Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?

Most people believe that cheese cannot be frozen for a long time. Permesam cheese is the most used cheese of all in Italy. Most people want to store it so that it can be used for long-term use later. 

Looking for an answer on whether you can freeze Parmesan cheese? Well, if you are a cooking lover, then this is good news for you. You can easily store Parmesan cheese. But remember, not every cheese can be frozen. 

Freezing Parmesan cheese properly can increase its shelf life. But don’t worry, in this blog post, I am going to discuss how to freeze parmesan cheese properly, as well as the benefits of freezing parmesan cheese.                                                          

What Are The Benefits Of Freezing Parmesan Cheese

By storing it you can use it for the long term. You can keep the cheese fresh for 12 months. Especially when you freeze the cheese in an airtight container then, the chances of it getting spoiled are very less.

If you buy Parmesan cheese once, you can use it in many dishes, but if you do not freeze it, then you can use it only 1 or 2 times, and the rest of the cheese gets wasted. Another advantage of freezing is that you can use it in many dishes.

Freezing might slightly affect the flavour. But when you use it in dishes then hardly someone will feel the difference.

How To Freeze Parmesan Cheese?

There is a proper procedure to freeze Parmesan cheese. If you follow it, your cheese will never go wrong. The process of freezing grated cheese and block cheese is different. Let’s see both step by step.

The grated Parmesan Cheese Freezing method

Spread grated parmesan cheese evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Keep the tray in the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese freezes. After this, take the tray out of the freezer and place the frozen cheese in freezer bags. 

Remember that whichever container you use should be airtight. Mention the date on the first bag you keep in the freezer. This way, you can store the cheese for up to 12 months.

Block Cheese Freezing Method

The method of freezing block parmesan cheese is a little different. First, cut the block and make small, thin slices. Be careful that no slice is heavier than ½ pound. Carefully coat each piece with wax paper or parchment, and then wrap it in plastic. Make sure there are no gaps.

If you want to be more secure I would recommend you to use aluminium foil. And then mention the date on it as well. With this simple process, you can store it for 18 months.

What Is The Thawing Process For Parmesan Cheese?

The thawing process of Parmesan Cheese is straightforward. Before you use it, keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

Never thaw Parmesan cheese at room temperature. Don’t try to thaw frozen cheese by pouring hot water over it. This can destroy the texture and flavour of your cheese.

If you want to use frozen cheese quickly, you can add it directly to your cooking.

Can I Refreeze Parmesan Cheese After Thawing?

It is possible to refreeze after thawing. Well, I would not recommend you to re-freeze the cheese again after thawing because this will spoil the texture and flavour of your cheese. Its direct effect will be on the dishes. 

Instead, I will recommend you thaw only the amount which you want to use in your cooking. Don’t thaw whole frozen cheese.

How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last in Refrigerator?

Unlike soft cheese, parmesan cheese does not contain much moisture and, therefore, will not spoil as quickly as soft cheese. 

When the cheese is packed and sealed in its original packaging, the Parmesan cheese can last between seven to nine months if stored in a refrigerator environment. Once the packaging is opened and the block is broken, Parmesan cheese can last between one to two months of storage in a refrigerator environment.

Grated Parmesan cheese, when stored in an airtight container, will be good for one week when refrigerated. Parmesan is considered as spoiled when it turns yellow and when it is showing signs of mould formation.

Which containers Work Best For Freezing Parmesan Cheese?

To freeze cheese properly, you must choose the proper containers.  Here are a few options I would recommend.

Plastic Wraps

Use high-quality plastic wraps like Glad Cling Wrap. High-quality plastic wraps prevent air from entering the cheese. This way, there will be no chance of freezer burning. And your cheese will be safe for the long term.

Freezer Bags

If your cheese is covered in plastic wrap, use heavy-duty freezer bags. These will provide an extra layer protector. But remove extra air from the freezer bags before sealing them.

Aluminium Foil

If you want to choose a more secure container, I would recommend aluminium foil. First, store the cheese in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminium foil. This double-layer protector will keep your cheese fresh for the long term.

Vacuum Sealers

A vacuum sealer is one of the best options. I would recommend you to use vacuum sealers if available. It will remove the air completely.

Read also: Can You Freeze Rice Pudding?

Conclusion

You can freeze Parmesan cheese but must follow the same process I mentioned above. Soft cheeses, which contain lots of water, should not be frozen, whereas hard cheeses such as Parmesan are ideal for freezing due to the fact that they contain very little water. 

If kept under the right conditions of freezing, Parmesan can last for about 6 months to one year. That way, freezing may alter the texture and quality so that it feels more dry and different actually after freezing.

When freezing Parmesan, you should wrap it in plastic or aluminium foil. It prevents the development of freezer burn and loss of moisture. Grated Parmesan is also easy to freeze because you can just get a portion of it at the time you are using the cheese. 

Frozen is convenient for use in cooking, but the best taste and texture are found in fresh Parmesan.