Have you ever wondered if you can freeze cream cheese? The answer is yes, you can! Amanda is sharing how to freeze cream cheese and tips for thawing frozen cream cheese.
Cream cheese is something that every so often you can get a great deal on. You may be afraid to stock up on it since it is dairy, however, don't be scared to take advantage of a great deal when you find one! Cream cheese is easy to freeze and it can be used in lots of recipes when it thaws out. Here are some tips on How to Freeze Cream Cheese in case you find one of those great deals you can't pass up.
How to Freeze Cream Cheese
To freeze cream cheese, follow these simple instructions:
Put an unopened package of cream cheese in a freezer bag. You will want to squeeze all of the air out. Make sure that you date the bag! Did you know that you can extend the life of your cream cheese by 6 months just by freezing it?
To thaw cream cheese, simply take it out of the freezer and place it in your fridge over night. It will be thawed within 24 hours and ready to use.
The consistency of the cream cheese will slightly change during the freezing and thawing process. After you thaw it will be a little crumbly so it doesn't work as well as a spread, however, you do have a few options.
How to Use Thawed Cream Cheese
- Use it for cooking certain recipes just as it is. When you use it for cooking (casseroles, dips, baking, etc) it will taste just the same!
- Put it in the mixer (or whip it by hand) for a few minutes. This method will work to sort of help it becomes spreadable but keep in mind that it will not quite restore it to the original consistency.
- Warm it up in the microwave. Stir it smooth. When it cools it will go back almost to the same consistency that it was before being frozen!
The method that I use depends on what I am going to use the cream cheese for. If we are baking with it then option 1 is my go-to method. However, for everyday use and most of the time, I use method 3. It’s easy and just takes a few seconds to heat up!
Cream cheese is actually quite versatile, so don’t worry about freezing it. Cream cheese is perfect for freezing so the next time you see a great deal on cream cheese don’t be afraid to pick up one or two extra and pop them into your freezer!
More Freezing Tips:
How to Dice and Freeze Bell Peppers
How to Freeze Lemon and Lime Juice with Zest
And don't forget to use these tips for saving money on dairy products!
Amanda Faulkner is a mom and blogger behind the sites It's a Fabulous Life and Easy Slow Cooker Meals. She is always cooking, crafting, hanging out with her family, or blogging. If all else fails, you can find her at Target with a coffee in hand.
I love all the tips! I always cook more than need. It’s wonderful now that good food does not have to go to waste.
It says right on the package not to freeze cream cheese. I’m wondering if you have used any of your methods for cheesecake.
I do not use previously frozen cream cheese as a spread or in cheesecake, but you can use it in dips and casseroles without a problem.
I love all the recipes here. Look forward to seeing more of them.
Thanks, good tips. I tend to stock up on cream cheese when on sale, and usually put it in that back of my ‘fridge and forget about it. Although intending to make cheese cake with it, sometimes it goes bad, so I think for cooking in casseroles, etc., this would be a good option. 🙂
I have a question are you saying you can freeze the whole package of cream cheese including the box too ? Thanks
Yes. You can put the unopened package in the freezer.