Got too much cottage cheese and not sure what to do with it? Maybe you overbought at the store, or got it for a recipe and not sure how to use it up. While it might be tempting to pop it into freezer, think again! Here’s what to know about whether to freeze this fresh, soft cheese.
Can you freeze cottage cheese?
You can freeze cottage cheese, but it’s not always advisable. Why? Frozen cottage cheese has a grainy texture once it’s defrosted, though its flavor is preserved. This is because the water separates from the cheese curds and forms ice crystals when frozen. Cottage cheese has more water than a hard cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, making it less desirable to freeze. Avoid freezing cottage cheese if you’re planning to eat it fresh. Appropriate uses for frozen cottage cheese? Use it in baked or cooked recipes like lasagna or cottage cheese pancakes. Otherwise, it’s not recommended for freezing: try to use it up fresh within a few days. See the recipes below for ideas!
How long does it last refrigerated?
Unopened cottage cheese can last 1 week past the “best used by” date on the package, but we recommend using it by the date on the package. Once it’s opened, you should use it within 2 weeks.
How to freeze cottage cheese
Still want to freeze cottage cheese? Here’s how to do it:
If unopened, leave in the original packaging. Place the package in a resealable freezer safe plastic bag. If the package is opened, prepare the cheese for freezing. Keep in mind you cannot re-freeze the cheese, so it’s helpful to have smaller sizes if you don’t plan to use it all at once. Divide the cheese into small sizes (like ½ cup servings) or freeze it all together. Place the cheese into a sealed freezable container that has as little air as possible. Or, wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer safe plastic bag. Mark the “Use by” date. Use a permanent marker to label the cottage cheese with a “use by” date that is 2 months in the future. If using a plastic bag, partially seal the bag then use a straw to suck out all air from the bag. Freeze. Place the cheese in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to defrost cottage cheese
When defrosted from frozen, cottage cheese separates into liquid and cheese elements. Keep in mind the consistency of thawed cottage cheese has a grainier texture than the fresh version. Here’s how to thaw cottage cheese:
Place the cheese in the refrigerator 24 to 36 hours to defrost. Do not defrost cheese at room temperature because bacteria can grow. Stir it. Once thawed, stir to integrate the liquid and solids. Use within 2 days.
Better ways to use cottage cheese
Want to use up cottage cheese fresh or cook it in a recipe instead of freezing it? Head to our Top 12 Cottage Cheese Recipes for ideas. Try these favorites:
In pasta, like Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese. Mix it into a dip like Cottage Cheese Dip or fry it into Cottage Cheese Pancakes Try it for breakfast with Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese, Cottage Cheese Toast, Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls and more!
More freezing methods
Want more tips on freezing? Here are a few more methods for preserving fresh food and reducing food waste:
Read about How to Freeze Cheese, including ricotta cheese, and cream cheese Freeze vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, avocados, or tomatoes, Freeze fruits like grapes, apples, lemons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas Try other foods like quiche, tortillas, guacamole, rice, and more
5 from 1 review
