I have been thinking about spending less and buying items on sale. I also plan on piling up with foods so I could lessen my trips to the grocery store. Cottage cheese is one of my favorites and I want to purchase it in bulk. I wonder how long it will last if I freeze it. Can I just keep it in the pantry instead?
Dairy products, especially soft cheese such as cottage and ricotta cheese, go rancid and spoil easily than other foods. It may decline in quality much more quickly if you put it in the pantry.
Freezing cottage cheese is not recommended because of its liquid content. It may not retain the same consistency as it once has. Still, freezing is the only method there is if you intend on extending its shelf life. If refrigerated, unopened cottage cheese may last up to two weeks or more beyond its sell-by-date and one week when opened.
Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a highly perishable food. You can prevent its quick deterioration by refrigerating it immediately after purchasing from the store and after use.
Of course, you may freeze cottage cheese but expect that its quality and flavor will not be the same as before. Since it is soft cheese, the freezing process will cause the milk fat to disintegrate from the other cheese components.
It becomes watery and the solid parts break into crumbs upon thawing. It may be an ugly sight for a cottage cheese, but it is still edible.
It is generally recommended to consume frozen cheese within three months. But when even within that time mold appears, it would do better to discard it.
Cottage cheese is easily contaminated. Do not let it out in room temperature beyond two hours, and use only a clean and unused utensil when handling it.
There are different kinds of cottage cheese, and some may last more briefly than the others. Purchase only whole fat or large curd cottage cheese if you intend on preserving it for some time.
How to Preserve Cottage Cheese?
Frozen cottage cheese usually does not look splendid when thawed. It is not that delicious when eaten whole either. But you can always incorporate it with other food recipes such as pasta sauce, lasagna and cakes.
- Store the unopened cottage cheese with its original packing in the freezer
- Flip it upside down to create a void inside the container
- For additional safety purposes, you can prevent freezer burning by putting a plastic freezer bag on along with the original packing
- If opened, you may relocate the leftover cheese into an airtight container
- Carefully wrap the leftover cheese with cling film to keep it moist and protect from frost
- Label the freezer bag or container with the sell-by-date as printed on the original packing
- Thaw it in the refrigerator before using
- To reconstitute frozen cheese, add some sour cream and stir it until it achieves the right consistency
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cottage cheese? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cottage cheese:
1. Make a breakfast parfait – Start your day off right with a healthy and delicious breakfast parfait. Just layer some cottage cheese, fruit, and granola in a jar, and you’re good to go.
2. Use it as a spread – Cottage cheese makes a great spread for sandwiches or crackers. Just add in some herbs and spices, and you’ve got a tasty condiment that everyone will love.
3. Make a dip – Cottage cheese can also be used to make a delicious dip. Just add in some herbs, spices, and vegetables, and you’ll have a healthy and flavorful dip in no time.
4. Make a salad – Cottage cheese is a great addition to any salad. Just add it in with your other favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy dish in no time.
5. Make a dessert – Cottage cheese can also be used to make a variety of desserts. Just add it to a blender with some fruit and sugar, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dessert in no time.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cottage cheese. Next time you find yourself with extra cottage cheese, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Recipes
This quick breakfast recipe with cottage cheese is a crunchy bunch of fresh fruits and caramelized almonds. Full of protein, it will help you feeling full and energetic throughout the day.
With only four ingredients and a 10-minute bake, this uncommon pasta with cottage cheese is definitely the most appealing and healthy meal you could prepare in no time at all.
Who would know that cottage cheese pancake has a distinct Russian name? With this Syrniki recipe, cottage cheese is mixed with flour, fried like cheese fritters and garnished with cream or jam.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze your cottage cheese and it is actually recommended! Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw the frozen stuff, place the cottage cheese in the fridge overnight. It works if you eat it straight from the freezer, but I recommend eating it after thawing to make sure it is fresh enough. That’s all!
If you have experienced eating frozen cottage cheese, let me know in the comment section below. I would love to hear what you think!