Cheese made from goat’s milk is often called chevre. It has a pronounced flavor and is softer in texture than cheese made from cow’s milk.
Fresh goat cheese contains more fat than cow cheese and less lactose as well, which can make it a bit more suitable for those that are somewhat lactose intolerant. Additionally, goat cheese is characterized by its white colors as well as the possibility of adding fresh herbs or spices to it.
While it contains more fat than traditional milk, it has other characteristics that make it one of the healthier cheese options.
There are many health benefits associated with goat cheese, among them improved gut health, strengthened bones, and weight loss, among others. Goat cheese is rich in nutrients, contains a lot of protein, calcium, fat, and vitamins, and can also help your body in many other ways. You may be surprised that something high in fat can be good for weight loss but it has a high omega 3 content, which is rapidly metabolized and creates a feeling of fullness faster so you eat less food.
Since goat cheese can be quite healthy and is of course delicious, it’s not much of a surprise that you purchased too much of it. But you may be wondering, can goat cheese be frozen? Yes, it certainly can!
Read on to earn all you need to know about freezing goat cheese to prolong its shelf life.
Can Goat Cheese Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese! Its flavor and texture isn’t impacted too much when frozen, so freezing is a great way to store it.
However, it’s sadly not as straightforward as simply putting goat cheese in the freezer, closing the door, and forgetting about it. Freezing goat cheese requires a bit more effort than that. But, it’s still a relatively easy process.
So, ultimately, if you had a wine and cheese party and you still have a lot of goat cheese leftover, you don’t have to worry. You can certainly freeze goat cheese, and all different varieties of it as well, from cheese balls to crumbles.
Can You Freeze Goat Cheese Balls?
Goat cheese balls are absolutely one of my favorite fried, cheesy snacks. They can be used as a part of an appetizer or as a seriously scrumptious salad topping. While you can deep fry them, my personal favorite way to prepare them is to use an air fryer. But, no matter which way you choose, you can certainly freeze goat cheese balls.
You may choose to freeze them because you have some leftovers after a party or dinner, or, conversely, you’re planning ahead and doing some early preparation for a future party or special occasion.
You can easily freeze them by simply placing each goat cheese ball in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag after they’ve cooled down. Then, label the bag or container and place them in the freezer. Use them within two months.
Can You Freeze Goat Cheese Crumbles?
Yes, you can definitely freeze goat cheese crumbles. Freezing goat cheese crumbles is actually great for two reasons. The first one is that when you freeze goat cheese crumbles, the cheese becomes firmer and more “crumbly”. Because when goat cheese crumbles are fresh, they are much softer and don’t have the same texture. And the second reason is that, of course, they will stay edible for a longer period of time if you freeze them properly.
To freeze goat cheese crumbles they should be frozen in either the original packaging or a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Of course, it’s easier if they’re not opened as you just need to label the package with the date and then place it in the freezer. If you’ve already opened it, then you should separate it into the portions that you’ll likely use and then put them into individual freezer-safe bags or containers.
Then, label them and then put them in the freezer. Use them within six months for the best results.
Can You Freeze Goat Cheese Sauce?
Yes, like other cheese sauces, you can also freeze goat cheese sauce.
Goat cheese sauce can freeze well because it has a higher fat content. All you need to do to freeze goat cheese sauce is first to allow it to cool. Then, split it into the desired amount of portions. Next, place the individual portions into their own freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Lastly, label them and put them into the freezer. Use the goat cheese sauce within three months for the best results.
How Long Can You Freeze Goat Cheese For?
I have briefly mentioned how long you can freeze goat cheese. But the length of time isn’t the same for all the different types or versions of goat cheese.
But, as you’ll see the minimum amount of time that you can store goat cheese for some varieties is two months, and for some versions of it, you can keep it in the freezer for up to six months.
Let’s go over each and see how long you can keep it in the freeze.
Please note, you can technically keep goat cheese in the freezer longer than these times, as it will still be safe to eat. However, you will be more likely to notice a reduction in the overall quality the longer it’s kept in the freezer.
- You can freeze goat cheese sauce for up to three months.
- Goat cheese crumbles can be frozen for up to six months.
- A goat cheese ball should only be kept in the freezer for up to two months.
- You can freeze chopped goat cheese or a goat cheese log for up to six months.
How to Freeze Goat Cheese
There are somewhat unique methods to freezing goat cheese, as I’ve already briefly mentioned. But they all follow generally the same steps. But the biggest difference is if you plan on separating it into multiple portions, but here is a general review of how to freeze goat cheese.
- If it’s a goat cheese sauce or goat cheese balls, allow it to completely cool.
- Next, if you plan on it, particularly the case for goat cheese crumbles or goat cheese sauce, separate it into multiple portions.
- Then, place the goat cheese item into a freezer-safe bag(s) or container(s).
- Label the bag(s) or container(s) with the date and place them in the freezer.
- Use the frozen cheese within the appropriate time frame that I’ve mentioned above.
How to Defrost Frozen Goat Cheese
Thawing or defrosting frozen goat cheese is the same no matter if it’s sliced, still in a log, or in a sauce.
The only way that you should defrost frozen cheese is by placing it in the fridge the night before you plan on using it.
Then, it will be defrosted and ready to use the next day.
Uses for Goats Cheese After Freezing
There are a few different ways that you can use goat cheese after it’s been frozen. However, the least recommended way is to eat it plain as a cracker topping, or something similar. This is because, while goat cheese freezes pretty well, the texture will still change in the freezing and defrosting process.
But, there are still plenty of ways that you can use goat cheese after it’s been frozen without being able to tell at all that it’s been frozen. In most cases, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between frozen and fresh cheese! Here are some of my favorites:
- Add it to a sauce for a deep, creamy cheesy flavor.
- Use it as a key part of the lasagna white sauce.
- Make a soup with it.
- Add it to a variety of casseroles to boost the flavor.
Of course, these are only a few ideas. Feel free to try many other ways!
Can You Refreeze Goats Cheese?
No, you shouldn’t refreeze goat cheese.
Similar to other types of cheese, the taste and texture will degrade even more if you refreeze it. This is a great reason to freeze it in smaller portions that you know that you’ll use.
What is a Good Alternative to Goat Cheese?
Have a recipe that calls for goat cheese but don’t have any, fresh or frozen, to hand?
Not to worry, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use instead!
Check out our complete guide to goat cheese alternatives here.