Whether melted on a casserole or pizza, garnished on a salad or as an accompaniment to wine - for us, cheese is one of the most beautiful inventions that makes life particularly delicious and pleasant. It should be clear to every cheese lover that cheese is best enjoyed fresh and stored in the refrigerator. But we all know it - there's too much left over from the cheese platter from the last brunch or we brought a delicious piece of cheese with us from the last vacation and don't know what to do with it. Of course, we don't want to throw away such a valuable food and then we ask ourselves the question “Can you freeze cheese”? Is this even possible and what types of cheese can we store in the freezer? We have done some research for you and will tell you what you should pay attention to when freezing cheese and how you can best do it.
Can you freeze cheese? The answer to this question is not as simple as yes or no. Yes, technically you could do that. But the question is – do you really want that? The texture and flavors play a crucial role in the ultimate cheese enjoyment. Bubbly mozzarella makes oursZucchini Pizzairresistibly delicious and freshly grated Parmesan is the icing on the cake of every good pasta dish. Although most types of cheese can be frozen without any problems, this has a negative effect on the structure and quality of the cheese. The reason for this is that small ice crystals form in it and as you know, water expands when it freezes and then contracts when it thaws.
Cheese ripens from the time it is made to the time it is eaten, and when the temperature drops below 2 degrees, the lactic acid bacteria it contains die. This interrupts the ripening process and the cheese quickly loses its structure and aroma when frozen. As a result, it becomes crumbly and no longer tastes as good, but rather floury. Okay, which cheese can you freeze? In general, the following rule applies - the higher the water content, the less suitable the cheese is for the freezer.
The best varieties for freezing
Like most foods, cheese can be frozen and then usually enjoyed without any problems. Depending on their water and fat content, some types of cheese are better suited to freezing than others. And here’s the good news for all cheese lovers – yes, you can also freeze Gouda cheese. You can also store other types of hard cheese, such as Edam, Emmental and mountain cheese, in the freezer for a few months. However, even after defrosting, they no longer taste as aromatic and should rather be used for gratinating or with pasta. Technically, Parmesan and Romano cheese can also be frozen, but since they can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 months, this isn't absolutely necessary.
Worst varieties for the freezer
Types of cheese with a higher water content generally have no place in the freezer. As already mentioned, small crystals form when frozen and the cheese becomes mushy and inedible once thawed. So the answer to the question of whether you can freeze Brie or Camembert cheese is unfortunately no. You should also only consume other types of soft cheese, such as cream cheese, feta or ricotta, fresh. Can you freeze Gorgonzola cheese? The answer to that is probably yes - you can usually do it, but the low temperature damages the molds, which are essential for the ripening process. We would therefore advise you against it.
Freezing cheese: How to do it right
Now that you know which cheese you could freeze and which you shouldn't, you're wondering how to do it correctly. This step and the right preparation are also crucial for later enjoyment. Like most foods, you should not refreeze cheese after it has been thawed. It would also be helpful if you initially freeze it in portions of 200 to 500 grams or in sizes that you will use immediately.
This is how you can freeze cheese in one piece
It's actually best to freeze types of cheese in one piece. It's best to wrap them in parchment paper, followed by aluminum foil. To prevent air from entering, always store the cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How to freeze grated cheese?
Grated cheese can also be frozen using the above principle. Simply pour into freezer bags, squeeze out the air and label the bags. To avoid freezer burn, you should use the grated cheese within 4 months.
Freeze sliced cheese properly
Although semi-hard cheeses such as Edam or Gouda no longer taste as delicious when thawed, the types of cheese can still be frozen well. To prevent the slices from sticking together after defrosting, always separate them with either sandwich paper or baking paper.
Can you freeze fondue?
Whether with baguette or even fruit – fondue is always a real treat! And when we've used so many types of cheese, we obviously don't want to throw away the leftovers! Luckily we don't have to do that because you can easily freeze fondue cheese. How to do it right:
- Remove the cheese from the pot and let it harden.
- Then cut into thin slices and seal individually in freezer bags.
- To defrost the frozen fondue cheese, first hold the bag under hot water for a few minutes and then heat it directly in the fondue pot.
How long to freeze?
Unfortunately, we cannot freeze food forever. This applies especially to cheese - the longer it stays in the freezer, the more it loses its aroma and taste. Here too, the shelf life depends on the type of cheese in question. While soft cheeses should be consumed within 3 months, blue cheese, Gouda, Cheddar and Parmesan last between 6 and 9 months. Packs that you only discover when cleaning up after a year should always be thrown away.
This is how you defrost cheese
After freezing the cheese, you may be wondering how to defrost it optimally. As with most foods, it is best defrosted in the refrigerator. The following applies: the slower it thaws, the lower the loss of fluid. And if you need something quicker, let it thaw at room temperature. However, never use the microwave! Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as pizza, sandwiches or pasta sauces. However, it would be unsuitable for a nice cheese platter.
