15TH OCTOBER 2026
Can You Freeze Cheese? Which Cheeses Freeze Best and How to Do It
Bought a little too much cheese, or want to save some for another day? The good news is that you can freeze many cheeses, particularly harder varieties such as Cheddar. However, freezing can change the texture, so knowing which cheeses to freeze and how to store them makes all the difference.
At The Cheese Society, we always recommend enjoying your cheese fresh whenever possible. But if you have leftovers or want to avoid waste, freezing can be a useful option.
Which cheeses can you freeze?
Not all cheeses respond to freezing in the same way. Some cope well, while others can lose their lovely creamy texture once thawed.
Hard and firm cheeses
Harder cheeses generally freeze best. Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester and other firm cheeses can be frozen, although they may become more crumbly after defrosting.
These cheeses are often best saved for cooking, where changes in texture are less noticeable.
Can you freeze blue cheese?
Yes, many firmer blue cheeses can be frozen, although their texture may become more crumbly once thawed. If you have leftover Stilton, for example, freezing it in portions can be useful if you plan to use it later in sauces, soups or other cooked dishes.
Can you freeze Brie or Camembert?
We generally wouldn’t recommend freezing soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert if you want to enjoy them on a cheeseboard. Their delicate texture can become watery or grainy after thawing, and they may lose some of their characteristic creaminess.
If you do freeze a soft cheese, it may still be suitable for cooking, but the results can be unpredictable.
What about fresh cheeses?
Fresh cheeses, such as cottage cheese and cream cheese, often separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. They’re usually best enjoyed fresh rather than frozen.
How to freeze cheese properly
If you’ve decided to freeze your cheese, a little preparation will help protect its quality.
1. Divide it into portions
Cut your cheese into manageable pieces before freezing. That way, you can defrost only what you need rather than thawing a whole block.
2. Wrap it well
Wrap the cheese tightly in greaseproof or baking paper, then add a layer of foil or place it in a suitable freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This helps protect it from freezer burn and prevents it from absorbing other flavours.
3. Label and date it
Write the type of cheese and the date on the packaging so you know what you have stored and how long it has been in the freezer.
4. Freeze promptly
Freeze cheese while it’s still in good condition, rather than waiting until it is already deteriorating. Keep your freezer at around -18°C and follow any storage guidance provided with the cheese.
How long can you keep cheese in the freezer?
For the best flavour and quality, we recommend using frozen cheese within three months. It may remain frozen for longer if kept continuously at -18°C, but its quality can deteriorate over time.
Freezing doesn’t make cheese that has already spoiled safe to eat, so always freeze it while it’s still in good condition.
How to defrost cheese
When you’re ready to use your cheese, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw slowly. Depending on the size of the piece, this will usually take around 24 hours.
Keep the cheese wrapped while it defrosts to help retain moisture, and use it soon after thawing. Avoid defrosting it on the kitchen worktop, where it can spend too long at an unsafe temperature.
Once thawed, the cheese may be more crumbly or slightly different in texture. This is perfectly understandable after freezing, which changes the structure of the cheese.
What is frozen cheese best used for?
Even if your cheese isn’t quite as lovely on a cheeseboard after freezing, it can still be delicious in cooked dishes.
Try using thawed cheese in:
- Cheese sauces: Stir mature Cheddar into a rich sauce for macaroni cheese.
- Toasties and grilled sandwiches: A great way to use up firmer cheeses.
- Soups: Add blue cheese to a broccoli or cauliflower soup for a savoury twist.
- Baking and cooking: Crumble cheese into savoury tarts, quiches or scones.
- Gratins and pasta bakes: Use grated cheese to create a golden, bubbling topping.
For the best results, grate or crumble firmer cheese before adding it to cooked dishes if its texture has changed during freezing.
Our cheesemongers’ advice: fresh is best
Freezing can be a useful way to reduce waste and make your cheese last longer, but it isn’t ideal for every variety. Harder cheeses tend to fare best, while soft and fresh cheeses can lose much of the texture that makes them special.
Whenever possible, we recommend buying cheese to enjoy while it’s fresh, storing it correctly in the fridge and making a plan for any leftovers.
And if you do freeze some mature Cheddar or Stilton, think of it as a head start on your next delicious cheese sauce!
Good cheese is too good to waste — just choose the right cheese, wrap it well and enjoy it in the right dish.
Happy cheesing!
The Cheese Society Team x
