Can You Freeze Cheese Curds? Yes, But Follow These Rules
Updated on March 2, 2023
If you love cheese, then cheese curds are probably among your favorites too. Cheese curds are super tasty and you may want to keep some for later too, instead of having them all in one go.
Should you be in this situation, you should definitely consider freezing some of those cheese curds, so you don’t end up throwing them out.
Can You Freeze Cheese Curds?
Obviously, we’re not the only ones to love cheese curds. In fact, we have received a few messages regarding freezing them, so we thought to address the issue. Here’s one of the messages we got:
Q. There’s this great little place near my grandma’s house that produces cheese. They have a factory store that’s open to the public and sells their products for less than you would pay in a store. One of the things they sell is cheese curds, the pieces of cheese left over from regular production. Those funny looking, salty-tasting curds are my absolute favourite, and the only place I can buy them is at the factory. The thing is, my grandma lives pretty far away and I only get to see her a few times a year. I miss my curds the rest of the time! I was wondering if I could buy a big batch and freeze them to hold me over until my next visit. Can you freeze cheese curds?
Cheese curds are one of my favorite things too, but they are hard to find. Luckily for you, you can freeze cheese curds. If you like to just eat them fresh, you may notice a bit of a difference in texture, but nothing major. If you prefer to use them in a recipe, like poutine, where they will be melted, then you shouldn’t notice any difference at all. The important thing is to keep them safe from freezer burn and to make sure that they don’t clump together or get squished in the freezer.
How to Freeze Cheese Curds?
To freeze cheese curds, you want to make sure they don’t all clump together. The moisture in the cheese can sometimes make the curds stick together upon freezing. Here’s how to do this:
- First, toss the cheese curds in a bit of flour or cornstarch. This will absorb the excess liquid and keep them from sticking to each other.
- Then, place the cheese curds in a freezer bag. Remove the excess air, then seal the bag.
- Label and date it, and place it in the coldest part of the freezer. Be careful not to place anything heavy on top of the cheese curds, or they will get squished.
How to Keep Cheese Curds for Longer?
One way you can make sure that your cheese curds will last for longer, while also keeping their great taste, is to use a food saver. These devices will help perfectly seal your freezer bags or your containers, taking out all the air in there, which slows down the process and helps preserve the flavors.
Our favorite is the FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine, which is an awesome device that works with a wide range of bags and containers, allowing you to have tons of flexibility here.
How to Thaw Cheese Curds?
To use frozen cheese curds, remove the quantity you want from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Do not thaw cheese curds at room temperature on the counter, as bacteria can start to grow. Once they are thawed, you can either eat them plain, or add them to your favourite recipe. Unused cheese curds will keep for a few days in the fridge. Do not refreeze previously frozen cheese curds.