Can You Freeze Blue Cheese?
Blue cheese is rich in calcium and has a semi-soft texture. Blue cheese also contains other vital nutrients. Blue cheese is prepared using the cultivation of the edible mold Penicillium, which gives it a strong, salty flavor. This also gives it a blue and green shade.
Blue cheese is undoubtedly an acquired taste. However, due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium, blue cheese should only be consumed in moderation. If you go grocery shopping or buy cheese often, you must know how pricey this blue cheese can be.
Because you cannot have blue cheese all at once, you must be thinking about if you can store them for later use. Yes, you can store them for later use, but keeping them refrigerated will spoil the blue cheese. So, what can you do? Can you freeze blue cheese?
Yes, you can freeze blue cheese. It is one of those cheeses that freeze well. Although, blue cheese tends to lose its flavor sooner when frozen. Therefore, it is advised to use it within two months of freezing. It will retain more of its natural flavor and texture the shorter it stays in the freezer.
How Can You Freeze Blue Cheese?
Freezing blue cheese is quite simple. Never put substandard cheese in the freezer. Make sure it is still within the best-before date. You can freeze the blue cheese in smaller pieces, or how you intend to use the blue cheese after defrosting.
Check out the steps for freezing blue cheese below.
- Slice or cube the cheese: Cutting slices or cubes of the blue cheese before freezing means you can defrost portions of the cheese whenever you need it later. You can even grate your cheese if you intend to use it as grated blue cheese. You can otherwise leave it whole.
- Wrap individual cheese pieces: Adequate wrapping of the blue cheese with plastic wrap will help prevent freezer burn and stop the blue cheese from absorbing other freezer flavors. You can separate the slices and smaller cubes with parchment paper as well.
- Transfer into airtight containers: Carefully place the wrapped blue cheese in freezer-safe airtight containers or bags. Make sure to remove all the air from the inside, and seal the bag properly. Your blue cheese is ready to freeze.
How Long Does Blue Cheese Last In The Freezer?
Frozen blue cheese might tend to lose its texture and flavor if it remains frozen for too long. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consume blue cheese within two months of freezing for the best results.
However, if you intend to use blue cheese in some recipes, you can keep it for longer. Use a vacuum sealer to keep the freshness and texture intact. This will keep your blue cheese in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Is It Safe To Freeze Blue Cheese?
Yes, it is safe to freeze blue cheese, given that you follow the proper freezing techniques. Freezing preserves the flavor and texture for longer, and it still tastes delicious. Frozen blue cheese can be used to top salads and other foods. You can also put it over toast or crackers.
How Can You Thaw Blue Cheese?
Defrosting blue cheese is as easy as freezing. Doing this step-by-step is important so that you do not end up spoiling the blue cheese. Look at the steps here.
- Place the package in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, after removing them from the freezer.
- After they defrost, unwrap the blue cheese packages and keep them for 30 minutes at room temperature. This will develop the flavor.
- Your frozen blue cheese is ready to use. Crumble into recipes as needed or serve with bread or crackers as per your tastes.
Eat the defrosted blue cheese within 2 days for best outcomes. Do not try to refreeze, as it will harm the flavor and texture.
Also, if you are running out of time, you can quickly defrost blue cheese in cold water. However, defrosting this way will only be suitable if you wish to blend and cook the blue cheese in recipes such as baking or grilling.
How Can You Use Thawed Blue Cheese?
Blue cheese can be paired with so many things. It can also be included in cooking and baking recipes. Adding blue cheese not only enhances the taste but also gives a delicious creamy texture to your dishes.
Here are a few popular blue cheese recipes that you can have a look at.
- Sauces and toppings: Blue cheese pairs great with other sauces and toppings. Several recipes taste better with blue cheese.
- Grilled sandwiches: Melted blue cheese on the inside of a grilled sandwich is so delectable. Grilling blue cheese is a taste enhancer.
- Soups: Many vegetable soups benefit from the smoothness that blue cheese may add. Therefore, try adding blue cheese to your vegetable soups.
- Casseroles: Blue cheese works well as the final garnish for a casserole as well as cubes or shredded cheese.
There are plenty of other recipes where you can add blue cheese. You can very well freeze blue cheese to preserve it for later use. Avoid refreezing blue cheese as it will only change the texture, and flavor, and might sometimes make the blue cheese smell.