Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese? To put it simply, it’s perfectly safe to freeze cream cheese for later use. However, the texture will change pretty dramatically, so you’re probably not going to want to spread it on your morning bagel. But you can easily use previously frozen cream cheese for baking, or any other use where…
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
To put it simply, it’s perfectly safe to freeze cream cheese for later use. However, the texture will change pretty dramatically, so you’re probably not going to want to spread it on your morning bagel. But you can easily use previously frozen cream cheese for baking, or any other use where it’s now grainy texture won’t stand out — like in casseroles or pound cake.
How to Freeze Cream Cheese
Freezing Unopened Cream Cheese
Buying cream cheese in bulk is not such a bad idea when you utilize your freezer. Unopened cream cheese can go straight in the freezer in its original packaging. The foil wrapping and cardboard box provides more than enough protection from freezer burn. Frozen cream cheese is best kept in the freezer for up to two months.
Freezing Opened Cream Cheese
If you’ve already dipped into your cream cheese a bit before using it, you’ll need to transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. Label with the storage date and then stick in the freezer for up to two months. This might go without saying, but be sure your cream cheese has not passed its expiration date before freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Cream Cheese
Thaw frozen cream cheese by letting it sit in the fridge for several hours, or overnight. You’ll notice the texture has changed — previously frozen cream cheese will be significantly more grainy and crumbly than refrigerated cream cheese. Why? Cream cheese is made of about half water, which separates from the cheese curds when frozen. Use a spoon or a whisk to reincorporate the ingredients as best you can.
