Can you freeze crumbled feta cheese? Now, that is a common question if you simply love your cheese. But, yes, storage can be a problem.
Imagine this:
You quickly whip up a Greek salad and sprinkle it with some feta you crumbled from a block. A week later, when you return to utilize your feta, you find it has become dry and acidic.
That’s a disappointment.
And that makes people wonder, “Can you freeze feta cheese crumbles?” Yes, it is possible to freeze feta cheese and make it usable for as long as 3 months, when stored following the right guidelines.
The Idea of Storing Feta to Use Later
Have some feta you will not be utilizing within the next week? Or a crumbled feta cheese jar that may have been collecting dust in the back of the fridge for months?
Like so many people, maybe you do not buy feta very frequently.
And Greek cheese might be pricey, especially if you shop for it in Mediterranean markets.
Therefore, you have to learn how to make the most of your feta cheese. And that is when freezing feta cheese comes into the picture.
Can You Freeze Crumbled Feta Cheese or Not?
If you just cannot avoid having some leftover feta crumbles, you may already be looking for a way to ensure it does not get dry.
Freezing feta may be your only option if you do not plan on using it soon in a recipe.
You can definitely go on and freeze crumbled feta cheese, but keep in mind that freezing fresh cheese is probably the best option.
This way, you can make it stay fresh for a long time.
Tip: Frozen feta, once thawed, loses some of its flavor and texture, while fresh feta retains more of both, which is why the best option is to use fresh feta.
The Idea of Freezing Feta Cheese
Before going any further, keep in mind that you do not always need to freeze feta, especially when you can use it in the next few days.
For instance, if it is likely you won’t need the feta immediately, you can simply submerge it in the brine. It will stay fresh for a few weeks in that way.
Similarly, you may not have to freeze it at all if you know you will be using the leftovers within a couple of days.
But if you are eyeing that long-term storage, you will have to consider freezing it.
How Does Feta Cheese Respond to Freezing?
While certain cheeses, like cream cheese, become unusable once frozen, feta retains most of its flavor and texture when frozen.
The truth is that flavor and texture are the two aspects of food most affected by freezing.
When thawed, feta often loses some of its saltiness and becomes crumblier.
But, it is also a fact that fewer salt crystals in the feta cheese may appeal to some diners, and that is why freezing makes a lot of sense here.
Overall, you should be alright using frozen feta so long as the texture difference does not significantly alter your recipe.
That is why it is suitable for use in any type of cooked dish, but not necessarily any type of salad.
Tip: Before you impress your guests with frozen cheese, ensure your go-to salad recipe works with thawed feta.
Dealing with the Effects of Freezing Crumbled Feta Cheese
Feta loses some of its trademark richness and salinity after being frozen and thawed. It also starts to dry out a little.
Is that something to worry about?
Not really! The reason is that the changes are not as dramatic as those in cottage cheese, but they are there if you look for them.
But, still, this means that feta can be stored and then used in salads and other dishes after being thawed.
You can use it straight from the freezer, but if you want to be sure that no one will notice the difference, use it while cooking something.
These alterations are rendered undetectable in recipes where cheese has been melted.
Will You Miss Its Saltiness?
Probably not! But if you do, you can still find a way around that.
Submerging feta in a saline solution for 30 minutes can restore its saltiness.
Put the cheese in a solution that contains one teaspoon of salt for every cup of water and it will work like a charm.
How Do You Freeze Crumbled Feta Cheese?
The good thing is that you can freeze feta cheese no matter if you have a whole block or need to manage with crumbles.
Let’s find out how to freeze crumbled feta and what to do when you have blocks of feta cheese.
Freezing Crumbled Feta Cheese
Feta cheese crumbles, whether purchased pre-crumbled or crumbled from a feta block, can be frozen.
The most efficient method is to freeze the crumbles on a cookie sheet first, then transfer them to a container and leave them in the freezer.
Here is what to do:
Begin with a Pre-Freeze
- Spread out the crumbles in a single layer on a cookie sheet fitted with aluminum foil.
- Be sure to leave some room between crumbles to prevent them from freezing together.
- Consider separating them into many groups, enough for individual dishes.
- Now, leave them in the freezer until the cheese turns solid.
Transfer to a Freezer Bag
- Take the cheese out of the freezer and transfer it into a freezer bag.
- It is okay to use a freezer container if you have one available.
- Separate all the smaller blocks using a spatula and then transfer to the bag.
- Do not forget to label the best-by date on the container.
- And finally leave it in the freezer.
And there you have it! Your crumbled feta cheese is stored for later use, and is usually good for up to 3 months.
Freezing Feta Blocks
Okay, so it is possible to freeze feta blocks in different ways. A good idea is to turn a large block into smaller portions.
Once done, you can freeze it as crumbled feta.
Here is how to proceed:
Begin by Straining the Brine
- Open the block and drain the brine if necessary.
- Drying the block with a paper towel is recommended, but it is not necessary.
Turn into Smaller Portions
- Start by slicing the feta into bite-sized pieces.
- You can easily grab and thaw a serving if needed because each piece works for a single dish.
Pre-Freeze the Portions
- Move the pieces to a cookie sheet protected by a silicone mat to avoid sticking.
- Keep them from coming into contact with each other so they do not freeze together.
- Freeze the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, or until the feta is solid.
Transfer Pieces into a Container
- Don’t ignore pre-freezing because it turns individual slices into solid pieces.
- Take those pieces and fit them neatly into one freezer-safe container.
- If you would like, you can label the container.
- Store in the freezer.
Tip: If you are going to use a freezer bag to store feta, be sure to remove as much air as possible before closing it.
How Long Can You Freeze Crumbled Feta Cheese?
As mentioned already, it is possible to store feta in the freezer for up to 3 months, but it may change depending on various factors.
Even after being frozen for three months, feta cheese will still taste fine. But, ultimately, frozen feta cheese loses flavor and texture.
However, these changes are subtle and only become apparent when comparing feta frozen for a month with feta frozen for three months or more.
An Important Consideration
Do not think that since feta has been frozen for longer than three months that it has gone rotten or anything.
But, it is only natural to assume a slight decline in quality based on the time you have stored it in the freezer.
Tip: Be sure to thaw frozen feta in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours to ensure it is ready to use.
Read Next: Finding the Best Replacement for Velveeta Cheese
Takeaway
Can you freeze crumbled feta cheese? Well, you certainly can. But, you need to follow the best storage guidelines and ensure that you use the correct container to store feta in the freezer.
Moreover, you should remember that feta can last up to three months in the freezer, but the quality will be better if you consume it early.
So, yes, you can freeze feta, but consider using it as soon as you can.