If you frequently use mascarpone cheese, you might discover that you have too much of it. The majority of it is getting close to expiration. You might want to think about freezing whatever product you have left if you know you won’t use it.
Can you freeze mascarpone cheese? This is a constant question I receive.
Yes, you may store mascarpone cheese in the freezer for a period of three to five months. Just properly wrap it, put it in an airtight container, give it a label, and freeze it. When it thaws, whip it back together since it will separate and get gritty.
Continue reading to learn the best methods for freezing and defrosting mascarpone.
Contents
What is Mascarpone Cream?
A common component in many recipes is mascarpone, a kind of Italian cream cheese. It spreads like butter and has an amazingly smooth texture.
It is sweeter and creamier than other plain soft cheeses. Mascarpone has a higher fat content than standard American cream cheese, which adds to its velvety, rich smoothness. Mascarpone cheese tastes less acidic than some other soft cheeses, such as cream cheese and goat cheese.
It’s a versatile ingredient that goes nicely in both savory and sweet dishes. Its fat content is approximately 70%. This cheese’s unique characteristic, its high fat content, gives it a buttery feel. And makes it a great option for both savory and sweet recipes.
How to Freeze Mascarpone Cheese
I’m sure you’ve all wondered if you could freeze mascarpone cheese to prolong its shelf life. One great technique to keep mascarpone cheese fresher longer is to freeze it.
Even while mascarpone’s creamy texture may significantly alter after freezing, it can still be utilized in a variety of recipes. It is utilized in many different recipes, such as pasta and tiramisu. It adds a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
The method for freezing mascarpone cheese remains the same whether it is prepared from scratch or purchased from a store. Actually, freezing cottage cheese, nacho cheese, and Greek yogurt all work similarly in this technique.
To freeze it correctly, follow these steps:
Step one
Check to see if your cheese has separated in the refrigerator before freezing it. Stir it thoroughly to make sure that there is no separation and it is well blended.
Step two
Once the cheese has thawed, decide on the portion sizes you’ll need and divide it into the applicable amounts.
Step three
Place it in a freezer bag or an airtight container. Before placing it in the container or bag, you can cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap.
Step Four
Seal your bag by zipping it shut, or cover your container with a lid. Make sure you’ve squeezed out any extra air in the freezer bag before sealing it if you’re using one.
Step five
Mark the date on the label of your bag or container now.
Step six
Put the bag or container inside your freezer.
How to Keep Mascarpone Cheese for Longer?
Use a food saver if you want to ensure that your mascarpone cheese will keep its flavor and last longer in the freezer. The mascarpone cheese’s shelf life is increased by these gadgets because they eliminate all of the air from the containers and properly seal the packaging.
Can You Refreeze Mascarpone Cheese?
Because mascarpone contains a lot of fat, freezing it increases the likelihood of separation. It could be challenging to preserve its natural creamy flavor and texture after freezing it just once.
I do not recommend refreezing mascarpone because of its susceptibility to freezing. Mascarpone cheese’s texture can be corrected once by combining it with the right mixture.
Its consistency and texture will probably be ruined if you try to fix it again. Food should not be refrozen again because this increases the chance of bacterial growth.
I advise freezing the dish after dividing it into smaller servings. This will make defrosting simpler and lessen the need for repeat freezes.
How to Defrost it
Mascarpone cheese can be defrosted in two processes. The first is as easy as taking it out of the freezer and putting it in your refrigerator to stay there overnight.
After it has thawed, you will observe that it may be partially divided and that its texture is a little strange. You only need to whisk it together for a short while to return it to a more typical texture.
It could be alluring to use a microwave, leave it on the counter, or run it under warm water to hasten the defrosting process. Steer clear of all of these actions if possible. Not only may a sharp temperature shift affect the safety of the cheese, but it can also affect its quality and texture.
It can be somewhat messy to remove from a freezer bag if it was frozen in one. Press the cheese into one of the bag’s lower corners for an easy way to do it. After that, cut off the end by holding the bag over a basin or other container. Next, force it through the opening.
See also: Can You Freeze Cooked Sausage?
How to Thaw Mascarpone Cheese?
It is essential to let frozen mascarpone cheese thaw in the refrigerator before using it. At least eight to twelve hours before you intend to use the cheese, take it out of the freezer. Dairy products should never be thawed at room temperature.
Spoon the cheese into a sizable bowl after it has fully thawed. It’s likely that the cheese has separated and will feel a little gritty. Beat the cheese with a whisk or hand beaters until it comes back together and takes on its original texture.
The cheese is now prepared for usage in your preferred recipes. One of my favorite ways to make pumpkin cake is with mascarpone cheese and sugared pecans.
Conclusion
Mascarpone cheese can be successfully frozen if you use an airtight container. To assist the package maintain its optimum quality, make sure to keep as much air out of it as you can. Air will cause freezer burn and a quicker decline in quality.
It is very important to freeze it as soon as possible so that the taste, texture, and quality are still excellent when thawed.