Can You Freeze Velveeta Cheese?
Velveeta is a processed cheese that is formed after pasteurization. It is most commonly made from milk, whey, and whey concentrate. Did you know that Velveeta derived its name from its smooth velvety texture?
Velveeta tastes its best when melted. It is used to make cheese sauce, dips, and as a spread over sandwiches, and other such foods. But Velveeta has an expiry date when stored typically. So, you must be wondering if you can keep it for longer. Can you freeze Velveeta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Velveeta cheese to preserve it for later use. However, some food experts suggest that you should not freeze Velveeta for longer. This is because Velveeta is one of those cheeses that do not freeze well.
Freezing Velveeta means it will not come out the same as fresh after defrosting, there will be slight variations in the texture, but the flavor will not change. If you freeze it for longer, it will also change the taste and cause the Velveeta to turn grainy due to crystallization. Also, the longer you freeze, the more fat and water content will tend to separate. Read on to know more.
How To Freeze Velveeta Cheese?
Velveeta cheese is generally sold in blocks. You must move the product to a freezer-safe container before freezing Velveeta, whether they are open or not. This will preserve Velveeta. Despite the freezing effects, Velveeta can be frozen. Check out the steps below.
- Remove the original packaging of the cheese. You can either freeze Velveeta whole or cut them into smaller cubes.
- Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or baking paper. Make sure you do not wrap it too tight, otherwise you might break the Velveeta.
- If you are using baking paper, re-wrap the cheese block with plastic wrap. You can also double-wrap the cheese with plastic wrap for better preservation.
- Transfer the wrapped Velveeta blocks into freezer-safe airtight bags. Make sure to remove all the excess air to prevent freezer burns.
- Label and date the packages and stack in the freezer for freezing Velveeta cheese. You can place the freezer bags either in the center or at the end of the freezer to protect them from freezer burns.
Does Velveeta Cheese Freeze Well?
Velveeta is not one of those cheeses that freeze well. This is because freezing affects the texture of the Velveeta. It tends to turn grainy and gritty after being frozen. But this will not be a problem if you wish to melt the Velveeta or use it in recipes.
However, you can still freeze Velveeta cheese. It all depends on how you intend to use the cheese after defrosting. Avoid serving the cheese raw if you think the grittiness will be an issue. Instead, use it in recipes or melt and use.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Frozen Velveeta?
Freezing Velveeta increases its shelf life by up to 3 months. However, to reduce the texture or flavor changes, use the cheese as soon as possible. Also, keeping the cheese for more than 3 months will expose it to freezer burns, thus making it unfit for eating.
You can also keep Velveeta in the refrigerator for a long time for about 8 weeks. This is because they have a high preservative content which allows them to keep them safe in the refrigerator as well.
Can You Refreeze Velveeta Cheese?
Velveeta already changes in texture and taste when it is frozen. Therefore, refreezing is not recommended. While you can technically refreeze Velveeta cheese, the texture will become increasingly less consistent as it undergoes defrosting in the process.
To avoid refreezing, you can try freezing Velveeta cheese in portions. This way you will only need to defrost the required amount of cheese without hampering the whole batch. You can also keep defrosted Velveeta cheese in the refrigerator for a few days.
How Can You Defrost Velveeta Cheese?
Defrosting Velveeta cheese is a simple task. Follow the three-step approach mentioned here to defrost your Velveeta effectively.
- Take out the cheese from the freezer, remove the airtight bag, and place it in the refrigerator. Do not remove the plastic wraps.
- Let the cheese defrost in the refrigerator overnight or until it turns soft. This allows the ice crystals to defrost appropriately.
- Once the cheese turns soft, take it out at normal room temperature and remove the plastic wrappings. Your defrosted Velveeta cheese is ready to use.
However, this method of defrosting cheese takes some time. And if you run short of time, you can defrost the cheese in a microwave. Just remove the plastic wrappings, cut them into cubes, and place them in a microwave-safe container to defrost.
Also, you can directly use the Velveeta from the freezer if you intend to cook it with other recipes. All you have to do is defrost and melt at the same time, and your cheese is ready to be added to other recipes.
How Can You Reheat Freezing Velveeta Cheese?
If you are using the gradual defrosting process in the refrigerator, reheat the cheese only after it has completely reached room temperature. You might notice a change in the consistency of the cheese, but that will not affect the reheating process.
Heat a saucepan and add the cheese cubes. Stir the cheese often and let it melt slowly over low flame. Keep stirring the mixture until the cheese melts completely. You can either keep it melted or bring it back to solid form for use in your favorite recipes.
Summing it up, you can freeze Velveeta cheese for up to 3 months. And without having to be concerned about flavor changes, you may use the frozen Velveeta to make cheese casseroles, traditional mac and cheese, and dips.