Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese? (A Quick & Easy Guide)
The simple answer is, yes, you can freeze parmesan cheese! You can store your parmesan cheese in the freezer for up to a year.
Fresh Parmesan cheese is a delicious cheese that will improve your dishes. It is used worldwide and can enhance the taste of your food with minimal effort. You might not always have it on hand. Unless you have a secret stash in your freezer.
Keep reading as I have some helpful tips if you do not know how to properly freeze parmesan cheese.
What Happens If You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
Freezing parmesan cheese itself is easy. But does the quality of the cheese remain intact? And are there specific steps that you should follow while freezing parmesan?
Parmesan cheese stored in the fridge has a relatively short shelf life, and you might find that your cheese is growing mold by the time you use it. To avoid wasting your money and your cheese, you should consider freezing your parmesan.
Cheese, in general, is not normally a food that is kept frozen, but it can be stored safely in the freezer if the proper care is taken.
But is it possible to freeze parmesan cheese without losing flavor over time?
The flavor and texture of frozen parmesan cheese will change over time. Parmesan cheese lasts up to a year in the freezer but should be consumed within 3 months to get the best quality out of the cheese.
After 3 months, the parmesan’s texture will begin to change, and the sharpness and rich flavor will start to mellow.
Let’s now talk about the steps to take to freeze parmesan cheese for optimum flavor and taste.
Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese And Retain The Flavor?
First, you don’t want your parmesan cheese to turn into a block of ice. To combat this, you must seal in the freshness and keep out moisture before freezing. Freezing parmesan cheese is easily done with a freezer-safe bag. Using a freezer bag will save space in your freezer and will lock in the freshness and flavor of the cheese.
A properly sealed bag will lock out all the odors in your freezer while locking in the delicate aroma of your parmesan. Any airtight container will preserve your cheese and stop oxygen from damaging it.
When freezing parmesan cheese in a freezer bag, use a heavy-duty freezer bag as it is thicker and more durable.
Push out as much air as you can before sealing it. You won’t have to worry about your parmesan going bad if you keep the bag sealed until it is time to use it. Avoid opening and closing the bag to keep the freshness locked in.
Can You Freeze Store-Bought Grated Parmesan Cheese?
Shredded or grated store-bought parmesan cheese can be frozen as well.
Shredded parmesan cheese retains its flavor better than a whole cheese block due to the more uniform way shredded cheese freezes.
(Note: Here we’re talking about freshly grated parmesan, not the powdered parmesan in the plastic container.)
Grated parmesan is also a great option for use in sauces and dips. You can throw the frozen shredded cheese straight into the pan and melt it much quicker than a whole block. You can freeze grated parmesan cheese, break it apart after defrosting as it tends to freeze together, and then add it straight to your dish.
How to Freeze Grated or Shredded Parmesan
It is easy to freeze shredded parmesan cheese. Here’s how:
- Take an airtight container that will hold all of your grated cheese. An airtight container is a must; otherwise, condensation will occur, causing the cheese to mold and go bad.
- Shred or grate your parmesan by hand or with a food processor or stand-mixer attachment. Cover the cheese in plastic wrap. This measure will keep other freezer smells out and maintain the flavor of your parmesan.
- Place the grated parmesan in the airtight container and ensure it is completely sealed. Place it inside your freezer, and you’re done. Now, you have grated parmesan ready to be used whenever you need it.
How Can You Use Grated Parmesan Cheese
After defrosting, you can use your grated parmesan cheese in various dishes, from pasta sauces to simple cheesy dips; you can even toss it over some tortilla chips for cheesy nachos.
Grated parmesan cheese is easier to use than a frozen block and can often be used without defrosting. Toss a handful on a baking tray and bake until crispy for a satisfying midnight treat. You can use shredded parmesan anywhere you can use other types of grated cheese.
How Do You Defrost Parmesan Cheese?
You can defrost parmesan cheese easily and in a variety of ways.
Take your frozen block of parmesan or the grated cheese from the freezer—whichever you want to defrost—place it in the fridge and let it defrost overnight.
If you need the cheese quickly, you can put it in your microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, but you risk accidentally melting the cheese. I recommend planning ahead and shredding your cheese before freezing and adding it directly to a dish.
You can also place the frozen parmesan in a cool-water bath if needed within the hour. This will take longer than the microwave, but it will protect it against melting. Be sure to keep the cheese wrapped, so water does not come into contact with it.
Can I Freeze Parmesan Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and parmesan cheese are usually considered the same, but they can be very different. Parmesan Reggiano is champagne, while parmesan is sparkling wine. Parmesan Reggiano is made in a region of Italy to a specific recipe. It is the gold standard of parmesan cheese.
It should not be frozen. Parmesan Reggiano has a long shelf life and will last in the fridge. You are missing out if you do not use it before it goes bad. Freezing Reggiano will only affect the flavor, and while it is possible to freeze, it is discouraged. If you need to freeze it, shred it and store it in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese – Final Thoughts
Frozen parmesan cheese is handy. Keeping parmesan in the freezer means not worrying about it going bad and always having the cheese on hand when needed.
Parmesan cheese freezes well, especially when shredded. Be sure to use it within 3 months for best results, but know that you can store your parmesan cheese safely in the freezer for up to a year.