Everything You Need to Know About Freezing Cream Cheese
Maybe you stocked up on cream cheese when it was on sale and realized after you got it home that the expiration date is in a day or two. Or perhaps you have a bunch of leftover cream cheese from a breakfast or brunch party or cooking project (we see you carrot cake) and you know that you won't get through it before it goes bad. Whatever the case, you're wondering if you can freeze cream cheese.
Good news: The answer is yes, you can indeed freeze cream cheese! However, for cream cheese to have the best flavor and texture, there are a few things you need to know about freezing and defrosting it. We talked to Trung Vu, chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, to find out everything you need to know.
Related: Can You Freeze Cheese?
How to Freeze Cream Cheese
Keeping as much air as possible from reaching the cream cheese is the best way to preserve its texture and flavor. And when it comes to freezing cream cheese, it turns out the laziest option is also the best one: "The best way to freeze cream cheese is airtight, so if your tub is unopened you can likely just date it and pop it in the freezer," says Vu. "If you have foil-wrapped blocks, you'll want to store those in a dated resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible, or a vacuum-sealed bag, if that is an option."
If you have an open container of cream cheese, Vu says the best bet is to transfer it to an airtight container and date it. This will help prevent freezer burn and also keeps it from picking up unpleasant flavors from other foods in the freezer. "If your needs for cream cheese are small or few and far between, you may want to consider pre-portioning the cream cheese in advance of freezing so you can thaw out small portions as you need them," he suggests.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last in the Freezer?
Like all frozen foods, cream cheese will be safe indefinitely in the freezer as long as it is kept constantly frozen at 0°F. But for the best quality, Vu and other experts recommend using frozen cream cheese within two months.
Related: Can You Put Eggs in the Freezer?
What's the Best Way to Defrost Cream Cheese?
The best way to thaw cream cheese is in the refrigerator overnight, says Vu. For food safety reasons, never thaw cream cheese—or any other perishable food—on the counter at room temperature. Once thawed, cream cheese should last in the fridge for a week or two, but monitor it and toss it if it develops a bad odor, appearance or taste. And don't stick it back in the freezer, which will not only affect the texture but can also make it unsafe to eat, says Vu.
If you need to use cream cheese right away, you can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost function. If you do this, be sure to use it immediately rather than transferring it to the fridge.
How Freezing Can Affect the Texture of Cream Cheese—and How to Fix It
"Freezing cream cheese can cause the texture to become grainy, as the previously emulsified water in the cheese will have frozen and then separated upon defrosting," says Vu. "To restore the texture of the cream cheese if it has become grainy, you can whisk it until it re-emulsifies. Slightly warming the cream cheese (such as briefly in the microwave) will make this task easier." You can use a regular hand whisk, electric beaters, a stand mixer or even a food processor to whip the cream cheese until it's smooth again.
Related: Can You Freeze Milk?
What About Different Brands or Fat Percentages?
Whether you have Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Organic Valley, Nancy's or some other brand, the guidelines for freezing, defrosting and restoring cream cheese's creaminess are the same. The same goes for full fat, reduced fat, and nonfat varieties. In fact, the lower fat cream cheeses might maintain a slightly better texture than full fat cream cheese when frozen.
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?
Carrot cake fans rejoice! You can freeze cream cheese frosting just like you would freeze plain cream cheese. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. For the best flavor and texture, use it within two months. Defrost it in the refrigerator and stir or beat it to restore its texture.
The Takeaway
You can definitely freeze cream cheese and recipes made with cream cheese, like frosting. But it's worth noting that cream cheese that's been frozen may never have quite the same creaminess as it did before its time in the freezer. Because of that you might want to use your thawed cream cheese for recipes where it plays a supporting role rather than a starring one, like creamy pastas, casseroles, dips and desserts rather than spreading it on bagels or toast.
Next Up: Here's Exactly How to Freeze Mushrooms So They Don't Get Slimy
