Can you freeze feta cheese? Will the flavor be the same after freezing? Does it freeze well? These are some of the questions I will provide answers to in this article.
Nonetheless, you may set your mind at ease by knowing that you can freeze your feta cheese whenever you choose.
However, you must understand how to freeze cheese and the right packing procedure to guarantee that it does not shatter or become too soft after thawing.
What is feta cheese?
Feta is a salted dairy cheese prepared from sheep milk. Feta is a Greek word that means “sliced cheese”. The cheese is packed and supplied in blocks.
The crumbly, brightly colored cheese can also be made from a combination of sheep and goat milk.
Feta’s origins date as far back as the 8th century B.C. in Greece. In Europe, feta is often made entirely from sheep’s milk, or a combination of sheep’s, goats, and occasionally cow’s milk.
Can you freeze feta cheese?
You certainly can. Nevertheless, you must learn how to freeze your cheese properly, so that it does not break itself from mold shape.
Also, improper freezing can trigger spoilage and waste.
Can you freeze feta cheese crumbles?
You sure can. Feta cheese crumbles can also be frozen. These cheese crumbles can last for at least three months under proper storage.
However, you must be sure the cheese is fresh before you package and freeze it in an airtight container.
Can you freeze feta cheese dip?
You can freeze feta cheese dip. All you have to do is put it in a sealed container with a cover. Ensure you cover it tightly before you freeze.
Can you freeze cooked feta cheese?
Absolutely. You can freeze any meal made with feta cheese.
The steps for freezing recipes with feta cheese are the same as freezing fresh feta cheese. Wrap it in many sheets of plastic paper and place it in a sealable plastic bag.
How to freeze feta cheese
Here’s how to freeze the different forms of feta cheese:
Crumbled feta cheese
- Put the crumbled cheese in a single layer on a baking sheet fitted with a rubber mat or tin foil
- Leave some room between crumbles so they don’t freeze into a clump. You can also split them into two baking sheets
- Place the cheese in the freezer until it is completely frozen
- Fill a Ziploc bag or airtight container halfway with crumbles. When doing so, use a spatula to separate any clumps
- You can label the bags with dates to keep track of when you started freezing the cheese
- Afterward, place the freezer bag or container in the freezer.
Block feta cheese
- Remove the brine from the pot and strain out the liquid. If it’s an unopened block, remove the brine by opening it
- Afterward, try kneading the block with just a paper towel to absorb some of the moisture. Do not remove all the moisture
- Cut the cheese into smaller blocks. Each part should be sufficient for a dish so you don’t have to thaw the entire block and refreeze it again
- Transfer the small blocks of cheese to a cookie sheet fitted with a rubber mat (or something that will keep the cheese from adhering to the pan)
- Leave enough space between them so they don’t touch each other
- Put the pan of cheese in the freezer until it freezes into a firm solid block
- Pre-freezing helps to ensure that the blocks of cheese do not freeze together. But, if you choose to freeze the whole block, you can skip this step
- Afterward, transfer the cheese into a big Ziploc bag or an airtight container and freeze for as long as you want
How long can you freeze feta cheese?
Feta cheese can stay frozen for six months if properly stored. But it must remain permanently frozen at 0°F.
Pros and cons of freezing feta cheese
Although freezing is the greatest approach to extending the shelf life of food, not all foods can keep their texture after freezing.
Pros
- It freezes well and can stay fresh for a long period.
- Freezing extends the shelf life of feta cheese.
- Frozen feta cheese is easy to use.
- Freezing feta cheese is the best way to store the cheese and enjoy a long supply.
Cons
- When feta is frozen and thawed, it becomes crumbly and loses some of its richness and salinity.
- It also gets a little bit drier.
- After thawing, feta becomes overly soft sometimes.
FAQs
Is feta cheese healthy?
Feta cheese is high in essential vitamins and minerals.
Feta has a higher calcium content than many other types of cheese. Calcium aids in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. However, its high salt content may worsen some medical disorders.
How do you store vegan feta cheese?
Vegan feta cheese will last 5 to 7 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. The harder, baked variety may be cut into cubes and stored for up to seven days. But it must be doused with essential oils and herbs.
How can you tell if feta cheese has gone bad?
You can tell feta cheese has gone off by its color and smell. The cheese has gone bad if it has mold growth, a sour smell, discolorations, or a slimy or grainy texture.
Conclusion
Delicious feta cheese is becoming increasingly popular among Americans, and it is often regarded as one of the greatest cheeses.
As a result, it’s a good idea to freeze your feta cheese while it’s not in use to preserve it.
To ensure that you can eat your feta cheese whenever you want, use the strategies outlined in this article to keep it frozen.
Thank you for reading.
Don’t stop here, learn about the shelf life and storage of parmesan cheese.
