Can You Freeze Feta Cheese?

The star of Mediterranean salads, this tangy cheese will have dairy lovers everywhere asking, “Can you freeze feta cheese?”. Feta is typically a crumbly white cheese, originating in Greece, that makes a fine addition to a host of dishes. Whether it’s for scattering into lettuce with olives and tomatoes, or baking with honey for a tasty toast spread, many of us want to know how to make feta cheese last longer. 

But there’s no need to panic; we have the answers to whether you can freeze feta cheese, as well as tips and tricks for knowing how to store it so it doesn’t go to waste. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the most out of this delicious, salty ingredient.

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• How Long Does Feta Cheese Last?
• Can Feta Cheese Be Frozen?
• How To Freeze Feta Cheese
• What To Do with Frozen Feta Cheese

How Long Does Feta Cheese Last?

The length of time that feta cheese can last depends on a few factors, including whether you refrigerate it in the brine solution it came in, or choose to store it in the fridge or freezer. Although it is inevitable that feta will gradually lose its freshness, becoming drier over time, you can freeze feta cheese in particular ways to help prolong its flavor.

If you choose to keep feta in the fridge without brine, don’t expect it to last longer than a few days, and at most a week. So can you freeze feta cheese? Even with the brine present, keeping this cheese in the fridge still doesn’t compare to keeping your feta in the freezer.

While feta refrigerated in brine can last three to four weeks in the fridge, if it's kept in the freezer, it can last up to three months. If you find yourself with more feta than you can use, surprising though it may be, you can freeze feta cheese, if stored in the correct way. 

Can Feta Cheese Be Frozen?

So can you freeze feta cheese in different ways to extend its useability? As a general rule, most cheeses can be frozen and when it comes to feta cheese, it’s no different. You can freeze feta cheese relatively easily, but it does come with some downsides.

Although you can freeze feta, you should always account for potential changes in the texture and taste of your white cheese depending on factors such as whether it’s still in brine, whether it’s whole or crumbled and the kind of container you put it in.

The freezing process has been known to alter the taste of feta, specifically its saltiness level. What was once a mildly salty and tangy cheese may become more bland after its stint in the freezer. If the thought of bland feta sends shivers down your spine, you can place the cheese in brine once it has thawed to restore some of its flavor.

You can freeze feta cheese as an excellent solution to begin saving money on groceries because you won’t be wasting your feta and having to replace it every week.

Can You Freeze Crumbled Feta Cheese?

We've answered the question "Can you freeze feta cheese?" but now we need to get more specific: what about the variations it comes in? Can you freeze crumbled feta cheese?

It is possible to freeze feta cheese in a crumbled state. However, as we know by now, freezing will affect its texture. If you freeze crumbled feta, you'll end up with an even more fragmented cheese when you defrost it. However, it’s not all doom and gloom — the finer crumbly texture works perfectly in dishes like a quinoa salad with feta.

Can You Freeze Feta Cheese Blocks?

The next question to answer is can you freeze cheese in block form for a better result? To save on time, you can freeze feta cheese as a whole block; it’s quick and straightforward. However, it’s in your best interest to cut it into sizable portions before freezing.

Portioning this way makes handling, storing and defrosting the cheese easier and more efficient, especially when you're in a rush. Smaller portions are also great for meal prep, allowing you to easily grab just the right amount of cheese without the need to thaw the entire block. 

How To Freeze Feta Cheese

As well as being more convenient and less wasteful, cutting your feta cheese into smaller portions helps maintain the texture and flavor of the feta after freezing. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you cut your feta into chunks, crumble it down or freeze it whole prior to freezing. So, how can you freeze feta cheese? Here are some handy steps to preparing your ingredient ahead of freezing it:

1. You can freeze feta cheese by first patting it dry using a clean paper towel. This step is crucial because water forms crystals when frozen, which can deteriorate the long-term taste and texture of your feta.

2. Next, cut your feta into smaller portions using a knife and cutting board, or use clean fingers to crumble it. If you’re an advocate for freezing feta whole, feel free to skip this step.

3. Choose your storage method: you can freeze feta cheese using cling film, vacuum-sealed bags or resealable freezer bags. Whichever option you choose, try to get as much air out of the bag before sealing it, as the humidity in the air can negatively affect the flavor.

4. Finally, label your storage container with the date, which will make it easy to track how long your feta has been stored. After labeling, simply pop your feta into the freezer in a flat, stable position to prevent any damage or uneven freezing. 

How Long Can You Freeze Feta Cheese?

So can you freeze feta cheese for a long time? Yes, you can freeze feta cheese for about two to three months; this is one of the biggest advantages to using your freezer.

With that being said, you'll want to use the feta within a month to maintain the best possible quality and avoid any pesky flavor and texture changes that can occur when the cheese is stored for too long. So, if you’re someone who has a habit of forgetting food in the back of the frozen tundra of your freezer, try your best not to forget this one.

What To Do with Frozen Feta Cheese

You may be wondering whether you can freeze feta cheese and then cook with it straight out of the freezer. You can, but for best results, defrost it first.

The best way to defrost your frozen feta is to place it in the fridge and leave it overnight in whatever storage container you used. This straightforward method requires little effort, and just a tiny bit of patience. If you portioned your cheese beforehand, it will take less time to defrost compared to a whole block of feta, which will likely need the entire night.

Once your feta is thawed, make sure to use it up within three days; otherwise, you could find the cheese turns sour. Provided you use it before that point, there are plenty of recipes that will put your defrosted feta cheese to good use.

For a quick, protein packed lunch, Greek chicken will be right up your street; it features juicy chicken thighs topped with a zesty relish made with feta and cucumber. If you prefer to eat something meat-free, a cucumber, tomato and feta salad is equally delicious. 

How To Defrost Feta Cheese Quickly

You can freeze feta cheese quickly, but you can thaw it quickly, too. For those moments when you just can't wait and the frozen feta is calling your name, the quickest way to defrost your feta is by using a bowl of cold water. Simply place your cheese into the bowl while it's in a ziplock bag, ensuring it's fully submerged and wait a couple of hours. In no time, your feta will be defrosted and ready to enjoy.

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So, there you have it! By now, you know the answer to “Can you freeze feta cheese?” It's a resounding yes! Freezing feta is definitely something to consider if you want to make it last a little bit longer and avoid the guilt that comes with dreaded food waste. While the texture will likely be affected a little, turning more crumbly when thawed, it’s still a great way to keep your feta fresh for whatever you choose to use it for in the future. 

Next time you find yourself with extra feta and you briefly wonder “Can feta cheese be frozen?”, don’t hesitate to pop it in the freezer. Just remember, although it won’t have the same creamy texture that you’re used to with fresh feta, it’s still just as delicious. With a little planning and these handy tips, you can freeze feta cheese, enjoy it in multiple dishes and avoid contributing to unnecessary food waste.

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