Cheese dip is widely loved for its versatility and delicious flavor. It comes in a wide range of varieties (spiced, onion, vegan, etc.) and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you have cheese dip with nachos on movie nights, on the side with french fries, or even as a healthy snack with some carrot and celery sticks, there’s a way to make it work!
But what happens if you have some leftover cheese dip from a party or have bought one too many cheese dips that were on sale? You might ask yourself, can I keep it for later? Can you freeze cheese dip?
The good news is that it is possible, and yes, you can freeze cheese dip!
Don’t know how to freeze cheese dip? No worries.
Today I’ll share the how-tos, tips, and tricks for freezing cheese dip, including defrosting and enjoying it for later.
How Long Does Cheese Dip Last?
How long cheese dip lasts depends on whether it is store-bought or homemade, and if you have stored it properly.
Store-bought cheese dip can last much longer than home-made cheese dip. This is because it usually contains chemicals and special ingredients to preserve it. It’s also generally safe to consume after its ‘best- by’ date. However, the quality of the cheese dip will reduce after the shelf-by date.
Once opened and dipped in, I would generally advise you to consume your cheese dip as soon as possible. Double-dipping also affects how long the cheese dip will last because of the bacteria it introduces.
Homemade and already opened store-bought cheese dip lasts up to 6 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.
| Cheese Dip Variety | At Room Temperature | In the Fridge | In the Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store-bought, unopened | 'Best Before' Date | Up to a couple of weeks after 'Best Before' date | Up to a year |
| Store-bought, opened | Up to 2 hours | 4 - 6 days | 4 - 6 months |
| Homemade | Up to 2 hours | 4 - 6 days | 4 - 6 months |
Does Cheese Dip Freeze Well?
You might have heard from some friends that cheese dip does not freeze well. While freezing cheese dips can go wrong easily, with the correct technique and some trial and error, cheese dip does freeze well.
Freezing cheese dip takes a little more effort than freezing a simple sauce like ketchup. After all, it’s a dairy-based sauce, and it often contains more than one type of cheese. The amount of dairy makes it more likely to separate or clump when freezing.
If done wrong, you will end up with a watery unappetizing mess. Cheese dip or any other dairy-based sauce also tends to lose its texture and flavor when not frozen or defrosted correctly.
However, fret not. With all the tips below, you’ll learn how to freeze cheese dip properly. Whether it’s home-made or store-bought, they can all be frozen well with the correct method, some care, and patience.
How to Freeze Cheese Dip
Freezing cheese dip is simple to do at home but there’s a few important steps to ensure it retains its texture and quality. All you’ll need is some freezer-safe bags or containers and your cheese dip!
If your cheese dip is store-bought and unopened, you can just freeze it as it is. However, if it comes in a can or a glass jar, then you must transfer it to a new freezer-safe container. Freezing cans or glasses is generally not advised.
Ensure cheese dip is at room temperature and there are no leftover food bits. If your cheese dip has already been opened and used, ensure it’s cooled and that there’s no leftover food inside.
Transfer cheese dip into a freezer-safe container. Pour your cheese dip into a freezer-safe resealable bag or container. Be sure to leave an inch of space at the opening to allow the cheese dip to expand when frozen.
Label the freezer bag and store it. Seal your bag or containers tight and label with the date and content. Store flat in your freezer immediately.
Tips for Freezing Cheese Dip
If you are still having some difficulty in freezing cheese dips, here are some tips and tricks you can try next time.
Freeze smaller portions. Maybe you don’t need to thaw the whole bowl of cheese dip. You just need a serving for one for your bag of nachos. Freezing cheese dip in an ice tray or silicon molds is best for individual portions.
Vacuum seal. Vacuum sealing your cheese dip will extend the shelf-life just a little extra longer. It will also keep your freezer free from unnecessary messy spills.
Store ready-made cheese dip upside down. This will prevent freezer burn, which compromises the texture and quality of your cheese dip. Increasing your chances of successfully frozen cheese dip.
How to Defrost and Reheat Cheese Dip
You’ve got your favorite cheese dip frozen, but how do you defrost and reheat it to perfection? Frozen cheese dip will never taste the same, but here’s how you can defrost cheese dip and some tips to get you close to the original.
Defrost in the fridge. Remove your frozen cheese dip from the freezer and place it into the fridge. Allow it to defrost for a few hours or overnight until it is soft. The contents may begin to separate and become watery, but it’s normal and should go back to normal when reheated.
Reheat in a pan. Transfer your defrosted cheese dip into a saucepan. Reheat and simmer over low-medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning at the bottom and to recombine the cheese dip to its original consistency.
Reheat in a microwave. If you need your cheese dip fast, you can reheat your cheese dip in a microwave at intervals of 20 secs at high heat. At each interval, stir the cheese dip well, and heat until satisfied.
Stir well and serve! Remember to stir the cheese dip well. You can use a whisk to fully combine the ingredients again. Once combined and reheated, you’re ready to serve some cheese dip.
Tips for Defrosting and Reheating Cheese Dip
The defrosting method above usually never goes wrong, but here are some tricks you can try to make your cheese dip even better.
Add a pinch of cornstarch to thicken. If your cheese dip consistency is slightly watery or not as thick as you want it to be, add some cornstarch and stir well. Add a pinch (¼ teaspoon) or as much as you need.
Add some cheese or milk to add more flavor. If your cheese dip is homemade, you’ll do no harm by adding some of the cheese you used to make it and milk. This will restore the flavor and make it extra delicious.
Can You Refreeze Cheese Dip?
Refreezing perishables is generally not advised. The same goes for cheese dip.
Once cheese dip is thawed and reheated, refreezing it isn’t a great idea. This is because it’s a dairy-based dip, and when frozen, the texture and consistency will not be the same. Additionally, it may pose some health risks.
That’s why I recommend freezing cheese dip in smaller portions. This way, you only defrost what you need without wasting any cheese dip.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, frozen cheese products that are half-thawed, still cold, or have been in temperatures over 40 Fahrenheit for less than two hours, are safe to freeze again.
Overall, refreezing cheese dip depends on your situation. In some cases, refrozen cheese dip would still be safe to eat. However, the quality and texture would definitely not be the same as the first time. If you refreeze, only refreeze once and never again.
How to Tell if Cheese Dip Has Gone Bad
The cheese dip looks fine, so we go ahead and take a big scoop. Only to find out it’s way past its best-by date – I know, we’ve all been there. If you’re unsure if your cheese dip has gone bad, here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:
Moldy Smell
The easiest way to tell if your cheese dip has gone bad is by doing a quick sniff test. If your cheese dip has gone bad, it’ll begin to give off a bad odor. It will usually smell like mold, gone-off dairy, or anything but cheese. If so, discard it immediately.
Mold or Different Colour
The second easiest way to tell if cheese dip has gone bad is mold growing or if the color has changed. If there is mold growing it, don’t try to scrape the mold off and throw it away. Tiny pores have most likely spread around the drip contaminated the dip.
Slimy Texture
While it is normal for the consistency of cheese dip to separate when thawing, after mixing, if the consistency still does not combine – it might have gone bad. If the consistency is slimy or oily, then it is a definite sign your cheese dip has gone bad and has to go.
Sour Taste
Lastly, the taste is an easy giveaway that your cheese dip has gone bad. If it states sour or gone-off, or simply nothing like cheese dip, it’s definitely gone bad. Stop eating it immediately and throw it in the bin.
You’re unlikely to fall seriously ill from a spoilt cheese dip. You might just have a bad stomach for the next few days. However, if you do feel ill, be sure to visit your doctor.
If you’re still unsure if your cheese dip has gone bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Throw it away and get a new batch of cheese dip. You could even make it at home.