Mozzarella cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from pizza and lasagna to salads and sandwiches. However, it can be difficult to use up a large quantity of mozzarella cheese before it spoils.
If you have leftover mozzarella cheese or you want to buy in bulk to save money, you may be wondering if you can freeze it. In this post, we’ll explore the topic of freezing mozzarella cheese and provide you with everything you need to know to freeze and use mozzarella cheese effectively.
What is Mozzarella Cheese?
Before we delve into the details of freezing mozzarella cheese, let’s take a closer look at this popular cheese. Mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft, white cheese that originated in Italy. It’s made from the milk of cows or water buffalo and is known for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture.
There are different types of mozzarella cheese, including fresh mozzarella cheese and low-moisture mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella cheese is made from whole milk and has a high moisture content, which gives it a soft, creamy texture. It’s often sold in a ball or log shape and is used in dishes like caprese salad and Margherita pizza.
Low-moisture mozzarella cheese, on the other hand, has a lower moisture content and a firmer texture. It’s made from partially skimmed milk and is often sold pre-shredded or in blocks. This type of mozzarella cheese is commonly used in dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, and pizza.
So, can you freeze mozzarella cheese? The short answer is yes, you can freeze mozzarella cheese. However, the different types of mozzarella cheese freeze differently, and there are some important factors to consider when freezing and thawing mozzarella cheese.
Freezing Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Let’s start with fresh mozzarella cheese. Freezing fresh mozzarella cheese can be a bit tricky because of its high moisture content. When you freeze fresh mozzarella cheese, ice crystals can form in the cheese, which can damage its texture and flavor.
However, if you have a large quantity of fresh mozzarella cheese that you want to freeze, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Here’s how to freeze fresh mozzarella cheese:
- Slice the cheese: Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into individual portions or smaller pieces. This will help the cheese freeze more quickly and evenly.
- Wrap the cheese: Wrap each piece of cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Put the cheese in a freezer bag: Place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. Label the bag with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer.
- Freeze the cheese: Place the bag of cheese in the freezer and freeze it for up to 2 months.
While freezing fresh mozzarella cheese is possible, it’s important to note that the texture of the cheese may change once it’s thawed. The cheese may become softer and more crumbly, and it may lose some of its flavor. Because of this, it’s best to use frozen fresh mozzarella cheese in dishes where the texture isn’t as important, such as casseroles or baked dishes.
Freezing Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you have shredded mozzarella cheese that you want to freeze, the good news is that it freezes much better than fresh mozzarella cheese. Shredded mozzarella cheese has a lower moisture content than fresh mozzarella cheese, which makes it less susceptible to freezer burn and ice crystals.
Here are the steps to freeze shredded mozzarella cheese:
- Portion the cheese: Divide the shredded mozzarella cheese into smaller portions or freezer-safe containers. This will make it easier to thaw and use the cheese later.
- Wrap the cheese: Wrap each portion of cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Again, make sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Put the cheese in a freezer bag: Place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. Label the bag with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer.
- Freeze the cheese: Place the bag of cheese in the freezer and freeze it for up to 6 months.
Shredded mozzarella cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza, lasagna, and baked ziti. Because the cheese has already been shredded, it’s easy to portion out and use in your favorite recipes.
Thawing Frozen Mozzarella Cheese
When it comes to thawing frozen mozzarella cheese, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to thaw the cheese slowly in the refrigerator to prevent it from developing ice crystals or becoming too soft.
Here’s how to thaw frozen mozzarella cheese:
- Move the cheese to the refrigerator: Take the bag of frozen cheese out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator.
- Wait for the cheese to thaw: Depending on the amount of cheese and the temperature of your refrigerator, it may take several hours or overnight for the cheese to thaw completely.
- Check the cheese: Once the cheese has thawed, check it for any signs of freezer burn or spoilage. If the cheese looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it.
- Use the cheese: Once the cheese has thawed, it can be used in your favorite recipes.
Using Frozen Mozzarella Cheese
Now that you know how to freeze and thaw mozzarella cheese, you may be wondering how to use it in your favorite dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Pizza: Frozen shredded mozzarella cheese can be used directly on pizza, no need to thaw it first. Just sprinkle the frozen cheese on top of your favorite pizza toppings and bake as usual.
- Baked dishes: Frozen mozzarella cheese can be used in baked dishes like lasagna or baked ziti. Layer the frozen cheese directly in the dish and bake as usual.
- Casseroles: Frozen fresh mozzarella cheese can be used in casseroles, where the texture isn’t as important. Just cube the cheese and add it to the casserole before baking.
It’s important to note that once mozzarella cheese has been frozen and thawed, it may not have the same texture or flavor as fresh cheese. However, it’s still perfectly safe to eat and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Conclusion
In summary, freezing mozzarella cheese is a simple and effective way to save money and reduce food waste.
Whether you’re using shredded mozzarella cheese for pizza or fresh mozzarella cheese for caprese salad, knowing how to freeze and thaw it properly can help you make the most of your cheese and ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have delicious mozzarella cheese on hand whenever you need it, without having to worry about it going bad.