You can use it to make pastries, sauces, dips, and even ice cream! And of course, it’s also great as a simple spread on bagels and toast. This is a kitchen staple that I always have on hand. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of cream cheese, you might wonder if there are ways to make it last longer. Will it keep well even if you freeze it? I’ve asked myself the same question, and the answer is: yes… but stick around to learn how!
How to Freeze Cream Cheese
Since cream cheese is a soft cheese, people often have qualms about freezing it. But, if extending the shelf life is your goal, freezing it will definitely get the job done. It’s simple, really. Just pop it into the freezer. Be sure to leave it in the package and the cardboard box it came in. That’s it. No special preparations needed. Some people place the boxed cheese in an additional layer of freezer-safe bag or plastic wrap, but that’s not really necessary. The aluminum foil plus the cardboard box is more than enough. Just to set your expectations though, frozen cream cheese won’t be nearly as good as it is fresh. It becomes crumbly and grainy as its water content separates from the milk. Sure, it won’t be the same, but you at least get to preserve it for up to 4 to 6 months. Be sure to label the package so you know how long it’s still good for. Also, don’t forget to thaw it in the fridge before using it. Here’s a tip: if you plan on freezing cream cheese, buy one with higher fat content. Low-fat cream cheese doesn’t fare as well in the freezer. Freezing an already-opened pack of cream cheese is a different story, though. To give it a higher chance of surviving, combine it with whipping cream before freezing. The cream works as a sort of bonding agent, helping the cream cheese retain its creaminess during freezing. To use, thaw it in the fridge and give it another round in the mixer to restore its texture. Voila!
Uses for Frozen Cream Cheese
If you want to use defrosted cream cheese as a spread, you can try to make it creamy again by mixing it with a spoon.If that doesn’t work, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds and then stick it in a blender. Mix until smooth and creamy. When you put it back in the fridge, it should harden back to it’s natural cream cheese consistency. Although, the texture might be slightly different than a fresh pack of cream cheese. Frozen cream cheese, once thawed, has several other uses too. It might not work well in a cheesecake, but you can still use it as an ingredient to make other recipes such as pound cakes, casseroles, biscuits, and baked dips. The idea is – if the texture of the cream cheese doesn’t matter, then go for it. So the next time you see cream cheese on sale, go ahead and buy a few extra packs! Then throw a few in the freezer for safe keeping. Once thawed, it can be used in a variety of baked dishes and spread over a bagel. But if you’re looking for a smooth and creamy spread, just be sure to microwave for 30 seconds and then throw it in a blender. Let me know how it turns out for you. If you have any other tips and tricks, please share them in the comments below! Click on a star to rate it!
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