String cheese is a great snack for everyone on any occasion. It is high in protein and very easy to buy even prepare.
But have you ever purchased too many packages of string cheese in bulk, and found you could not use it all.
The first question that will come to mind is
Can You Freeze String Cheese
Is it even possible to freeze it?
The answer is: Yes, you can easily freeze string cheese and it freezes and thaws well. The taste and texture are largely preserved.
To extend the life of string cheese (which is often a mozzarella or similar type of cheese) it can be frozen or refrigerated.
How to Store String Cheese
String cheese is a mozzarella-based cheese and can also be referred to as cheese sticks.
It is a very versatile kind of cheese because it can be eaten alone or with other foods.
It can be frozen easily because it is low in water content. With a low moisture percentage in the cheese string when it thaws it is not degraded or turned into a wet cheese which is good.
As a result, it can be frozen for at least three months and even 6 months if it is wrapped and sealed well. For example in a freezer vacuum pack.
Further, String cheese may be frozen without any special preparation.
The product can be placed in the freezer with its original packaging, and it can be frozen easily.
If the package is opened then follow our steps below.
How to Freeze String Cheese
To freeze and preserve it, follow these simple steps:
- Remove the plastic wrapping from the package.
- Place the cheese in a resealable freezer bag.
- Close the bag and seal it well, making sure that there will be no moisture or water that can get in.
- If you have a hand vacuum pump then even sucking out some air before sealing will length the time it can stay in the freezer.
- Label the airtight container with the date, brand of cheese, and date of expiration.
- Put the bag in the freezer and leave it there until the cheese becomes solid.
How To Thaw Frozen String Cheese
Thawing frozen string cheese is quite similar to thawing any other dairy product like cream cheese or sour cream.
Simply take it out the night before and let it thaw in the fridge. That is the safest and best way to preserve the cheese.
If you are really in a rush then you can use the microwave. However, microwaves by their nature do not provide even heating so you will be likely to get soft spots of cheese. This may be ok if you are going to make a string cheese pizza or cook with it.
How to Thaw Frozen String Cheese in A Microwave.
This is only applicable if you are in a hurry and on the go.
1. Set the microwave to its lowest temperature or defrost setting.
2. Microwave the frozen cheese for at least 30 seconds.
3. Add another 30 seconds if you think it is not thawed enough.
How Long Can String Cheese Last in the Freezer
String Cheese is good in the freezer for at least 3 months.
The length of time the string cheese can stay frozen and not lose its state or texture depends on the brand and the size of the package. For example, one brand might stay good for up to 4-6 months while another might only last 2 months .
Top 5 String Cheese Freezing Tips for 2023
- Always label the bag with the date.
- Use a zipper-lock bag to prevent moisture from getting inside and prevent freezer burn.
- Never refreeze cheese that was previously frozen.
- Keep your freezer clean by wiping it regularly, thus keeping it at a safe freezing temperature.
- Store your string cheese in usable-sized packages, so you only have to take out of the freezer the amount you need.
How to Refrigerate String Cheese
If you want to keep string cheese in the fridge, then here are some tips on how to do so:
1. Once the package or container of string cheese is opened, immediately store it in the fridge by sealing it in an airtight container.
2. Squeeze out the excess air before sealing it.
3. Make sure that the cheese does not touch anything else.
3. Keep it away from food that has a strong smell.
How Long Does String Cheese Last Before It Goes Bad
If stored properly, it should last about 3-6 months in the freezer.
Like all other dairy products, it also eventually spoils.
How Do You Tell if String Cheese Is Off
Here are the top 10 signs that you should check out when storing slices or blocks of string cheese:
- The color changes from white to brownish.
- Cracks are appearing on the surface.
- It smells bad.
- The cheese gets too soft.
- The cheese becomes sticky.
- The cheese turns moldy.
- The cheese loses its shape.
- The cheese starts to break apart.
- The cheese has a foul odor.
- The cheese tastes spoiled.
How to Freeze Individually Packed String Cheese?
You can freeze individual pieces of string cheese separately. Just follow these steps:
1. Take out the string cheese from its packaging.
2. Lay it flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Wrap the baking sheet with plastic wrap.
4. Put the baking sheet in the freezer. This step is to ensure that all the cheese freezes first to prevent them from sticking to each other.
5. After freezing, transfer the baking sheet to a zip-top bag.
6. Label the bag with the name of the product and the best before date.
7. Store the bag in the freezer.
What are the Best Kinds of Cheese to Freeze
Cheeses that are semi-hard or have a brick-like texture are perfect for freezing since they have a lower chance of losing their original texture and flavor.
- Blocked or sliced provolone cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or string cheese
- Blocked, sliced, or shredded Colby Jack
- Blocked, sliced, or shredded Monterey Jack
- Blocked, sliced, or shredded cheddar cheese
Does Freezing String Cheese Ruin Its Quality?
Freezing might change the stringy texture of the cheese slightly.
Can I Eat Expired String Cheese?
It is not good food hygiene practice to eat cheese that is well past its expiration date. Yes, you could eat it but you need to check the smell and texture (see the signs of spoiled cheese above) to ensure your safety.
If in doubt put it in the trash.
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