Can You Freeze Nacho Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze homemade or start but nacho cheese sauce for 3 to 6 months. Make sure that it is in an airtight container. Additionally, once thawed it may separate some, so it's important to mix it together well once defrosted.

How to Freeze Nacho Cheese

Nacho cheese is a creamy, cheesy, spicy and delicious side dish or condiment. It can be used for a variety of different things from dipping chips or vegetables to adding to burgers or as part of burritos.

It can either be purchased in the store or made from scratch in your own kitchen. Either way it's a delicious addition to many foods. Unfortunately, especially the homemade version, nacho cheese doesn't have the longest shelf life.

Whether you're wanting to whip up a bulk batch for an upcoming event or perhaps you know you won't finish that jar you opened before it goes bad, you may be looking to figure out how to extend its shelf life.

You're in luck because nacho cheese sauce freezes exceptionally well no matter if it's homemade or store-bought. It can maintain high quality and texture for upwards of 6 months when frozen properly.

The freezing process is similar to that for freezing cottage cheese, freezing mascarpone cheese and freezing applesauce. Simply follow the easy steps below to freeze your nacho cheese sauce so that you can save it for later.

Prepare it

If you're making homemade nacho cheese, pick your favorite recipe and go ahead and whip it up. Make sure that you allow it to completely cool before moving to the next step.

Portion it

Decide how much you'll need each time you saw it and portion it into these appropriate sizes.

Package it

Choose either a freezer bag or an airtight container and pour your portioned nacho cheese into your bag or container. Make sure to leave an inch or two of space between the cheese and the lid of your container or between the cheese and the top of the freezer bag.

This allows the cheese to expand a little upon freezing, but does not leave so much room that there will be excess air which creates freezer burn.

Seal it

If using an airtight container, press the lid on the top of the container. If using a freezer bag, press any extra air out of it and then zip it shut.

Label it and freeze it

Write the date on the outside of your container or freezer bag and then place it into the freezer.

Tips for successful freezing

Make sure to follow these additional tips for successful freezing to maintain the highest freshness and quality for your nacho cheese.

• As soon as possible. Make sure to freeze your cheese as soon after making or opening it as possible so that you freeze it at peak freshness.
• Decide portions. Make sure that you decide how much you'll need each time you thaw it so that you can portion it out and freeze it in the appropriate sizes. This way you can just defrost the amount you need each time and not waste any.
• Don't double dip. It's important to not dip your chips or other items into the nacho cheese and then freeze it. This simply introduces bacteria and other foods which make the quality and safety decrease.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Nacho Cheese

When you're ready to defrost the nacho cheese, you'll have two options. You can either use the microwave or do it in the fridge overnight.

In the microwave

Defrosting in the microwave will go much faster than using the fridge. However, you do have to pay close attention to make sure that you do not overheat it.

To use this method, simply remove you are nacho cheese from the freezer. Transfer it to a microwave safe container.

Then, set your microwave setting to defrost or 50% power. Heat the nacho cheese at 30 second intervals, stirring in between each until it is heated through. This usually takes a few minutes, the exact time will depend on how much cheese you are defrosting.

In the fridge

Defrosting in the fridge will take much longer, but will help to maintain a better overall texture. Once it's defrosted, you can choose if you would like to heat it up either at low heat for a few minutes on the stove top or in the microwave at 15 to 20 second intervals stirring in between.

To use this method, remove your nacho cheese from the freezer. Place it into your fridge overnight. It will usually start to defrost after 3 to 5 hours. However, if you frozen a lot altogether it may take longer.

Once your cheese is thawed, if you used a freezer bag it can be difficult to get it out of the bag. Simply press the cheese down towards the bottom corner of the bag, then hold it over a bowl and use kitchen scissors to cut the end off the bag. This way you can squeeze it out into a bowl or container.

Freezing Nacho Cheese FAQ

How long does nacho cheese last in the freezer?

Nacho cheese sauce can last 3 to 6 months in the freezer. Homemade sauce starts to degrade and texture and quality sooner than store-bought sauce. Either one stays safe to eat past the 6-month time frame, but the quality will start to change. The quality will start to change.

How long is nacho cheese good in the fridge?

Homemade nacho cheese sauce is only good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store bought nacho cheese sauce is usually good for a few weeks.

Can you freeze queso dip?

Yes, you can freeze queso dip in the same manner and method as nacho cheese sauce. Simply cool it, portion it, pack it in an airtight container and then freeze it.

Can you refreeze nacho cheese?

Refreezing nacho cheese sauce is not recommended. The temperature changes from frozen to thawed will create degradation and texture and also safety.