Can you freeze cheese?

Can You Freeze Cheese? (Yes — but it depends on the type)

Yes, you can freeze cheese — but the results depend heavily on what kind of cheese you’re freezing and how you plan to use it afterward.

Side story alert 🚨

One of my first jobs out of high school was working at a cheese factory. My job was literally the 'cheese cutter.' I wore a white lab coat and a little hair net and stood in the freezing-cold processing area where my buddy would roll me wheels of cheese, and I would cut them with a variety of what we called 'harps.' The job was terrible, but the cheese perks were incredible!

I mention this only because it was when I learned that you could indeed freeze cheese. One of the benefits of working there was that we could fill a big cardboard box full of misfit cheeses and pay just pennies on the dollar. It was so much cheese that I inevitably had to freeze a ton of it. There was never a shortage of cheese at my house that summer. But I digress.

Some cheeses freeze surprisingly well, while others change in texture so much that they’re better avoided. Soft cheeses like cream cheese and cottage cheese, which many people ask about, need special attention.

This guide breaks it all down so you know:

• Which cheeses freeze well

• Which cheeses don’t

• How freezing affects texture and flavor

• How to store cheese

• Whether cream cheese and cottage cheese are worth freezing at all

How freezing affects cheese ❄️

Cheese is made up of:

• Water

• Fat

• Protein

When cheese freezes, the water inside forms ice crystals, which can:

• Break down the protein structure

• Make cheese crumbly or grainy

• Cause moisture separation when thawed

The higher the moisture, the worse the texture change tends to be. That’s why hard cheeses freeze better than soft cheeses.

Cheeses that freeze well

These cheeses generally freeze without major quality loss, especially if you plan to cook with them.

Hard & semi-hard cheeses

• Cheddar

• Gouda

• Swiss

• Parmesan

• Gruyère

• Monterey Jack

What to expect after thawing:

• Slightly crumblier texture

• Flavor remains mostly intact

• Excellent for melting, baking, and cooking

👉 Best uses after freezing: casseroles, grilled cheese, sauces, soups.

Cheeses that don’t freeze well

High-moisture cheeses don’t handle freezing nearly as well.

🧀 Soft & fresh cheeses

• Brie

• Camembert

• Ricotta

• Fresh mozzarella

• Burrata

What happens:

• Texture becomes watery or grainy

• Cheese may leak liquid after thawing

• Less pleasant to eat fresh

These cheeses are safe to freeze, but often not enjoyable afterward unless cooked.

Can you freeze cream cheese?

Yes, you can freeze cream cheese, but with important caveats.

What happens when you freeze cream cheese

• Texture becomes grainy and slightly watery

• Fat and water separate

• It loses its smooth, spreadable consistency

After thawing, cream cheese is not ideal for spreading on bagels.

When freezing cream cheese makes sense

Frozen cream cheese works well when used in:

• Cheesecakes

• Frostings

• Dips

• Baked dishes

How to freeze cream cheese properly

1. Freeze it unopened, if possible

2. Or wrap tightly in plastic wrap + freezer bag

3. Freeze for up to 2 months

How to thaw cream cheese

• Thaw slowly in the refrigerator

• Stir well after thawing to improve texture

📝 Verdict:
✔ Safe to freeze
✔ Fine for baking
❌ Not great for spreading

Can you freeze cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is one of the most asked-about cheeses, and the answer surprises people. Yes, you can freeze cottage cheese — but texture suffers

Because cottage cheese has:

• Very high moisture

• Delicate curds

Freezing causes it to become:

• Watery

• Grainy

• Separated

When frozen cottage cheese works

Frozen cottage cheese is best used in:

• Lasagna

• Casseroles

• Baked dishes

• Smoothies

How to freeze cottage cheese

1. Drain excess liquid first

2. Freeze in small portions

3. Use within 2–3 months

How to thaw cottage cheese

• Thaw in the fridge

• Stir thoroughly before using

📝 Verdict:
✔ Safe to freeze
✔ Usable for cooking
❌ Not good for eating plain

Can you freeze shredded cheese?

Yes — shredded cheese freezes extremely well, often better than blocks.

Tips for freezing shredded cheese

• Freeze in portioned freezer bags

• Toss lightly with cornstarch to prevent clumping

• Remove as much air as possible

Shredded cheese can go straight from freezer to pan — no thawing needed.

How long can cheese stay frozen? ⏱️

👉 Cheese remains safe beyond these times, but quality declines.

How to thaw cheese properly 🧊➡️🧀

The best way to thaw cheese:

1. Move it to the refrigerator

2. Let it thaw slowly (12–24 hours)

3. Never thaw at room temperature

Slow thawing helps:

• Reduce moisture loss

• Preserve texture

• Prevent bacterial growth

Can you refreeze cheese?

Refreezing cheese is safe, but not recommended unless:

• It was thawed in the refrigerator

• Texture loss doesn’t matter

Each freeze–thaw cycle degrades quality further.

Final verdict: Should you freeze cheese?

✔ Yes, freeze cheese if:

• It’s hard or semi-hard

• You’ll cook with it

• You want to reduce food waste

❌ Avoid freezing cheese if:

• Texture matters

• It’s meant to be eaten fresh

• It’s very soft or creamy

Cream cheese and cottage cheese can be frozen, but they’re best saved for recipes, not fresh eating.