Can You Freeze Cream Cheese? Yes or No?

The Short Answer

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese? This is a question that most seek to know the answer to. Well, yes! You can freeze cream cheese. Suppose you buy cream cheese to use in a recipe; later on, you change your mind about using it. 

can you freeze cream cheese

Since dairy products go rancid quickly, it is good to check the expiration date first. Then, to prevent it from going bad, keep it in your freezer.

Are you wondering what to do with your excess cream cheese? Don’t worry anymore since, in this article, and we will delve into ways to freeze already opened cream cheese and the closed tubs too.

The Best Way To Freeze Opened Cream Cheese

If you want your cream cheese to last for long after opening it, keep it in an airtight container. It would help if you did this before freezing. Another important thing you need to be careful about is the expiration date. Don’t freeze cream cheese that has already expired.

What you should specifically do is follow these steps:

  • From the original packaging, scoop out the amount you want to freeze onto aluminum foil.
  • Wrap it in the foil, and then add another layer of cling film.
  • Place the wrapped cream cheese in an airtight container like a freezer bag.
  • Put the bag in the freezer.

Do not forget to indicate or label the container with the storage date. This will ensure you also don’t surpass the dates for use. For example, you can freeze opened cream cheese for approximately two months.

How to Freeze Closed Cream Cheese

Sometimes buying products in bulk is a good way of saving. If you happen to have a lot of cream cheese, preserve it by freezing. You don’t have to re-package it. Its original packaging is enough for freezing. The packaging comprises a cardboard box and foil wrapping that protects cheeses from freezer burn.

Your frozen cream cheese is suitable for use for between one and two months. After that, if you happen to see cheese mold, get rid of the cheese.

cream cheese mold up close

What Can I Make with Frozen Cream Cheese?

Once you have your frozen cream cheese, you can use it in various dishes. For instance, you can use it to make your sauces thick. You can also use it to replace butter when baking. You can incorporate the frozen cream cheese in pasta or baked dips. Use the frozen cream cheese in chocolate chip cookies as well.

If you think the texture of the frozen cream cheese will be unnoticeable, then use your thawed soft cheese.

How to Thaw Frozen Cream Cheese

To thaw frozen cream cheese, keep it in the refrigerator for some hours. You can also let it refrigerate overnight. The texture will change and be crumbly or grainy than refrigerated cream cheese. 

The reason is that cream cheese comprises about half the water that separates from the curds when frozen. So use a fork, spoon, or whisk to get the ingredients together again.

The Different Types of Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a type of soft cheese. It is made from cream and pasteurized milk. Cream cheese is supposed to be consumed immediately; otherwise, it will go bad. Therefore, if you don’t intend to use it soon, it is advisable to freeze it.

There are different types of cream cheeses; they include Mascarpone, Rondele, and Boursin. The most common ones are the Boursin and the Philadelphia cream cheese variants. The Philadelphia and Boursin brands are great for producing soft cheese that you can spread.

Neufchatel, Camembert, and Brie are types of cheeses that are made to be matured. The best thing about them is that you can freeze them.

These cheeses are used for spreading over bagels, crackers, and sourdough bread with avocado, smoked salmon, or prosciutto ham. Most people also use the cheeses as creamy dips for celery, carrots, breadsticks, and cucumber.

  • Mascarpone: It is an Italian cream cheese that originated from Lombardy, Northern Italy. Mascarpone is mainly used as an ingredient in tiramisu, an Italian coffee, and chocolate dessert.
  • Rondele: This type of cheese is a blend of herbs and garlic with a lighter version of cream and milk.
  • Boursin: It is a brand of Gournay cheese that comes in flavors like garlic and fine herbs.
boursin cream cheese
  • Philadelphia: This type of cheese ranges from sweet to savory.

Can you freeze Philadelphia cream cheese?

Yes, you can freeze Philadelphia cream cheese and cakes constructed from the ingredient. It is a soft cheese, and the procedure for freezing it is the same as the other cream cheeses. What is going to change after freezing cream cheese is the texture.

Can you freeze cream cheese frosting?

 cream cheese frosting

After an event, you may need to freeze your cake or dessert. The cream cheese frosting on your cake will freeze well. If you happen to freeze your cake before decorating, ensure you bring your frosting to room temperature.

You can freeze your cakes with cream cheese frosting by freezing then wrapping them in foil. Then, place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

Can you freeze cream cheese icing?

The answer is yes! Cream cheese is high in fats, making it freeze very well. It can last for up to three months in an airtight container.

Can you freeze cream cheese cookies?

Yes, just like most cookies, they freeze just fine. You only need to ensure that they are in a sealed container.

Two Ways to Fix De-Thawed Grainy Cream Cheese  

After freezing your cream cheese, you may want to use it again. In this case, you will need to thaw it. Next, you defrost it by refrigerating it overnight or placing it in a zip lock bag in warm water. Then, rotate it until it softens.

However, how do you make your frozen cream cheese creamy again? Frozen cream cheese always has a grainy texture. There are two ways you can get the consistency back:

The microwave method

With the microwave method, place your thawed cream cheese in a bowl that is safe for microwave use. Microwave it for 10 seconds. Stir it, and then repeat the procedure until you get a creamy texture. 

Ensure you mix well so that you don’t have dried cream on the edges. Also, be very careful to ensure you don’t overheat the cream cheese.

Stovetop method

The stovetop method is the best since it will give you control of the whole process. You will not have to worry about the sides of the cream drying or becoming hard like in a microwave. What you need to do is to place the cream cheese in a double boiler. A large glass bowl can also work perfectly.

Place the boiler or the bowl on a saucepan of medium size. Stir continuously until you get a smooth consistency.

You should store thawed cream cheese in an airtight container for three to seven days. Then, use your leftover cream cheese as great additions to your mashed potatoes, pasta, egg dishes, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

How Long Does Frozen Cream Cheese Last?

Frozen cream cheese can last up to six months. However, it is best used within two months of freezing it. That’s why it is good to label your cream cheese container with the date you first froze it. This will ensure you use cream cheese that has not gone bad.

If you let your cream cheese last for long, it may go off. For instance, if you notice your cream cheese has turned yellow or has spots of discolorations, then it is stale. Good cheese is creamy and smooth. However, dry, chalky, grainy, or slimy textures are also signs of stale cream cheese. So, use your cream cheese within two months.

 cream cheese on bread platter

Final Thoughts

From the above discussion, we bet you already have your answer: cream cheese can be frozen. You only need to know how to freeze cream cheese which we have already talked about. Knowing what happens if you freeze cream cheese is something else that you need to be aware of.

So, don’t be worried if you happen to have lots of cream cheese. Instead, buy in bulk or make cream cheese at home and freeze it for future use!