Cream cheese is a great bagel spread, but what happens when you run out of bagels and now have a quickly ripening batch of cream cheese just sitting in the fridge? You can take things a step further and keep it in the freezer in the hopes of preserving it. Is this possible?
There are of course several factors to consider before freezing cream cheese knowing that this particular dairy product goes bad quickly.
In short, cream cheese can be stored in the freezer to be able to keep it fresh for a longer amount of time. It can no longer be used as a spread after thawing due to its new texture. But it can still be used for different cooking recipes that still call for cream cheese.
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
The general shelf life of cream cheese is around a couple of weeks, which will be extended to almost 5 months if you attempt to preserve it.
As with all the other types of cheese, cream cheese will also turn crumbly after keeping it in the freezer.
The fats in the cheese end up separating from the liquid which is what creates the partly liquid, partly solid mixture.
Cream cheese is usually used as a spread due to its creamy consistency, but after freezing, this may no longer be possible because of its new texture.
If you’re planning on using it for a dip however, there is a way around the strange texture. Mix the cheese with whole cream before freezing.
It is not recommended that you freeze non or low fat cream cheese. Stick to preserving whole fat cheese instead. The clumps that form in the low fat cheese are nearly impossible to dissolve.
How to Freeze Cream Cheese?
Texture is an important quality of cream cheese, and losing this spread-like quality after thawing is sure to be troublesome. There are several ways to get around the change in consistency of the cheese to be able to still use it for cooking and baking. It is all a matter of how you freeze it.
- Make sure that the cream cheese is not already too close to the expiration date. Freezing it will lengthen its lifespan while frozen, but will go back once thawed.
- Keep the cream cheese in its original packaging and wrap the container in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
- When thawing, keep the container in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
- To enhance its texture, microwave at 20 second intervals while mixing and whisking in between.
- Aside from whole cream, whipping cream can also be mixed with cream cheese prior to putting it in the freezer.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. But what do you do when you have extra cream cheese? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cream cheese:
1. Make a cheesecake – Cheesecake is a classic dessert that is sure to please any crowd. To make a cheesecake, you will need 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3 packages of 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of flour. Simply combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter in a bowl and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Add the flour and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake at 325 degrees for 60-70 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.
2. Make a dip – Cream cheese can also be used to make a delicious dip for chips or fruit. Simply add in some shredded cheese and spices, and you’ll have a tasty snack that everyone will love.
3. Make a frosting – Cream cheese frosting is a delicious way to top off any cake or cupcake. To make cream cheese frosting, simply combine 1 package of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 cups of powdered sugar in a bowl and mix until smooth.
4. Make a stuffed chicken – Stuffed chicken is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover cream cheese. Simply add some cream cheese, spices, and chopped vegetables to a chicken breast and bake.
5. Make a cheesecake ball – Cheesecake balls are a great dessert or party snack. To make them, simply combine 1 package of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of crushed graham crackers in a bowl and mix until smooth. Shape into balls and roll in chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cream cheese. Next time you find yourself with extra cream cheese, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Recipes
Cheesecake is a cake praised for its creaminess and fluffy texture. It is dominantly cheese with a thick layer of crust.
Chicken Alfredo is an Italian pasta with white sauce that uses cream cheese as a key ingredient.
Cream cheese squares are soft pastry finger food that are similar to lemon squares.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese and it will last for 3-4 months in the freezer. Follow these steps to freeze your cream cheese: bring it to room temperature before putting it in an air-tight bag, prevent any air from entering the bag by making sure you seal the bag tightly, store properly, and label the bag with today’s date.
How do you plan to freeze your cream cheese? Share your experience with me in the comment below. I am always looking to hear from my readers.