Cream cheese is a refrigerator and pantry staple used in dips, frostings, pastries and more. With its smooth and creamy texture, cream cheese makes a great base for sweet and savory recipes. But can you freeze cream cheese to extend its shelf life? Let’s explore whether cream cheese holds up to freezing and thawing.
1. Does Cream Cheese Freeze Well?
The good news is that regular full-fat cream cheese freezes relatively well compared to other dairy products. The high fat content of cream cheese makes it suitable for freezing. Since cream cheese has a crumbly solid texture, it maintains its consistency when frozen and then thawed.
However, cream cheese does tend to soften and become more muted in flavor after freezing. It also can absorb odors from the freezer so proper sealing is important. But overall, freezing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of cream cheese.
2. How To Freeze Cream Cheese Blocks
- Make sure cream cheese is fresh and securely sealed/unopened. Do not attempt to freeze already opened packages.
- Allow cream cheese to thaw in fridge if partially frozen before freezing long-term.
- Cut blocks into usable portion sizes if freezing large quantities. Wrap each portion well.
- Place cream cheese portions in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label bags or containers with cream cheese type and freeze-by date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
3. How To Thaw and Use Frozen Cream Cheese
- Thaw frozen cream cheese in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- Flavor and texture diminishes with extended freezing, so use within a few months.
- Use thawed cream cheese for cooking/baking versus spreading directly on a bagel or toast.
- Beat until smooth when using for dips, fillings, or frosting to restore proper consistency.
- Avoid freezing and thawing cream cheese multiple times as this compromises texture.
Cream cheese tends to separate when thawed after freezing. Be sure to blend or beat thoroughly until smooth after thawing out frozen cream cheese bricks. In baked goods and cooked dishes, it performs well. But for spreading onto bagels or using as a dip, fresh is best.
In summary, freezing does extend the shelf life of cream cheese. Handle it properly and use within a couple months for best results. Check for odors or signs of spoilage once thawed. With some TLC, frozen cream cheese can be a handy kitchen staple.
