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Wondering whether you can freeze ricotta cheese? Here’s what to know if you’re considering storing this ingredient.
Got leftover ricotta cheese from making lasagna or another recipe, and wondering what to do with it? While you might want to toss it into the freezer, there are a few things to know about the consistency of this Italian cheese once it’s frozen. Here’s what to know about popping this creamy cheese into the deep freeze!
Can you freeze ricotta cheese?
You can freeze ricotta cheese, but it’s not always advisable. Why? Frozen ricotta cheese has a grainier texture once defrosted, though its flavor is preserved. This is because the water separates from the cheese curds and forms ice crystals when frozen. Avoid using frozen ricotta cheese in recipes that call for fresh ricotta.
So, when is it okay to use frozen ricotta cheese? Use it in baked or cooked recipes like lasagna with ricotta, stuffed shells, and ricotta pancakes. If you’re not interested in using frozen ricotta cheese in these kinds of recipes, don’t freeze it. Keep reading for a few ways to use up ricotta cheese!
How long does it last refrigerated?
Unopened ricotta cheese can last a few weeks past the “best used by” date on the package, but I recommend using it by the date on the package. Once it’s opened, you should use it within 5 to 7 days.
How to freeze ricotta cheese
Want to freeze this tasty cheese for the next time you make lasagna? Keep in mind that if the ricotta cheese is unopened, you can leave it in the original packaging and place the package in a resealable freezer-safe plastic bag. However, you can freeze it in smaller quantities if you don’t think you’ll use it all at once.
Here’s how to freeze ricotta cheese:
- Prepare the cheese for freezing. Stir the cheese. Divide it into small sizes (½ cup servings) or freeze it all together. You cannot re-freeze the cheese, so it’s helpful to have smaller sizes if you don’t plan to use it all at once. Place the cheese into a sealed freezable container with as little air as possible, or wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in in a freezer safe plastic bag.
- Mark the “Use by” date. Use a permanent marker to label the ricotta cheese with a “use by” date that is 2 months in the future. If using a plastic bag, partially seal the bag, then use a straw to suck out all the air from the bag.
- Freeze. Place the cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to defrost ricotta cheese
The most important part about freezing ricotta cheese? How to defrost it! You’ll find that when defrosted, the ricotta separates into liquid and cheese elements. Here’s how to re-integrate the texture:
- Place the cheese in the refrigerator for 24 to 36 hours to defrost. Do not defrost cheese at room temperature because bacteria can grow.
- Mix. Once thawed, place the cheese in a bowl and stir. Use within 2 days. It will have a grainier consistency than the original texture of the cheese.
Better ways to use ricotta cheese
Want to use up ricotta in a recipe instead of freezing it? Head to my Top 12 Ricotta Recipes for using up this fresh Italian cheese. Try these favorite ideas:
More freezing methods
Want more tips on freezing? Here are a few more methods for preserving fresh food and reducing food waste:
- Freeze vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, avocados, or tomatoes,
- Freeze fruits like grapes, apples, lemons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
- Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, yogurt, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
- Try freezing rice, guacamole, tortillas, quiche, or hummus
Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?
Wondering whether you can freeze ricotta cheese? Here’s what to know if you’re considering storing this ingredient.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: N/A
- Category: Frozen
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Cheese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Determine whether to freeze the ricotta cheese. Frozen ricotta has a grainier texture once it’s defrosted. Avoid using it in recipes that call for fresh ricotta. Appropriate uses are in baked or cooked recipes like lasagna, stuffed shells, and pancakes.
- If the ricotta cheese is unopened, leave it in the original packaging and place it in a resealable freezer-safe plastic bag. Or, you can freeze it in smaller quantities if you don’t think you’ll use it all at once: see step 3.
- Stir the cheese. Divide it into small sizes (like ½ cup servings) or freeze it all together. Remember, you cannot re-freeze the cheese, so having smaller sizes is helpful if you don’t plan to use it all at once. Place the cheese into a sealed, freezer-safe container with as little air as possible, or wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag.
- Use a permanent marker to label the ricotta cheese with a “use by” date that is 2 months in the future. If using a plastic bag, partially seal the bag, then use a straw to suck out all the air from the bag.
- Place the ricotta cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months. Place the ricotta cheese in the refrigerator for 24 to 36 hours to defrost it. Once thawed, stir. Use within 2 days. Keep in mind, it will have a grainier consistency than the original texture of the cheese.
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‘Top ‘O The morning to Ya!
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