Can You Freeze Feta Cheese? A Guide to Longlasting Flavor and Texture
– Feta cheese can be frozen, but it may change in taste and texture
– Younger feta cheese is soft and creamy, while more mature feta cheese is dry and crumbly
– Feta cheese can be stored in the fridge for 4-7 days if removed from the brine
– Freezing feta cheese can make it less salty and more crumbly
– It is recommended to use frozen feta cheese in cooked dishes or make adjustments to the recipe to balance the flavor
– Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
– It is best to use frozen feta cheese within a month, but it can be kept frozen for up to two months
– Thawed feta cheese should be used within 72 hours to prevent it from becoming too sour
– Refreezing feta cheese can promote bacteria growth and may cause food poisoning
– To thaw feta cheese, it is best to place it in the fridge for 3-12 hours or overnight, or thaw it in cold water within a couple of hours
– Thawed feta cheese should be stored back in the fridge
– Some ideas for using thawed feta cheese include cooking it into pasta bake, melting it into a casserole, topping a pizza or risotto, using it to thicken a sauce, or adding it to salads
– To freeze feta cheese, cut it into smaller portions if purchased in a block, and pat dry if it is brined
– Double wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, removing excess air
– Label the bag with the date of freezing and store it in the freezer
– Airtight containers and freezer bags should be used to prevent freezer burn
– Thawed feta cheese can be placed in brine for a couple of hours if it has lost some saltiness
– Feta cheese can be frozen in whole blocks or crumbled
– It is best to slice the block into recipe-sized portions and wrap each portion individually
– Removing air from the packaging helps retain the quality of the cheese
– Thawed cheese is best used crumbled or in cooked dishes and should not be refrozen
– Drained fresh feta should be wrapped in lightweight paper, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the refrigerator
– Feta blocks purchased in airtight packaging can last for months in the refrigerator if unopened
– Marinating feta in olive oil eliminates the need for refrigeration.