Can you freeze cheese? CHeddar? Mozza?

[kurtblak]

I have some 2lb blocks of cheddar and mozza - can I safely freeze it? Do I need to seal it specially somehow?

thanks

[UrbanPoet]

its ok. but one thing that makes cheese taste good is the level of moisture. freezing might possibly screw up the moisture levels.

[Firebot]

It will lose its consistency afterwards. I wouldn't recommend it.

[almostfreeman]

yes you can ... it does change consistency tho. Maybe would work ok if you are going to cook the cheese in a dish but probably not that good on a cracker. I wouldn't try it with expensive cheese.

[Caatnap]

I have some 2lb blocks of cheddar and mozza - can I safely freeze it? Do I need to seal it specially somehow?

thanks

A local cheese company tells me that it is OK to freeze cheese providing it is carefully wrapped. The secret, it seems, is NOT to defrost it at room temperature but rather to defrost slowly in the refrigerator.

[Grassgreen]

Not sure about big blocks of cheese, but a few weeks back, Superstore had the bags of shredded cheddar and mozza on sales for $3.49 (regularly 5.99) and I bought a bunch and kept them in the freezer.

I have not noticed any difference in the shredded variety.

[mapleflag]

I've frozen some cheese but discarded them, even without tasting because they didn't look right ;(

I've been told the ones that come shrink-wrapped by the manufacturer can be frozen without any side effects; so maybe it is how well you can wrap them that makes the difference.

[CSK'sMom]

I freeze cheese all the time, both shredded and block. As almostfreeman said, it's fine for cooking with but some may notice a difference in consistency for eating on it's own.

[NorthYorker]

As been said, it is possible but "look and feel" can be on a weird side after thawing. Taste isn't affected that much. Generally, I would freeze cheese intended for use in cooked meals, not on crackers/sandwiches. But do you know that cheese can be stored for weeks and even months in a freezer wrapped in waxed paper (to let it "breath"). It does get somewhat dry, but not that much.

[urban1]

I froze a block of Kraft cheddar once. As everyone mentioned, the consistency changed and right away I decided I wouldnt eat it as is. I cant remember what dish I decided to use it in but it didnt work out well; the cheese didnt act as it normally does under heat; cant remember the specifics but it seemed to separate or something similar.

I wouldnt recommened freezing cheese. You wouldnt want to ruin good cheese and cheap cheese can always be found on sale.

[kuqdew]

It tastes like rubber once you freeze it

[gordholio]

I don't freeze cheese. I only buy Old Cheddar cheese (since the mild and medium have next to no flavour), but if you freeze it, it will go even drier and more crumbly.

[Keelie]

if i have too much and need to freeze cheese, i prefer to shred it first and then use it for cooking. this way you can also take out only the portion that you need.