Mozzarella cheese is simple to freeze, although it is unlikely to taste very good right from the bag. When frozen, shredded and block mozzarella cheese get crumblier, while fresh mozzarella cheese turns sloppy.

So, can you freeze mozzarella cheese? You certainly can. However, we only suggest this if you want to use the mozzarella in dishes that will melt the cheese. We’ll offer our tried-and-true methods for making mozzarella cheese freezing fast and simple.

Can You Freeze Mozzarella Cheese?

Yes, mozzarella cheese can be frozen. However, freezing cheese causes it to lose its texture, which is unpleasant. As a result, if you want to use mozzarella cheese in dishes where it will melt, it is advisable to freeze it.

Is it possible to freeze fresh mozzarella? While fresh mozzarella cheese may theoretically be frozen, we do not suggest it. This is due to the high moisture content of fresh mozzarella.

The greater the moisture level of mozzarella, the more likely it is that ice crystals will develop around the cheese. In reality, the moisture concentration of mozzarella affects its texture.

More on freezing cheese:

• Can You Freeze Feta Cheese?
• Can Cottage Cheese Be Frozen?

How to Freeze Mozzarella Cheese

Depending on the scenario, there are two methods for freezing mozzarella cheese. Let’s have a look at both of them.

1. Freezing Store-Packaged Mozzarella:

If you found a great deal on mozzarella cheese at your grocery store and are gazing at the pile of packets on your kitchen counter, you’re in luck: preserving it is as simple as putting it in the freezer.

You may question whether you can freeze shredded mozzarella cheese. How about some sliced mozzarella?

Yes, you may freeze anything, even the mozzarella, as long as the packaging is sealed (not covered in plastic wrap). Just keep in mind that fresh, soft mozzarella cheese blocks will not freeze properly. So, eat the mozzarella first and then freeze the remainder.

The scenario changes if you open store-bought mozzarella and wish to freeze it. Here’s a hint: Don’t freeze unwrapped mozzarella in its original packaging. So, if this is your scenario, go to the following part.

2. Freezing Opened Mozzarella

Our eyes may sometimes be larger than our bellies. So, if you have an overabundance of opened mozzarella that you won’t be able to consume before it spoils, it’s time to freeze it.

Vacuum sealers are ideal for packaging and freezing mozzarella cheese. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, freezer bags are your best bet.

When using a freezer bag, try to push out as much air as you can. Air is bad for frozen mozzarella because it causes freezer burn.

Freezer burn occurs when air drives mozzarella to lose moisture. This moisture then congregates on the cheese’s surface, forming hundreds of small ice crystals.

Fortunately, freezer burn is not dangerous to your health. It is, however, an unfavorable side effect of inadequately preparing your mozzarella for freezing, particularly because your mozzarella will already come out of the freezer with a different consistency than when it went in.

Finally, if you want to freeze slices of mozzarella cheese, insert wax paper between each slice. This makes it simple to withdraw a bit at a time from the freezer as needed.

Remember that these directions apply to shredded, sliced, and blocked mozzarella cheese. If you want to try freezing fresh mozzarella cheese, pat it as dry as possible, cover it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag.

Now that you’ve been persuaded to remove all of the air from your freezer bags, it’s time to mark them with the date. You’ll be able to tell how long they’ve been in your freezer this way.

How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last in the Freezer?

Mozzarella cheese may be stored in the freezer for up to nine months. However, excellent is relative.No matter how well you wrap it, your mozzarella will have a drier, more crumbly feel when it comes out of the freezer.

It is also important to inspect your mozzarella cheese before keeping it in the freezer. It is advisable not to freeze it if it is already exhibiting indications of reaching the end of its shelf life.

Freezing older mozzarella cheese will not extend its shelf life. Instead, your freezer, which should be set to at least zero degrees Fahrenheit, will keep the cheese fresh until you take it out. And, yep, you got it, the mozzarella will be beyond its prime and in a drier, less attractive form.

When you are ready to utilize your frozen mozzarella, you must first learn how to thaw it. One of the most secure methods is to defrost it in the refrigerator. That manner, your cheese will gently thaw without allowing too many germs to enter it.

The amount of time it takes to thaw mozzarella cheese depends on the size of the slices. Shredded mozzarella cheese, for example, usually thaws in a couple of hours. Large blocks of mozzarella cheese, on the other hand, may take a day.

Alternatively, if you’ll be using your mozzarella in a dish that requires the cheese to melt, you may take it out of the freezer and use it right away.

How to Tell if Frozen Mozzarella Cheese is Bad

Determining if frozen mozzarella cheese is rotten is difficult since mozzarella naturally changes texture in the freezer. However, the following are some warning indicators to be aware of:

• Discoloration
• Pungent smell
• Sour taste

Remember that if you freeze mozzarella cheese, particularly shredded cheese, it will shatter when thawed. If you try to freeze fresh mozzarella, it will most certainly get soggy.

If mold is found on mozzarella, it should never be consumed. According to the Mayo Clinic, mold penetrates deeper into soft and shredded cheeses, and although not all mold is toxic to humans, certain forms are.

How To Use Frozen Mozzarella Cheese

When you take frozen mozzarella out of the freezer, it keeps a lot of its taste. However, since it loses its elastic structure, it should be used in meals using heat to melt the cheese.

Frozen mozzarella, for example, is a terrific pizza topping option. You may defrost the mozzarella ahead of time or add it straight on your pizza before baking it.

You may also use it to create mozzarella sticks, add it to multi-cheese macaroni and cheese, or melt it over pasta meals. Frozen shredded mozzarella is also delicious in scrambled eggs or as a soup garnish.

Before you package your mozzarella for freezing, think about how you’ll utilize it in the future. You may then split the parts appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about freezing mozzarella, following answers might help.