Can You Freeze Blue Cheese?

Blue cheese splits opinions like no other due to its pungent fragrance and sharp, salty taste. However, if you want strong flavours and blue cheese, you’ve come to the correct spot.

You’ve probably bought too much blue cheese for a recipe or a party and wondered, “Can you freeze blue cheese?”

If blue cheese is stored in an airtight container, it can be frozen for up to six months. It will be slightly more crumbly and brittle after thawing than it is while it’s fresh. Continue reading to learn more. Let’s learn more about this pungent treat and discover the ideal approach to keep blue cheese.

How Blue Cheese Differs from Other Cheeses

The mould that grows on blue cheese makes it unique from other varieties. In contrast to most cheeses, blue cheese goes through a “needling” process while it ages. To facilitate the growth of mould, the cheese is pierced with thin rods.

The mould spores enter these channels and begin to grow as the cheese aged. The characteristic blue or green veins that are associated with blue cheese are produced as the mould progressively infiltrates the cheese. The distinct look, coupled with its zesty taste and crumbly consistency, distinguishes blue cheese from other varieties of cheese.

Remember that not all blue cheeses are created equal. A vast variety of flavours and textures are produced as a result of regional and producer variances. While some blue cheeses are sharper and more pungent, others are creamier and gentler. Discovering the world of blue cheese is akin to setting out on a gourmet journey, since every type provides a distinct experience.

The next time you enjoy a piece of blue cheese, stop to consider how it is made and the elaborate procedures that go into giving it its unique characteristics.

How to Freeze Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese that has been infused with mould cultures to give it bluish veins or lines. Its flavour is acidic and slightly salty, and it may be utilised in a variety of recipes. Such as melting it on sandwiches or baking it in casseroles.

Freezing as a Block or Cubes

If you happen to have a big block of blue cheese, you can either freeze it whole or slice it or cube it according on your intended purpose.

Use plastic wrap to add an additional layer of protection to your blue cheese. Put the cheese that has been wrapped into an airtight container or a freezer bag.
Cover your container with a lid or seal your freezer bag. Before completely sealing a freezer bag, be sure all air is out of it.
Put the date on your bag or container using a marker or pen. Put the cheese in its packaging in the freezer.

Freezing as Crumbles

Blue cheese is also available in crumbles, which can be frozen just as easily. You’ll need to flash reason first in order to assist prevent the crumbles from adhering together.

It can be accomplished by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing it. The cheese will not freeze completely for a few hours.

After the blue cheese has frozen, take the cookie sheet out of the freezer and transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Zip your bag shut or replace the lid on your container. Make sure there isn’t any leftover air in the freezer bag before zipping it up.
Make sure that the date is written on your freezer bag or container. Place your freezer bag or container into your freezer.

Relevant Post: Can You Freeze Mascarpone Cheese?

How to Know When Blue Cheese Has Gone Off

Mould is typically a reliable sign, am I right? With this stale tiny morsel, no! However, remain calm.

It can be determined in other ways when its time has come. In addition to its best before date, the fragrance of blue cheese can also indicate spoilage.

It smells strong already, but when it goes bad, the scent will turn ammonia-like. You should be able to distinguish between the two if you enjoy blue cheese and its unique scent.

Another thing to remember is to look for the creamy portion. Your blue cheese is still fine if it is still white or slightly off white in colour. It has seen better days as soon as it begins to turn brown or green.

How to Thaw Blue Cheese?

There are a few actions you must do in order to defrost frozen blue cheese.

First, take it out of the freezer and refrigerate the blue cheese for a few hours or overnight.
After the blue cheese has fully thawed, remove its packaging and leave it at room temperature for approximately half an hour to allow its flavour and texture to fully emerge.
When needed, crumble into recipes or serve with bread or crackers.
Any thawed blue cheese should be consumed within two days after being refrigerated.
Thawed blue cheese should not be refrozen.

How To Fix Common Issues

When we freeze cheese, we encounter many issues for which we usually don’t know the solution. I want to share with you what problems we might face.

What to Do If Your Frozen Blue Cheese Becomes Crustily

Rehydration

When I used to grate cheese in May, I often faced the issue of it crumbling. If this happens to you, don’t stress; just rehydrate the cheese.

First, wrap the cheese in a damp paper towel, place it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a few hours. The moisture from the towel will restore the cheese’s original texture.

Use in Cooking

Blue cheese is still very blue and crumbly and can still be used in cooking. Use it in sauces, dressings, or baked dishes, which will work with other ingredients to hide the texture problem.

Pair with Moist Ingredients

If you’re using crumbly blue cheese in salad or toppings, use its moist ingredients, such as pear or fig, and its moist dressing to add texture and amp up flavour.

Avoid Long Freezing Times

Keeping blue cheese stored in the freezer for too long will prevent it from crumbling in the future. Try to use it within three months for best results.

How to Fix Flavor Issues After Thawing

Let It Rest

When blue cheese thaws, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes or until it softens before consuming it. It’s all a resting period, which is important because it allows the cheese to mature and improve its flavour. Blue cheese gets muted when it’s cold, so let it warm up to enjoy its rich and spicy notes.

Pair with Favourable Flavors

Go for complementary solid flavours when pairing to lift the taste of thawed blue cheese. Here are a few suggestions:

Balsamic Vinegar: Acidity perfectly offsets the sharpness of the cheese.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans give cheese the crunch & add a strong flavour.

Mix into Recipes

If thawed blue cheese has a mild flavour, you can increase it in recipes. Here are some ideas:

Pasta Dishes: Add a rich flavour boost to creamy bacon-and-blue cheese pasta.
Risottos: Use it in risottos when you want it to be extra depth and creaminess.
Dips: Make it creamy in dips for an awesome appetizer.

Check for Spoilage

When using thawed blue cheese, it is very important to check it for signs of spoilage. If the cheese has spoiled during freezing or thawing, it will have a bad smell reminiscent of ammonia, taste bad, and be unpleasant.

In such cases, it’s best to dispose of the cheese to prevent food safety concerns. It would be best to always trust your senses for a safe and pleasant tasting experience.

Related FAQs

Is it possible to freeze blue cheese crumbles?

And yes, it is possible to freeze, using the same technique, blue cheese wedges.

Can I eat frozen blue cheese after such a long time?

It may be safe, but the flavour and texture will likely deteriorate with time.

What is the best way to thaw frozen blue cheese?

Place in cold water or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Is it possible to refreeze blue cheese once it has thawed out?

Thawed blue cheese should not be refrozen, as it can additionally deteriorate its quality.

How can you utilize thawed blue cheese?

Thawed blue cheese is better than fresh in salads in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups & casseroles.

Where should I put opened blue cheese in the fridge?

Place it into an airtight container, wrap it tightly in wax or foil, and place it in the refrigerator

Conclusion

Blue cheese may vary slightly in texture and flavour when frozen, so keep that in mind when freezing it. Freezing might help keep your blue cheese fresher for longer if you’re cool with these few adjustments and take the proper precautions.

To achieve the best results, just be sure to follow the instructions and properly defrost it. You can prolong the enjoyment of your blue cheese without significantly sacrificing its flavour and quality by handling and storing it with caution.