Sometimes, food piles up in the fridge. A red onion is shoved into the back corner, while pasta sauce is lost among other jars. This may mean you pick up an extra ingredient on your grocery run – one you didn't know you already had.
Whether you have leftovers or a food's expiration date is coming close, you may choose to freeze it. Freezing certain foods – such as meats, fruits or vegetables – can maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.
But what about dairy products? Can cream cheese be frozen? Here is a guide to help you preserve cream cheesesafely.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
Yes, cream cheese can be frozen, according to Healthline. Freezing cream cheese can extend the product's shelf life.
When freezing cream cheese, it depends on its form. Unopened cream cheese can be kept in its original package, while opened cream cheese should be placed in an airtight container, states Healthline. This will reduce the risk of moisture getting in.
A downside to freezing cream cheese is that its texture changes. Once thawed, frozen cream cheese will be crumbly and grainy, making it harder to spread. If you plan to freeze cream cheese, it best utilized in recipes – such as for baked goods or casseroles – rather than on bagels or bread.
To thaw your cream cheese, you can place it in the fridge overnight. You may also choose to microwave it for a few seconds and stir to try and bring its creamy texture back, according Healthline.
You should use cream cheese within two months of freezing it.
How long does cream cheese last?
With any food, it's always important to check the expiration or "Best By" date. This way you can ensure its quality and freshness.
Once opened, cream cheese should be eaten within two weeks and kept in the fridge, according to Healthline. Its storage, packaging and processing can also impact the dairy product's longevity. Cream cheese's pasteurization does kill microorganism, but its high water "still poses a risk of microbial contamination."
Use a clean knife each time you use cream cheese and tightly reseal the package. If the cream cheese has an unusual smell or mold, throw it away.
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FAQs
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese, and it actually freezes more successfully than many other dairy products. As with any food, freezing will stop the growth of microorganisms indefinitely, keeping it safe until you thaw it for reuse.
Can cream cheese be frozen safely? ›
While cream cheese may not last long in the fridge, you can freeze it for up to two months. To use frozen cream cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Previously frozen cream cheese will still have the same flavor as its refrigerated counterpart, but its texture may be grainy.
How do you preserve cream cheese? ›
Freezing Opened Cream Cheese
If you've already dipped into your cream cheese a bit before using it, you'll need to transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. Label with the storage date and then stick in the freezer for up to two months.
Should cream cheese be kept in fridge or freezer? ›
This might seem obvious, but cream cheese is considered a perishable item and should always be kept in the refrigerator, even if the package is sealed and unopened.
Can you freeze milk and cream cheese? ›
However, if need be, it is possible to freeze dairy products. Freezing process won't affect nutritional value of dairy product. Texture and aspect could differ from what you are used to.
Can cheese be frozen safely? ›
Yes, you can freeze cheese but not all types of cheese freeze well. The best cheeses to freeze are hard and semi-hard cheeses.To freeze, store it in a freezer bag, expel air and label. If you plan on using it grated, it's best to grate before freezing. Lay a bag of grated cheese out flat and don't pack it too tightly.
Can cream be frozen? ›
Can you freeze cream? You can freeze small amounts of cream by pouring it into ice cube trays, then transferring cubes to a freezer bag and expelling the air. If you have a large amount, pour into an airtight container and leave a 2cm gap at the top for the cream to expand. You can freeze cream for up to three months.
How long will cream cheese last if not refrigerated? ›
Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.
Is there a way to preserve cheese? ›
A useful way to ensure a long lifespan for your cheese is to pop a small sugar cube inside your container. The cube will absorb excess moisture, and prevent the cheese from sweating.
Does cream cheese curdle in freezer? ›
Since cream cheese is about half water, it is especially sensitive to the formation and melting of ice crystals that happens during freezing and thawing. When ice crystals form, the previously emulsified water separates from the cheese curds, causing the thawed cheese to turn grainy and ricotta-like.
"Generally speaking, anything that has dairy, or a very high water content, is not going to do well when frozen," says Palak Patel, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Can you eat cream cheese frosting left out overnight? ›
At room temperature, cream cheese frosting only lasts two hours, which is why it needs to be refrigerated if you don't want to waste leftovers. Cream cheese frosting will usually last in the refrigerator for up to a week, which gives you plenty of time to use it on various baked goods.
Why can't you freeze cream cheese? ›
Cream cheese freezes remarkably well for a dairy product, but the results won't be perfect: Crystallization will force out some moisture, leaving the thawed cheese not quite as smooth as it once was. You may notice a touch of graininess to the cheese and maybe a bit of unexpected crumbliness.
Can you freeze eggs? ›
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), you can freeze eggs for up to one year. When you're ready to use frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Use egg yolks or whole eggs as soon as they're thawed.
How do you thaw cream cheese? ›
Pretty Fast: In Warm Water
- Place the unopened aluminum-foil-wrapped cream cheese in a ziplock bag.
- Push all of the air out of the bag before sealing it.
- Fill a large bowl (or the sink) with warm water.
- Place the bag of cream cheese in the warm water.
- Submerge it for about 10 minutes or until the cream cheese is soft.
Since cream cheese is about half water, it is especially sensitive to the formation and melting of ice crystals that happens during freezing and thawing. When ice crystals form, the previously emulsified water separates from the cheese curds, causing the thawed cheese to turn grainy and ricotta-like.
Why can't you freeze soft cheese? ›
Creamier cheeses such as Brie and Camembert should not be frozen as they have a higher water content, which means they will be susceptible to damage caused by ice-crystals forming in the freezing process.
