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…
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