Vegan cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional dairy cheese. It has become increasingly popular as more people turn to veganism or dairy-free diets. But what if you want to make the most of your vegan cheese and store it for later use? Can you freeze vegan cheese?
This article will answer this question and provide helpful tips on how to freeze vegan cheese so that it stays fresh and flavorful.
Can You Freeze Vegan Cheese?
The short answer is yes! Freezing vegan cheese can be a great way to preserve its freshness and texture for longer. It also prevents it from going bad and keeps it from molding. It can also be a great way to store extra vegan cheese for later when you don’t have time to go to the store.
Benefits of Freezing Vegan Cheese
Now that we’ve established that vegan cheese can be frozen, it’s time to talk about why you may want to consider freezing your vegan cheese.
Let’s explore the other benefits of freezing vegan cheese:
Extends shelf life
Freezing vegan cheese is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and ensure safe consumption. Freezing is an effective form of food preservation and can prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
The freezing process slows down the metabolism of microorganisms, resulting in less spoilage and longer shelf life. An added bonus is that freezing helps to preserve the flavor and texture of your vegan cheese, so it’s a win-win solution!
The trick to successful freezing is to use airtight packaging such as a freezer-safe container or even a resealable plastic bag which will help to extend storage time while avoiding freezer burn. To freeze vegan cheese, place it into the packaging and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it tightly.
Label it with the date that you have stored it in the freezer. This will be your reference for how long that particular item will remain safe for consumption. Generally, most types of vegan cheese can last up to 6 months when frozen and are ready for use directly from frozen if needed.
Keep in mind that once you thaw your frozen vegan cheese, it won’t be as fresh tasting as when first purchased so try not to refreeze it or allow for additional spoilage due to mishandling during the thawing stage. Thawed items should always be used within 2-3 days if stored safely in the refrigerator at 4°C (40°F).
Easier to store
Freezing vegan cheese is an effective way to make it last longer and easier to store. As with most vegan-made products, they tend to have a shorter shelf life, so freezing is a key way to save those leftovers or maximize your purchases.
Frozen vegan cheese will generally keep in the freezer for 2-3 months, while keeping it in the fridge will only give you 1-2 weeks before noticeable signs of spoilage and oxidation.
When frozen, cutting into exact portions or cubes of cheese for snacking can be done easily as well. This is beneficial for applying specific measurements for recipes like hors d’oeuvres or desired servings per person.
Or if you’re trying to portion out snacks throughout the day and accurately track your daily intake, freezing vegan cheese lets you do that! Not only does it increase the lifetime of this food item, but it also allows us to better utilize our resources more strategically and prudently.
Great for use in recipes
Freezing vegan cheese can be a great way to use leftovers or extend the shelf life of products about to go out of date. Since vegan cheese is dairy-free, it does not suffer from frozen lactose curdling like regular cheese.
Freezing vegan cheese does not change its texture or flavor; it will remain as creamy and tasty as ever. It also won’t form large ice crystals because it contains no lactose.
Many cooks find that when vegan cheese thaws, the texture stays much closer to its original consistency than most other types of cheeses do when frozen and thawed. This means it can be used in recipes that use melted cheeses— such as lasagna, enchiladas, and macaroni and cheese—to provide flavor and texture without adding extra processing time.
It may have a slightly different consistency than fresh or room-temperature vegan cheese, but it should retain much of its original profile after being frozen and thawed.
In addition to being able to use frozen vegan cheese in recipes that require melted cheeses, you can also use it in dishes such as:
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Wraps
Without having to worry about melting or having pieces of the cheese separate from each other during cooking processes like cutting or grating. Because most vegan cheeses are not pre-sliced before freezing like some regular varieties, you will need to take extra care not to overwork the product after thawing to not compromise its structure.
How to Freeze Vegan Cheese
Let’s explore the best ways to freeze vegan cheese:
Slice the cheese into cubes or slices
Before freezing vegan cheese, it is important to prepare it properly. Slice the cheese into cubes or slices of an appropriate size. This will make thawing and melting easier as the smaller pieces are more likely to thaw quickly and evenly.
You may want to opt for small cubes or slices if you plan on using the cheese to top a dish, such as scalloped potatoes, or larger slices if you plan on making a grilled vegan cheese sandwich.
It is also important that any packaging be removed before freezing so that it doesn’t act as insulation and prevent the cheese from freezing properly.
Once cut, wrap each individual piece of vegan cheese in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before transferring it to the freezer. If using an airtight container, be sure there is as little airspace as possible; this will help to prevent freezer burn and keep your vegan cheese tasty!
Place the cheese in an airtight container
Freezing vegan cheese is a great way to preserve it – not only can you keep it fresh for longer, but it also helps to optimize flavor and texture. To freeze vegan cheese successfully, be sure to put the cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or cling film. You can also use a freezer-safe Ziploc bag as long as you press out as much excess air as possible.
If you choose to place blocks of tofu or vegan cream cheese in the freezer, break them into smaller pieces before storage. This will make thawing much easier later on and will give your food more surface area, which will help it freeze faster and more evenly. Additionally, don’t forget to label your container with the date before storing it – this is important for tracking purposes!
Place the container in the freezer
Before placing your vegan cheese in the freezer, it is important to choose a freezer-safe container. Glass containers and mason jars are safe to use since they prevent air and moisture from entering the cheese.
Once you have chosen a suitable container, tightly wrap the cheese before placing it. This will help to protect it from freezer burn and maintain its flavor and texture.
Once you have securely sealed your vegan cheese, place the container in the freezer. Depending on the type of vegan cheese you’re storing, some may require more time than others to freeze properly.
For softer vegan cheeses, freeze for at least 4 hours before serving; for block vegan cheeses, please allow 12-24 hours until firm.
Once fully frozen, your vegan cheese can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months; however, depending on how frequently you open and close your freezer door, this timeframe may need adjustment accordingly, as any drastic changes in temperature can cause both spoilage or dehydration of your vegan cheese over time.
Tips for Freezing Vegan Cheese
Now you have a good idea of how to freeze vegan cheese, but here are some additional tips to help make the process easier.
Use wax paper or parchment paper to separate layers
When freezing vegan cheese, it is important to separate the layers of slices or cubes with wax or parchment paper. While a convenient kitchen wrap will work in a pinch, neither plastic wraps nor aluminum foil are airtight and can affect the taste and texture of the cheese when it’s thawed.
To preserve your vegan cheese as much as possible, use wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together and becoming one large clump when frozen.
Additionally, if you have vegan cheese that was not pre-sliced into slabs or cubes, cut it before freezing for easier storage space. On top of that, suppose you plan on using your vegan cheese for pizza topping after freezing them later on down the line. In that case, this is especially useful as pre-sliced pieces make for easier toppings on your pizza later on!
Label the container with the date
When freezing vegan cheese, it is important to label the container with the date that you are freezing it, as this will ensure you eat the freshest cheese by using the first-in, first-out rule.
This rule simply means that products closest to the expiration date should be used before those with a longer shelf life. Knowing how long the cheese has been in your freezer makes this much easier and will help you keep track of how long different vegan cheeses can remain in your freezer without compromising quality and flavor.
If you plan on freezing different types of vegan cheese, use a label maker or sticky notes to quickly identify which product is which when taking it out of your freezer. This will also save you from needing to thaw out each container just to read the label.
You can also create labels indicating any special preparation instructions necessary for that particular type of vegan cheese before eating it. For example, some cheeses may require a few hours of thawing to reach their optimal texture and taste when reheating or melting them.
Let the cheese thaw before using
- First, you should always let the cheese thaw fully before using it. Frozen vegan cheese can become crumbly, and the texture can be significantly altered without appropriate thawing time. Additionally, frozen cheese may not melt evenly when used in a recipe or reheated in the microwave or oven – so caution must be taken to ensure your cheese is completely thawed before consuming it.
- If you plan on using your frozen vegan cheese for recipes, such as pizzas or sauces, you may want to shred or cube your vegan slices before freezing them. This will allow you the convenience of quickly adding pre-shredded or cubed pieces directly into your recipe when ready – saving yourself significant prep time! Alternatively, you could also opt for slicing up your vegan cheese before freezing – this way, their shapes are preserved upon thawing, and they will still include all of their ingredients as intended per package instructions.
- Finally, some pre-packaged dairy-free cheeses come with added flavorings and enhancing spices; remember that these fragrant elements may not stand up after being subjected to cold temperatures over prolonged periods – if concerned about flavor preservation, check those ingredients list carefully!
Types of Vegan Cheese
Various types of vegan cheese are available on the market today, made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, coconut oil, and soy products. Vegan cheese made with nuts or coconut oil tends to be the most popular and can be used in many recipes.
Here we will discuss the various types of vegan cheese and if they can be frozen:
Nut-based vegan cheese
Nut-based vegan cheesy spreads, slices, and blocks are becoming increasingly popular among vegans.
Many are incredibly delicious and can be used in various recipes – from nachos to pizza! Not only do nut-based cheeses stand up to heat well, but they also freeze exceptionally well and have the added benefit of being full of heart-healthy fats. Some popular types of vegan cheese created from nuts are listed below:
- Cashew cheese – Made primarily from cashews, this type of cheese comes in wide varieties – plain cream cheese and slices, sharp cheddar flavors, smoky Gouda flavors – you name it! Cashew cheeses can vary in texture depending on the method of preparation used.
- Almond cheese – This vegan cheese is made with blanched almonds as its base ingredient. Almond cheeses usually come in a creamier form, like cream cheeses or ricotta varieties. They make a great addition to lasagnas and similar dishes due to their mild flavor.
- Pine Nut Cream Cheese – This creamy coconut oil-based vegan cheese is made from pine nuts for a unique flavor with robust nutty undertones. Because most variants don’t contain probiotic cultures, they tend to have a shorter shelf life than plant-based soft cheeses that contain bacteria cultures for fermentation. It still freezes beautifully, nonetheless!
Coconut-based vegan cheese
Coconut-based vegan cheese is a tasty alternative for vegan and/or lactose intolerant. This type of vegan cheese is made primarily with coconut oil that has had its rich, creamy texture enhanced by another plant-based ingredient such as tapioca or starch.
Coconut-based vegan cheese also tends to have a firmer texture than other vegan cheeses, making it ideal for slicing and melting. Coconut-based vegan cheeses benefit from the tropical flavor of coconut oil, which gives them a subtle taste reminiscent of their dairy counterparts.
These vegetarian cheeses can be used in many ways, including adding them to sandwiches, pizzas, tacos, burritos, and more.
While not all vegan cheeses are suitable for freezing due to their high moisture content, coconut-based varieties tend to be more stable when frozen as the coconut oil acts as a natural preservative helping to keep the structure of the cheese intact after thawing.
Furthermore, unlike other types of vegan cheese, which may lose flavor when frozen and thawed – especially when they contain additional seasonings – coconut-based varieties tend to hold onto their original flavor even after being frozen.
Soy-based vegan cheese
Soy-based vegan cheese is a cheese substitute made using soy milk or other plant-based ingredients. It has a similar texture to dairy cheeses, but without animal products, it lacks some of the strong flavors and aromas associated with dairy cheese.
Soy-based vegan cheeses can come in many different shapes and sizes. From slices for sandwiches and wraps to shreds for pizzas, tacos, or burritos, and even crumbles for salads.
They are usually packed with nutrients such as iron, calcium, protein, and Omega 3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Unlike traditional dairy cheese, which goes bad after it is opened, soy-based vegan cheeses don’t contain animal proteins or lactose, so they last longer than their dairy counterparts; this often means they can be safely frozen.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional cheese that still packs all the cheesy flavors without animal products, consider freezing some soy-based vegan cheeses!
Dishes to Make with Vegan Cheese
Let’s dive into some delicious recipes you can make with frozen vegan cheese:
Vegan quesadillas
Vegan quesadillas are an amazing and delicious way to get creative with frozen vegan cheese. The creamy and stretchy nature of vegan cheese makes it the perfect ingredient for tortilla-based dishes.
Preparing vegan quesadillas is simple; stuff a tortilla with your favorite fillings, top it with the melted vegan cheese of your choice, and then fold it in half before cooking.
For added flavor, try mixing some spices, such as cumin and chili powder, before adding the melted cheese to enhance the flavor of this dish even more. Various other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, also work well in this dish.
To make your vegan quesadillas even more appetizing, cook them on a grill or in a large skillet until lightly browned and crispy on each side. You can also experiment by adding other toppings, such as plant-based sour cream or salsa, for an irresistible finish!
Try making these tasty quesadillas today and see why they’re an ideal way to use frozen vegan cheese!
Vegan grilled cheese
Vegan grilled cheese is a popular dish that can be made with various frozen vegan cheese products. Although it takes some trial and error to find the perfect texture and flavor, these simple recipes use ingredients like nutritional yeast, miso paste, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a deliciously cheesy sandwich that will satisfy any vegan cheese craving.
When it comes to frozen vegan cheese, there are many brands to choose from. One of the most popular options is Daiya’s slicing block cheese which comes in cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella flavors and can work in many recipes.
First off, when preparing frozen vegan cheese for great-tasting grilled cheeses, it’s best to either microwave it or set it on the counter for about 10 minutes before you heat it up – this will help prevent burning or sticking and also bring out the best flavors from your chosen brand of dairy-free cheese.
Next, assemble your ingredients for your sandwich; some great additions include thinly-sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers along with fresh herbs like basil or sage for extra flavor.
Then add enough plant-based margarine or oil to the pan so that both sides of the bread become golden brown when cooked – don’t skimp on this step! Once toasted, transfer your sandwich onto a plate lined with paper towels so that excess grease can be blotted away.
Finally, assemble all of your ingredients on one slice of toast before topping off with another slice – then place your assembled sandwiches into the pan at medium temperatures until both sides are golden brown prior to devouring!
Vegan mac and cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is easy to make with frozen vegan cheese. It has all the classic cheesy flavor but is lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional mac and cheese. Plus, it’s much easier to prepare! Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 8 ounces of elbow pasta
- 1 cup of non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard seed or prepared mustard
- One 8-ounce package of frozen vegan cheese (any variety will do)
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow pasta according to the directions on the package until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes, and ground mustard seed or prepared mustard. Stir together until combined, and then add in the dairy-free milk. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to low simmering while stirring constantly for five minutes or until thickened up slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in frozen cheese slices until fully melted into the sauce mixture.* Stir in cooked elbow pasta, then pour the mixture into a baking dish if desired for baking purposes** Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly on top with light golden brown edges (optional). Enjoy! Provided by One Green Planet.
Final Thoughts
We hope the tips we’ve shared help you get the most out of your favorite vegan cheeses. Interested in more vegan food tips? Check out some of our great vegan recipes.
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