Got extra yogurt on hand? Sometimes it can be difficult to eat up an entire container. You might be tempted to throw it into the freeze, and guess what? While many dairy products don’t freeze well, you’re in luck: yogurt works! Here’s what to know about preserving this creamy ingredient.
Can you freeze yogurt?
Freezing yogurt is a simple and effective way to preserve it. Some dairy products become grainy after freezing (like sour cream or cottage cheese). But yogurt freezes beautifully: the texture and flavor are preserved. It may appear to be separated after thawing, but stir it up and you can use it any way you like! Eat it plain or use it in any recipes that call for it as an ingredient. This works for any type of yogurt: plain, flavored and Greek yogurt. Some sources indicate that yogurt has texture changes after freezing and can taste more tart. However, we tested both plain yogurt and Greek yogurt and the texture and flavor were both preserved. It is possible that texture changes can happen after freezing for long periods of time.
How long does it last refrigerated?
Opened yogurt lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. If you can’t use it within that time period, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
How to freeze yogurt
Freezing yogurt is a simple process. 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 yogurt for freezing. Keep in mind you cannot re-freeze the yogurt, so it’s helpful to have smaller sizes if you don’t plan to use it all at once. Divide the yogurt into small sizes (like ½ cup servings) or freeze it all together. Place the yogurt into a sealed freezable container that has as little air as possible, or try it in a silicon tray. Or you can place small portions in sealed freezer safe bags. Mark the “Use by” date. Use a permanent marker to label the yogurt 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 yogurt in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to defrost yogurt
When defrosted from frozen, yogurt separates into liquid and solid elements. It will look separated, but it can be stirred back into a creamy texture. Here’s how to thaw yogurt:
Place the yogurt in the refrigerator 24 to 48 hours to defrost. To speed up the process, you can place the yogurt at room temperature for 1 hour, then place it in the refrigerator to finish the defrosting. Stir it. Once thawed, stir to return the yogurt to its creamy texture. Use within 2 days.
Ways to use yogurt
How to use thawed yogurt? Try it plain or in these yogurt recipes:
Parfaits like yogurt parfaitsDips like veggie dip, fruit dip, or taco dipPancakes like Greek yogurt pancakesSmoothies like yogurt smoothie or strawberry smoothieTreats like yogurt bark or yogurt chocolate puddingDressings like Caesar dressing
More freezing methods
Want to freeze more dairy products, fruits or veggies? Here are a few methods:
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 bananasLearn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarellaTry freezing rice, guacamole, tortillas, quiche, or hummus
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