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Depending on whether cream cheese is open or closed, there are two ways to freeze it.
Cream cheese may not be the first product you think of freezing, but yes, it is possible and safe to freeze cream cheese for later use. Unopened cream cheese has a longer shelf life, whereas opened cream cheese has a short shelf life.
If it is left in the refrigerator for too long, the flavor changes. You may increase the shelf life of cream cheese by freezing it for up to two months.
Cream cheese is often easy to spread or use as a dip and has a creamy texture. If you freeze it, it will become tough and crumbly. However, it does not affect the overall flavor, so you may still use it to cook many dishes.
Cream cheese could be preserved in the freezer for an extended period. However, if you want to enjoy its freshness, use it within two months.
How to freeze cream cheese
Depending on whether cream cheese is open or closed, there are two ways to freeze it.
- To freeze unopened cream cheese
- It is recommended to keep the original container directly in the freezer. The foil cover and cardboard box provide enough protection from freezer burn.
- If you believe that the packaging is inadequate, cover the packaged cream cheese in a layer of plastic wrap before keeping it in your freezer.
- Although unopened cream cheese could be stored in optimal freezing conditions for a long time, it is best to use it within two months.
- To freeze opened cream cheese
- The best way is to put it in an airtight container before freezing. The airtight container will prevent cream cheese from exposure to moisture while in the freezer.
- The frozen cream cheese should be used within two months, so you must label the date of storage on the container. You must check the original package date so that the cream cheese does not expire anytime within these two months.
What is cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a fresh, soft, mild-flavored cheese with a slight tang. It is usually spread on bagels for breakfast. It is made with a combination of cow's milk and cream, resulting in a greater fat content of at least 33 percent and high in calories.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the standard cream cheese must contain at least 33 percent fat and no more than 55 percent moisture, whereas low-fat and nonfat variants have different proportions.
Cream cheese is a commonly accessible, low-cost cheese that is popular for its neutral flavor and rich, smooth, creamy texture.
What should you consider before freezing cream cheese?
Though cream cheese could be safely frozen for up to two months, freezing drastically affects its texture. Because cream cheese contains a lot of water, it is very sensitive to the thawing and freezing processes.
When ice crystals form and melt, part of the water in it separates from the cheese curds, making the typically smooth and creamy texture more gritty and crumbly. Because of this, it is best to use frozen cream cheese for recipes where texture is less crucial.
Instead of spreading it on bagels or making a cheesecake, use frozen cream cheese in casseroles, hot dips, and baked items, such as banana bread and biscuits.
How to defrost a frozen cream cheese
Defrosting cream cheese is just as simple as freezing it, although it must be done carefully for best results. The best method is to transfer the cream cheese container or bag from the freezer to the refrigerator. It may take up to 24 hours to thaw with this approach, so take it out at least a night before you intend to use it.
Defrosted cream cheese may look like it has separated, so you must properly whisk it until it is ready to use. You can thaw the cream cheese at room temperature if you need it to defrost quickly. Wrap the jar of cream cheese in a clean cloth and place it on the side of your countertop to thaw for a couple of hours.
The defrosting processes for cream cheese frosting and cheesecake are similar. Simply move the cheesecake or cream cheese icing from the freezer to the refrigerator. This is the only appropriate way to defrost cream cheese frosting with cheesecake.
You may unwrap the cheesecake from its foil wrapping and let it on the counter to thaw for a few hours. However, individual frozen slices of cheesecake can be microwaved for 30 seconds to be consumed readily.