Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze parmesan cheese, and if done right, you can freeze them for up to a year or more. The key is to portion the cheese beforehand or grate and flash freeze it so that you are not stuck with a big block of frozen cheese that you can’t use up in one go.
Here is the ultimate guide on how you can freeze and store parmesan cheese.
I have found these methods to work like a charm. So, here is how you go about it.
How to Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
If you are sure you will use up a whole block of parmesan cheese once it thaws and don’t mind slight changes in texture, you can go ahead use this method.
Materials
- Parmesan Cheese
Tools
- Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container or Ziploc Bag
Instructions
- Portion: Consider dividing the block of parmesan cheese into portions you can easily consume in one go or for one recipe.
- Pack and Seal: Transfer the portioned cheese into a freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag and seal them in. You could double bag it for extra protection if you like.
- Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag or container with the best before date, and you are all set to freeze the parmesan cheese.
Freezing Grated Parmesan Cheese
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Parmesan Cheese
- Grater
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Ziploc Bag or Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container
Grating and freezing parmesan cheese is the most recommended method because it allows the least amount of change in texture.
Grate the Cheese
Finely grate or shred the parmesan cheese. You could also pre-grated parmesan cheese for this method.
If you are using the latter, you can skip the flash freezing step and directly pack them.
Spread Out
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out the grated parmesan cheese. Make sure that they are not clumped together and are evenly spaced out.
Flash Freeze
Leave the tray of grated parmesan cheese in the freezer for a couple of hours to let it freeze solid.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the frozen parmesan cheese into a freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag and seal them in. Make sure to remove any excess air before sealing.
Label and Freeze
Add a label on the bag or container with the best before date, and you can freeze the grated parmesan cheese for the long term.
How to Freeze Parmesan Cheese Rinds?
Time Taken: 5 minutes
What you will need:
- Parmesan Cheese Rind
- Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container or Ziploc Bag
You could also freeze the parmesan cheese rinds to add some extra flavor to your soups and stews.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the rind of parmesan cheese into a Ziploc bag or a freezer-safe air-tight container and seal them in.
If you are using a Ziploc bag, make sure to squeeze out all the excess air before sealing.
Label and Seal
Add a label with the date, and you are ready to freeze the parmesan cheese rind.
How Long Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
You can freeze parmesan cheese for 12 to 18 months. But if you have shredded or grated the cheese, it would be best to use it up within 3 to 6 months to make the most of its flavor.
While the parmesan cheese can last well for the long term in the fridge, the freezer is the best option for long-term storage, and you don’t plan to use it any time soon.
How to Store Frozen Parmesan Cheese?
You can store frozen parmesan cheese in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. The key is to make sure that the cheese is not exposed to freezer burns.
Double bagging the cheese is recommended. This also helps to keep the unwanted odor from being absorbed by the cheese.
The choice between container and Ziploc bag comes down to how much space you have in the freezer. If you are short on freezer space, the Ziploc bags are the best option.
You can compactly freeze blocks or grated portions of parmesan cheese with the Ziploc bag.
How to Defrost Parmesan Cheese?
If you are looking to thaw a block of parmesan cheese, the best way to do it is to leave the portion you need in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight and let it thaw gradually.
In the case of shredded or grated parmesan cheese, you can use it directly out of the freezer. Thawing the parmesan cheese can make it crumbly due to a change in texture.
Can You Refreeze Parmesan Cheese?
No, it is best recommended not to refreeze parmesan cheese. Once it thaws the cheese changes in texture and can get crumbly. Repeated freezing and thawing will only worsen this condition.
If you wish to avoid having to refreeze the parmesan cheese once it thaws, you can portion it into small and easy-to-manage blocks beforehand.
If you are freezing grated parmesan cheese, you can flash freeze them or toss them in some flour, to keep them separated and easy to grab just a handful.
Does Parmesan Cheese Freeze Well?
Yes, parmesan cheese freezes well, but it will have changes in texture and flavor. Since the parmesan cheese fares quite well in the fridge, freezing it should be a last resort to extending its shelf life.
Frozen parmesan cheese is best used in recipes where it gets cooked. It is best advised not to grate it over dishes or salads as a topping. This way, you will not notice any change in taste.
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze Kraft grated parmesan cheese or any other store brand of grated parmesan cheese.
More often than not they come with starch coating, so you won’t have to flash freeze or portion them to avoid having blocks of frozen cheese. You can stick them right into the freezer and use them as and when needed.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you freeze and store parmesan cheese for the long term.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing hacks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with all your cheese-loving family and friends.