So many people ask me, “Can you freeze Parmesan cheese?” As a food enthusiast, a lot of my friends turn to me for answers regarding food. However, when it comes to cheese storage, I’m a bit less educated.
At first, I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t know the answer. After investing a lot of time and effort in searching for the answer online, I can finally give an accurate answer. If you’re curious to know, keep reading below.
What Is Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano is considered as one of the prime cheeses by cheese experts. Composed of a natural yellow rind, this straw-colored hard cheese boasts a nutty and fruity flavor.
It is produced from unpasteurized cow’s milk. If you want to see how Parmesan cheese is created, watch this video here.
Although Parmesan has new versions from United States, Australia, and Argentina, the authentic Italian variety stays superior in taste. This is because it has a longer maturing time of about two years as compared to newer versions which are matured for only one year only.
Today, a cheese can only be called Parmesan if it is made from cows feeding on fresh grass.
So, Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Parmesan cheese because it has a low moisture composition, making it perfect for freezing. It is also less prone to freezer burn because it doesn’t glob together.
According to Still Tasty, you can freeze grated Parmesan cheese up to three months. Solid blocks of Parmesan can also be stored in the freezer up to six months.
As compared to softer cheeses, Parmesan can endure the freezing process better. The flavor and color should not deteriorate by freezing. However, the texture can become more crumbly when thawed that’s why you should not use it on salads but for cooked dishes only, like sauces and soups.
How To Store Parmesan Cheese
If you bought a pre-grated cheese, you may consider using the original package given that it comes air- tightly sealed. If not, transfer the contents into a resealable plastic freezer bag. Before you seal it, make sure that you remove all air out as possible to protect your cheese from freezer burns.
Using a vacuum seal bag, it would be nice to use a vacuum sealing machine, however, if you don’t have one, you can do it manually. With a straw, you can insert it in a partially sealed bag. Submerge the bag in a pot of water halfway and press the air out through the straw.
Watch how to vacuum seal your freezer bag with a straw in this video here. For a large block of Parmesan, cut it into desired pieces with a good knife, then wrap them in parchment paper or wax paper.
To secure your cheese from freezer burn further, wrap it again with another layer of plastic wrap, foil, airtight glass dish, or freezer bag. Similar to how you vacuum seal a freezer bag, use a straw or a vacuum sealer.
Once packaged properly, label it with the date of storage so you don’t have to guess when the cheese will go bad. You can use a marker or you can keep it neat by using adhesive food storage labels.
Thawing And Enjoying Frozen Parmesan Cheese
The best way to thaw your frozen Parmesan is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure that you leave it wrapped to help trap the moisture and prevent your cheese from over drying. The slower the cheese thaws, the better it can hold its moisture intact.
For frozen grated cheese, you can add directly into the dish or sauce to melt. The cooking method will thaw and melt the cheese effectively. Some recipes that you can do with grated Parmesan cheese are:
- Make a Cheese-and-Spinach-Stuffed Portobellos by mashing Parmesan together with ricotta, spinach, olives, and seasonings. Spread a generous amount of Parmesan filling into grilled mushroom caps, then bake for about 10 minutes.
- Create Chicken & Spinach Soup by adding a paste of Parmesan cheese, oil, and basil into chicken soup.
- Toss the grated Parmesan into the Fettuccine pasta together with basil and mushrooms. This will make a good Fettuccine recipe.
Freeze Your Parmesan Cheese Today!
Can you freeze Parmesan Cheese? Definitely, yes because it has low moisture constitution. You can keep a large block of Parmesan cheese in the freezer up to six months while grated cheese can be frozen up to three months. To freeze, here are the steps that you can follow.
- For grated cheese, store them in a resealable freezer bag. A block of Parmesan should be wrapped first with wax or parchment paper, then store in a freezer bag.
- Let all the air out as possible to prevent freezer burns.
- Label the date of storage and place in the freezer
If you’ve tried freezing some Parmesan cheese already, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Feel free to share this article if you like it.