Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
Can you freeze cottage cheese? It’s a favorite high protein snack and cooking ingredient in dips, and it's also commonly used as an accompaniment to eggs, fruits and vegetables. However, it has quite a short shelf life after it’s been opened. That leads many people to wonder whether or not freezing cottage cheese is a viable option when you can't use up all that you've got within the use-by date.
Freezing normally affects food’s taste and texture, especially after long periods. So, can cottage cheese be frozen? This guide will help explain what freezing cottage cheese will do and how to freeze it for best results.
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- Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
- How to Freeze Cottage Cheese
- How Long Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese For?
- How To Thaw and Use Cottage Cheese
Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
Once cottage cheese has been opened, it can last for 5 to 7 days when refrigerated. If it is unopened, it can last 7 to ten days if refrigerated. So, can you freeze cottage cheese to extend its shelf life? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always recommended.
Cottage cheese does not freeze particularly well. Freezing cottage cheese can change the texture and taste of the food. It is safe to freeze cottage cheese, but some of the liquid is lost, giving it a chunkier consistency. It may also not be as flavorful after being frozen. Keep this in mind if you plan to use it for some recipes.
How To Freeze Cottage Cheese
Can cottage cheese be frozen? Yes, but you should know how to do it properly. You don’t want to freeze an entire container of cottage cheese at once because that will make a hassle of thawing it. Instead, portion out cottage cheese into servings, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Then, place the container or bag in the freezer. You can even label how much cottage cheese is in each portion to make it easier for future thawing.
How Long Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese For?
Exactly how long can you freeze cottage cheese? While it’s generally not recommended by the manufacturers, when placed in the freezer, cottage cheese can last between three to six months when unopened and two to three months when opened.
How To Thaw and Use Cottage Cheese
There is a change in texture and taste when cottage cheese is frozen and thawed. To thaw cottage cheese, remove a portion and place it in a refrigerator overnight until soft again. Or, you can submerge the cottage cheese in cold water until thawed. If doing this option, be sure to change the water every 30 minutes or the temperature will fluctuate too much.
Once the cottage cheese is fully thawed, there may be excess liquid. Drain the liquid before using the cottage cheese in recipes. Freezing and thawing cottage cheese changes the consistency, so it’s best used as a cooked ingredient. Consider using it in cheesecakes, pasta dishes, soups and sauces as opposed to in its raw form. Check out cooking classes near you for ideas on how to use cottage cheese with delicious results.
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Cottage cheese is loved for its versatility in cooking, the creamy texture it adds to recipes and the rich taste it infuses into food. Unfortunately, cottage cheese doesn’t have a long shelf life when unopened or opened in the fridge. To extend its life, many people turn to freezing the cheese. You can freeze cottage cheese to extend its shelf life by a couple of months. However, it does change the taste and flavor, so you should be cautious about the recipes you use it in.
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