How to Freeze Cream Cheese | Honest Food Talks (2024)

FAQs

How do you freeze cream cheese? ›

If unopened, cream cheese can easily be frozen in the original packaging; this works for both foil-wrapped bars and tubs. If it's already opened, seal it as well as possible in the original wrapper, then place it in a resealable freezer bag.

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.

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.

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.

You'll notice the texture has changed — previously frozen cream cheese will be significantly more grainy and crumbly than refrigerated cream cheese. Why? Cream cheese is made of about half water, which separates from the cheese curds when frozen. Use a spoon or a whisk to reincorporate the ingredients as best you can.

To further elongate freshness, store the double-wrapped cheese in an airtight container. With this method, open cream cheese will stay fresh for 10 days. As for unopened packages, you can just refer to the expiration date printed on the package.

Cream cheese and other cream cheese products can be frozen in their original packaging or stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Once you're ready to use the cream cheese, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add it to recipes like soups, sauces, dips, casseroles, and baked goods.

"Cream cheese can be frozen, but the texture will change and may become grainy—which may affect the texture of the end product. From a food safety point, it is fine, but the integrity of the product will change once frozen," says Lynn Blanchard, Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen director.

Properly stored butter can be frozen for up to four months if frozen prior to the USE BY date on the package. Butter may begin to lose its fresh butter taste and pick up flavors and odors from the freezer if stored for longer than four months. Once the butter is removed from the freezer, use it within 30 days.

Takahashi suggests keeping the foil on partially used blocks of cream cheese, and reinforcing it with a layer of plastic wrap to keep air out. To further elongate freshness, store the double-wrapped cheese in an airtight container.

What is the yellow liquid in cream cheese? ›

You may see some whey separating from the cheese. The whey is a mostly clear, yellowish liquid.

Freezing Opened Cream Cheese

Opened cream cheese blocks need to be securely wrapped in foil and paper. You may also use plastic, although it may not be as good for freezing cream cheese as the other two mentioned. Then, place the wrapped blocks in airtight freezer containers for extra protection against freezer burns.

Cream cheese can be stored in the freezer to help extend its shelf life. However, it's important to keep in mind that freezing cream cheese will change its texture, making it very grainy. It can also become more crumbly once it's thawed, which can make it more difficult to spread.

According to the USDA, refrigerated cream cheese is safe to eat for up to two weeks after opening. However, it will retain its flavor and quality for just a week to 10 days. The flavor will noticeably degrade after this point, as it starts to lose its sweet tanginess and takes on a dull taste, instead.