Can You Freeze Feta Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze feta cheese and block or crumble form for up to six months. Simply dry it, place it in an airtight container, squeeze out any additional air, and place it in the freezer.

How to Freeze Feta Cheese

Feta cheese comes in both blocks and crumbles. It is typically made from goat or sheep milk, but can also be made from cow's milk. It is a soft and rather salty cheese that is used in a lot of Greek or Mediterranean dishes.

Though it can stay good for a few months when unopened, it does have a short shelf life once it's been opened. This may lead you to looking for ways to extend the shelf life if you're not going to use it all at once.

Feta cheese either store-bought or homemade is super easy to freeze and freezes pretty well. There are a few drawbacks such as it will be slightly less creamy and a little more brittle upon thawing. Additionally, it tends to lose a little bit of its salty flavor after defrosting.

There are three main methods to choose from which are all detailed below. Al the methods used are almost identical to those used when freezing parmesan cheese, freezing blue cheese and freezing hot dogs.

Freezing in a block

If you purchased your feta cheese in a block form, it is super easy to freeze it.

• Dry it. Feta and block form is typically soaked in a brine. You'll need to get the feta as dry as possible before freezing. To do this, dump out any brine from the package and then use a paper towel to pat the cheese dry.

• Portion it. If you won't be using the entire block once you've defrosted it, go ahead and cut it into portion sizes you plan to use later.
• Package it. Decide whether you want to use an airtight container or a freezer bag. Then toss your dried portions of feta cheese into containers or bags.

• Seal it. Put the lid on your container or is if your bag shut. If you're using a freezer bag, make sure that you have squeezed out any excess air. If you want to give a little extra protection, you can wrap your cheese in plastic wrap before placing it in your container.
• Label it. Use a pen or marker to write the date on your container or freezer bag.
• Freeze it. Place your container or freezer bag into your freezer. If you're using a freezer bag, make sure that your cheese is not going to get smushed by other items in your freezer.

Freezing as crumbles

If you've purchased your feta as crumbles, it is also easy to freeze.

• Flash freeze. To help prevent the crumbles from sticking together in one big lump, you'll need to flash freeze them first. Simply take a cookie sheet and spread the crumbles in a single layer. Then, pop the cookie sheet into your freezer until your cheese is solid.
• Package it. Once you are cheese has been flash frozen, remove it from the freezer and place it into an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Seal it. Go ahead and place the lid on your container or zip your freezer bag shut. If you're using a freezer bag, make sure to press out any air before sealing.
• Label it. Grab a marker or pen and p write the date on your container or freezer bag.
• Freeze it. Place your freezer bag or container into your freezer.

Freezing in package

Freezing your feta cheese straight in the store-bought package is not the best way to freeze it, but it is the fastest and easiest way.

• To Use this method, simply take the package and pop it into your freezer.
• If you'd like to give a little additional protection, you could place the package in a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.

Tips for successful freezing

No matter which method above you choose, here are tips for successful freezing you should follow for all of them:

• Freshness counts. Make sure to freeze it when it is as fresh as possible so that you have a thawed product that has maximum quality.
• Don't crush it. Since feta cheese is a soft cheese, you want to make sure it doesn't get smushed or crushed in your freezer.
• Portion it. Decide how you'll be ultimately using it and freeze it inappropriately sized portions. This allows you to simply defrost and use the amount you need each time.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Feta Cheese

Freezing feta cheese is super easy. All you need to do is remove it from your freezer pop it into your fridge overnight and it'll be ready to use in the morning. One thing to keep in mind, is if you froze in a large, thick block of feta cheese it may need more than the eight or so hours overnight so plan ahead.

How to Use Thawed Feta Cheese

Thawed feta cheese can be used and pretty much all the same ways that fresh that can be used. However, do be aware that it might not have the same creamy texture or salty flavor.

• in salads. Do be aware however this is one of the uses where you might notice the most that it is not fresh. This is due to the slightly different texture and flavor.
• Feta cheese dip
• pasta dishes
• pizzas

Freezing Feta Cheese FAQ

How long does feta cheese last in the freezer?

Feta cheese can last upwards of 6 months in the freezer assuming that it is in an airtight container. It can be kept frozen even longer and still be safe to eat, however, the texture and flavor will degrade over time.

How long does feta cheese stay good in the fridge?

Unopened feta cheese stays good for two or so months in the fridge. However, opened feta cheese should be used within a week.