How to freeze cheese
A guide to freezing and thawing cheese.
While many cheeses lose their texture from having been frozen, the cooking properties and flavors largely remain no different, even after several months in the freezer.
If you are planning to use your cheese for cooking purposes, Cheddar, Havarti and Gouda are great at handling storage at freezing temperatures. Cheese with a lot of moisture, such as Mozzarella, lose a great deal of consistency however, and are best served cooked, while soft cheeses, i.e. Brie and Double Crème, should not be frozen at all.
When preparing your cheese for the freezer, cut it into hand-sized portions, wrap the pieces in aluminium foil and then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to use your cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator and use it within the next three days.
Here is a quick guide to which cheeses are suitable for freezing.
Can you freeze…
Parmesan cheese?
Yes - up to sixth months
Cheddar cheese?
Yes – up to six months
Stilton cheese?
Do not freeze
Brie cheese?
Do not freeze
Double Crème cheese?
Do not freeze
Cream cheese?
Do not freeze
Feta cheese?
Yes – 3-4 months
Mozzarella cheese?
Yes – 3-4 months
Cheese, high fat (>25%)?
Yes – 3-4 months
Cheese, low fat (<25%)?
Do not freeze
Cheese, grated?
Yes – 3-4 months
