There are three methods of defrosting cheese. The most suitable is to let it defrost in the fridge for two days so that the process takes place slowly. This will ensure that the cheese partially retains the moisture in its packaging, improving its texture and retaining its original flavor. Alternatively, you can let it defrost on the kitchen counter, which is a quicker option - it will take anywhere from two and a half to three hours, but the cheese may be a little tougher when used. If you're in a hurry, you can defrost it in the microwave. Keep in mind that hard cheeses (like cheddar or provolone) are better suited to the freezing and thawing process than soft cheeses (like ricotta or brie), as the latter tend to transpire and melt when they are thawed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Defrost the Cheese in the Refrigerator
Step 1. Remove the cheese from the freezer and check the packaging
Remove the cheese from the freezer. Look at the package carefully to make sure it is still tightly closed. If the cheese has not been frozen in an airtight container and has been exposed to air circulating in the freezer, it cannot be eaten. In addition to being extremely hard and tasteless, it may also have absorbed bacteria while fully exposed.
- If the cheese has been exposed to air, then it has oxidized. Cheeses that are exposed to the air for an extended period of time tend to take on a dull color and a hard texture.
- This is the best method for defrosting cheese, as it is more likely to regain its original texture. Use this process if you plan to eat the cheese on its own, cut it into slices to make sandwiches, or use it to garnish a plate.
- By putting the cheese in the refrigerator, you will prevent its flavor profile from being altered. However, bear in mind that this method takes more time than others.
- A cheese that has been frozen for more than six months may not be edible.
Step 2. Arrange the cheese on a plate or baking tray
Leave the packaging intact, avoiding opening the zip closure or removing the adhesive. Arrange it on a plate or baking sheet. If you want, you can also use a bowl or similar container.
If you open the package, the moisture that was left inside since the cheese was frozen will be released. This will make it even drier and more crumbly than normal once it has thawed
Step 3. Store the cheese in the fridge for 24-48 hours
Take the container and place it on a shelf in the refrigerator. Leave it inside for 24-48 hours, depending on the density of the cheese. Sliced cheese packages can be defrosted within 24 hours. A larger piece, on the other hand, takes 48 hours to defrost completely.
Advise:
if you are concerned about air entering the package, put the cheese in the vegetable drawer to prevent it from absorbing the smell of other foods.
Step 4. Remove the cheese from the refrigerator and use it as soon as possible
Remove the cheese from the refrigerator and remove the wrapper. See if it has actually defrosted by cutting a small piece. If you cut easily, then it has thawed completely. Eat it or use it in the kitchen to keep it from spoiling. If you want to spread it or prefer not to eat it cold, you can wait for it to come to room temperature before removing it from the package. But be careful: leaving a cheese out of the fridge for more than four hours, it will start to deteriorate.
- When a cheese begins to deteriorate, it tends to give off bad smells, take on a different color and have a sour or pungent taste.
- If you compare a thawed cheese and a cheese of the same variety that has not been stored in the freezer, you will certainly notice a different texture. The freezing and thawing process tends to make the cheeses more crumbly and hard.
- Soft cheeses go bad faster once they reach room temperature. If they are left at room temperature for more than four hours, they should be thrown away. Hard cheeses should instead be thrown away after six hours. Soft cheeses include brie, gorgonzola, feta, and ricotta. Hard ones include cheddar, provolone, gouda, and pecorino romano.
- If you want to use cheese for cooking, it is usually possible to use it while it is still frozen. If you're going to melt it or add it while making a recipe, there's no need to defrost it.
Method 2 of 3: Defrost the Cheese on the Kitchen Counter
Step 1. Remove the cheese from the freezer and check the bag or container
Remove the cheese from the freezer and look at the zip lock of the bag or the lid of the container to make sure it is still tightly closed. If the air circulating in the freezer enters the package, the cheese cannot be eaten. Although it has not absorbed the bacteria in circulation, it will still have almost completely lost its flavor and will have a consistency that is anything but inviting.
While this is not the best method for defrosting cheese, it is much faster than using the refrigerator. Choose this option if you plan to use it for cooking and don't care too much about the texture of the product
Step 2. Place the cheese and its packaging on a plate or tray
Do not remove it from the package in which it was frozen. Arrange it on a plate or bowl and place it on the kitchen counter. If you want, you can also use another container.
Warning:
do not leave it next to a window and do not expose it directly to the sun while it thaws. If it were accidentally heated by the sun's rays, the cheese could begin to deteriorate during the defrosting process.
Step 3. Let the cheese thaw on the kitchen counter for two and a half to three hours
After placing the container on the counter, let the cheese thaw. It will take two and a half to three hours for it to thaw completely. The time required depends on the density of the product. Soft cheeses defrost in two and a half hours, while hard cheeses may take just over three hours.
By leaving the cheese in its original packaging, the moisture that is inside the wrapper will prevent the product from hardening during the defrosting process
Step 4. Use the cheese as soon as possible to prevent it from spoiling
Once it has thawed completely, remove it from the package. Eat it or use it for cooking. If you leave it on the counter for too long, it will start to deteriorate, so to avoid unnecessary waste use it immediately once it has thawed!
- If you plan to cook it or add it to a recipe, you can usually use it frozen. Check the recipe to determine if it should be defrosted first.
- When a cheese goes bad, it has a sour taste, gives off an unpleasant odor and could undergo discolouration.
Method 3 of 3: Defrost the Cheese in the Microwave Oven
Step 1. Remove the wrapper from the cheese (which must be hard for this method) and place it in a container suitable for microwave use
Remove the cheese from the freezer. Remove the foil, or remove the product from the container or plastic bag in which you stored it. Place it in the center of a microwave-safe dish, bowl, or dish.
- This is the fastest method ever. However, the cheese may separate from the milk and whey protein, becoming oily or moist. Choose this method if you are in a hurry, have no other choice, or intend to melt the cheese while preparing a recipe.
- Using the microwave, only hard cheeses can be defrosted. In the case of a soft cheese, the outer layers would melt and the inner part would remain frozen.
- To determine if it is possible to put a container in the microwave oven, turn it over and look for the symbol of suitability for this type of oven - it is an international symbol that depicts three wavy lines. If it is present, this means that the material can be put in the microwave. Unpainted glass and ceramic are always suitable.
Step 2. Defrost the cheese in the microwave at intervals of 30-45 seconds on minimum power
Place the bowl in the center of the turntable. Set the microwave power to minimum. Heat the cheese for 30-45 seconds before removing and checking it. If it hasn't thawed yet, reheat it for another 30 seconds
It may take a few minutes for the cheese to thaw completely, but breaking the process into shorter intervals will ensure that it doesn't melt accidentally
Advise:
if your microwave oven has a specific button for cheese, press it and enter the approximate weight of the product you intend to defrost. However, check it carefully as it heats up, as this button is designed to melt the cheese in the case of some models.
Step 3. Cut the cheese in the center to determine if it has thawed
Once the microwave timer goes off, remove the plate or bowl. Try cutting the cheese in the center using a butter knife. If you can proceed smoothly, it means that it has thawed completely. If it is not easy to cut, put it back in the oven and continue heating it in short intervals before trying again.
Advice
- While it is certainly possible to freeze any type of cheese, some thinner or creamier types tend to take on a watery, grainy texture when thawed. Brie, camembert, stilton, spreadable cheese, and lean versions are examples of cheeses that crumble quickly and lose their original flavor when thawed.
- The cheese cut into strips is not the best to be stored in the freezer and then defrosted. It tends to perspire a lot when thawed, releasing a liquid substance.
