor, and it should be a crime to have to experience cheese that loses its luster.
Cheeses with holes in them, such as Swiss, should also be kept out of the freezer. These pockets can cause even more of a freezer and thaw cycle, potentially ruining your cheese completely. These particular varieties are best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed shortly after opening them! And if you’re anything like us, consuming an entire roll of goat cheese in one sitting won’t be difficult at all.
How to Properly Store Cheese at Home
FAQ
Does pecorino cheese freeze well?
What is the best way to store Pecorino Romano cheese?
How long does pecorino last in the fridge?
How do you freeze Romano cheese?
Can You refreeze pecorino cheese?
It is never advised to refreeze Pecorino cheese. Freezing your Pecorino cheese a second time will compromise its quality and leave you with brittle cheese that is inedible. Therefore, you should consume your Pecorino cheese after it has been frozen and defrosted only once. Does Pecorino Cheese Freeze Well? Yes, Pecorino cheese freezes well.
How do you store pecorino cheese?
If you want to pair it with something, try it with. Like most cheeses, you want to wrap it up in plastic wrap and store it in one of the cold drawers of your refrigerator. If I purchase a larger piece of Pecorino, I cut off a piece big enough to use throughout the week and use my vacuum sealer to store the rest.
How do you thaw out pecorino cheese?
The best way to thaw out Pecorino cheese is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. This prevents the cheese from harbouring harmful bacteria that can ruin your Pecorino cheese.
Can cheese be frozen the longest?
“This method virtually eliminates the contact with the surrounding air and allows cheese to be frozen the longest,” he says. If that’s not an option for you, try parchment paper followed by aluminum foil. “Tightly wrap the cheese in parchment paper and then in aluminum foil.