Cream cheese is a dairy product with a short shelf life. But what if you want to stock up or buy extra when it is on sale? Can you freeze cream cheese? Read on to find out more.

Although putting cream cheese in the freezer can cause several changes, you can in fact freeze it. Get a comprehensive guide from this article about how to freeze and defrost cream cheese, as well as other important information you need to know.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?

Yes, freezing cream cheese works to extend its shelf life. Freezing is one of the most effective methods of preservation for almost any food item.

How to Freeze Cream Cheese?

If you have more cream cheese than you can consume before it expires, freezing it immediately is the best way to save it.

The process of freezing cream cheese depends on whether it has been opened. It takes a lot of work to do it properly.

1. How to Freeze Unopened Cream Cheese

Cream cheese that is unopened will last in the freezer for a long time. The foil wrapping cream cheese comes in protects it well from freezer burn. 

Freezer burns happen when there is air exposure regardless of what product it is. This occurs when food is not properly packaged when food is not stored in an airtight container, or when it is not sealed tightly.

If you want to secure unopened cream cheese, you can also cover it in plastic wrap over the foil.

Optionally, you can also use a sealable vacuum bag to ensure air does not penetrate the foil packaging. 

2. How to Freeze Opened Cream Cheese

Place remaining cream cheese in a plastic bag or sealable container. If you use a container, use cling wrap to cover it for added protection.

Put a date label on the cream cheese and store it in the freezer.

You can also freeze flavored cream cheeses. Follow the same process as storing and freezing regular cream cheese.

How Long Can Cream Cheese Be Stored in the Freezer?

You can extend the shelf life of cream cheese by storing it in the freezer. Cream cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months.

If cream cheese is opened it usually lasts for about 10 days. On the other hand, you can consume unopened cream cheese for up to one month after it has passed its best before date. 

If you buy cream cheese to freeze it, do not place it in the fridge. Store it in the freezer as soon as possible.

What Will Happen If You Freeze Cream Cheese?

The texture of cream cheese changes after being frozen. It gets grainier and more crumbly. Cream cheese has a high water level, which causes these texture changes. This is the case with nearly all dairy products.

Cream cheese contains 33 percent fat or more, and around 55 percent moisture. As a result, ice crystals form in the freezer.

The defrosted crystals’ water does not emulsify with the cheese curds as you thaw it, resulting in that grainy texture.

If you love cream cheese solely because of its smooth and creamy texture, you won’t enjoy freezing cream cheese. It should be noted, though, that these changes are easily remedied with a bit of effort.

How to Defrost Cream Cheese?

Following some basic rules will help you defrost cream cheese with the least amount of texture and flavor changes.

To defrost cream cheese, let it thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. It is advisable to thaw it for 24 hours before using it.

The taste of cream cheese will suffer if you thaw it improperly. If left to thaw at room temperature, the texture will come out grainier. Plus, the rapid temperature change will cause the cream cheese to become watery.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can freeze cream cheese. Freezing it will prolong its shelf life. We have provided you with all the details needed to know how to freeze cream cheese.

Now, you can keep a cream cheese reserve, or at least not waste your leftovers. Share with others what you’ve learned!

How to Freeze Cream Cheese

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Have you ever wondered, if you can freeze cream cheese? The answer is YES!

Follow our simple guide below so that you never have to waste this delicious creamy delight, with instructions for freezing and defrosting.

Learn how to freeze cream cheese by following these steps:

• Author: Recipe Marker
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving
• Category: Freeze
• Method: Freeze
• Cuisine: Meal

Ingredients

• Plastic bag or Sealable container
• Cling wrap

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

How to Freeze Unopened Cream Cheese

1. Place unopened cream cheese directly into the freezer with the foil wrapping intact.
2. If you want to secure unopened cream cheese, you can also cover it in plastic wrap over the foil.
3. Alternatively, you can also use a sealable vacuum bag to ensure air does not penetrate the foil packaging.

 

How to Freeze Opened Cream Cheese

1. Place remaining cream cheese in a plastic bag or sealable container. (If you use a container, use cling wrap to cover it for added protection.)

2. Put a date label on the cream cheese and store it in the freezer.

Notes

Cream cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months.