Which cheeses can be frozen?
Emily Sparks
Published Apr 09, 2026
Which cheeses can be frozen?
Best cheeses to freeze Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, and blue cheese can be frozen, but their texture will often become crumbly and mealy. They will also be harder to slice. Mozzarella and pizza cheese are generally suitable for freezing as well, particularly shredded pizza cheese.
Can you freeze any cheese?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze cheese. Not all cheeses do, however, especially soft cheeses such as cream cheese and cottage cheese, which can become watery and grainy in texture. Freezing can also affect the texture of some hard cheeses, making it more crumbly and harder to use.
Can cheese be frozen and thawed?
Answer: You can freeze cheese successfully if you’re planning to use it for cooking purposes. Frozen cheese will remain safe to consume, but it will typically change texture and often become crumbly once thawed, says the National Dairy Council. For best results, keep cheese frozen for no more than 6 months.
How do you unfreeze cheese?
Slow defrosting helps retain the cheese’s texture so it doesn’t become too crumbly. Leave the package tightly wrapped in plastic or in the plastic bag it was frozen in to retain moisture as the cheese thaws. Place it in the refrigerator. Thaw overnight or for 24 hours, or until the cheese is completely defrosted.
Is it safe to freeze cheese for later use?
The quality of the cheese can change after being frozen and thawed, with some types changing more dramatically than others. But cheese is still perfectly safe to freeze for later use, so long as you’re okay with a change in texture. Freezing cheese is an effective way to extend its shelf-life, thereby saving you money and reducing food waste.
Is it possible to Freeze frozen String Cheese?
Can You Freeze String Cheese? Yes, string cheese can be frozen thanks to its low water content. Since it contains less water, string cheese could retain its original texture after it’s been thawed and frozen.
How long does it take to thaw frozen cheese?
Frozen cheese should be used within six to nine months of freezing. You should not refreeze cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed. How to Freeze Cheese 3 Ways Learn step-by-step how to freeze cheese, whether it’s whole, shredded, or sliced.
What foods can you freeze in the freezer?
Professional chefs are the ones who started storing milk in the freezer and freezing cheese in the first place. In Italy, where the tradition of freezing cheese has its roots, the majority of dishes contain cheese. From pizza to pasta to ravioli, cheese is an irreplaceable ingredient.
Can you freeze Edam cheese?
You can freeze Edam cheese, in pieces of 500 g or less, for up to two months! Just carefully wrap cheese in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. Before using, it is important to allow cheese to thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
How long can shredded cheese be frozen?
Shred the cheese, place it in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag, and freeze it for up to three months. (Or just put the store-bought bag of shredded cheese directly into the freezer.)
Can You defrost cheese?
Leave the package tightly wrapped in plastic or in the plastic bag it was frozen in to retain moisture as the cheese thaws. Place it in the refrigerator. Thaw overnight or for 24 hours, or until the cheese is completely defrosted. Solid blocks of cheese take longer to defrost than shredded cheeses.
Is it okay to freeze cheese?
Freezing Cheese. The effect of freezing cheese is that it may alter its texture and cause the cheese to become crumbly once it has been thawed, however, freezing cheese is perfectly safe and will extend its shelf life.