What Is Shredded Cheese?
‘Shredded cheese’, I am sure whenever you hear this term, you must be thinking of garnishing pasta or sprinkling some extra cheese on your spaghetti, right? Well, that’s the thing with shredded cheese, be it mozzarella or cheddar.
Have you also wondered if shredded cheese and grated cheese are the same or not? Well, that is the very first question that pops up when you and I see grated cheese in any recipe, isn’t it? Well, to answer that, shredded cheese and grated cheese are the same.
The only difference would be that shredded cheese is store-bought, while grated cheese is done at home. In other words, if you want fresh shredded cheese, you can grate it at home using cheese blocks.
Can You Freeze Shredded Cheese?
Shredded cheese can be easier to use as compared to cheese slices or cheese blocks. It not only saves time and effort in cooking but also they do not clump easily. Buying shredded cheese also saves you time in grating cheese at home.
Additionally, you might find shredded cheese from various cheese varieties combined. But as you are aware, cheeses have a short shelf life. What can you do to prolong the life of your cheese? Can you freeze shredded cheese?
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese effectively in the freezer. However, there are some safety considerations that you must observe before freezing the cheese. Most significantly, the method you choose to freeze the cheese is critical if you want to keep its flavor. Read on to know more!
Is It OK To Freeze Shredded Cheese?
Yes, it is completely OK to freeze shredded cheese. But you have to be aware that whatever the cheese type you are freezing, it will possibly show minimal texture and flavor alterations in the freezing period.
While minimum texture and flavor alterations can be neglected because they do not compensate for the quality of the cheese, it is still advised to use frozen cheese as soon as possible for the best results. Also, make sure you do not keep the shredded cheese for very long in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Shredded Cheese In A Bag?
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese in a bag. In fact, it is the best way for freezing shredded cheese to retain its flavor and freshness for longer. You can freeze both pre-shredded and home-grated cheese equally well.
If you pre-intend to freeze your shredded cheese, you can directly store its original packaging in the freezer. If not, make sure you use high-quality resealable airtight bags to freeze your shredded cheese.
You can also use airtight containers to freeze shredded cheese. Whatever method you are using, whether it is a bag or an airtight container, make sure you seal it tightly before freezing the cheese.
Tips To Store Cheese!
Now that you know how to freeze shredded cheese effectively in the freezer, I have some essential tips for you that you must know before freezing cheese at home.
Check out the following tips to freeze your shredded cheese:
- Remove as much air as possible from your shredded cheese bags before freezing them. Even a little air exposure will degrade the quality and might encourage bacterial growth.
- Do not leave the cheese at normal room temperature for very long. Room temperature is like a threat to the cheese quality.
- Also, keep the cheese away from direct heat and light to retain its quality. If you are not freezing shredded cheese, at least refrigerate.
- Place the cheese packaging away from the edges of the freezer to protect it from freezer burns.
- Make sure you keep your shredded cheese away from strong odors such as raw fish and meat, otherwise, it will attain its odor.
How Long Can You Freeze Bagged Shredded Cheese?
Freezing increases the shelf life of bagged shredded cheese by up to 2-3 months. Harder cheese might last a little longer in the freezer than other shredded cheeses. However, if you notice the formation of ice crystals in your cheese, use it immediately.
Also, avoid refreezing shredded cheese, because then it will only degrade in its quality. It will further lose its texture and flavor, thus not suitable for further use. You would not want your cheese to ruin, would you?
Does The Cheese Flavor Change After Freezing?
The cheese flavor does not necessarily change upon freezing, while you might notice texture changes- it might be crumbly or dry. However, if you keep the shredded cheese for very long in the freezer, you might also notice flavor changes.
The flavor changes are minimal and will not affect your recipes if you are using frozen shredded cheese. To retain the best flavor, you need to follow proper instructions to freeze shredded cheese.
The minimal flavor alterations should not stop you from freezing shredded cheese. You can still prepare your favorite mac and cheese or top it in your casserole dishes. The frozen cheese will melt delightfully in your recipes and give the best taste.
