Can You Freeze Grated Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan cheese, one of the most popular worldwide cheeses, is used in many dishes. If you are wondering if you can freeze grated parmesan cheese, the answer is yes. It’s easy, and if you keep reading, we’ll tell you how

Parmesan Cheese is a mature hard, dry cheese made from cow’s milk and originated in Italy. 

It is one of the most popular cheeses. You can find it in almost every supermarket in various presentations, shredded, grated, whole, or in different size wedges.

You can eat this Italian cheese alone, but it’s mostly consumed in many dishes such as pasta or appetizers. 

Jump to:

• Origin of Parmesan Cheese
• The benefits of grated Parmesan cheese
• Can you freeze Parmesan Cheese?
• How to freeze Parmesan cheese?
• Can You Freeze Parmesan Rinds?
• How to thaw Parmesan cheese?
• What do you need to freeze Parmesan cheese?
• Recipes ideas that use frozen grated Parmesan cheese 
• How to store grated Parmesan cheese 
• FAQs about freezing Parmesan cheese

Origin of Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular, and one of the favorite cheeses typically used for grating or shaving over dishes like pasta, salads, and soups.

It is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and has a crumbly, flaky texture.

Parma and Reggio Emilia, the provinces of northern Italy where it is produced, are responsible for the name Parmigiano Reggiano.

The cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that gets stronger with age.

Parmesan cheese is made using a process called renneting, which involves adding rennet (a natural enzyme) to milk to coagulate the milk proteins.

This process forms the curds that are then pressed and aged for at least 12 months.

During the aging process, the cheese loses moisture and develops its characteristic granular texture.

Parmesan cheese can be grated or shaved over dishes using a grater or a peeler.

You can also use it in sauces or melted into cheesy dishes like lasagna or macaroni and cheese.

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The benefits of grated Parmesan cheese

There are few things more versatile than grated Parmesan cheese.

Whether you’re sprinkling it on pasta or using it to make a delicious pizza, it’s sure to add some extra flavor to your dish.

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But did you know that Parmesan cheese also has some surprising health benefits?

For one thing, it’s a great source of protein and calcium.

It also contains conjugated linoleic acid and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

So next time you’re looking for a way to spice up your meal, reach for the Parmesan cheese!

Here you can find more nutritional information on Parmesan cheese.

Can you freeze Parmesan Cheese?

The short answer is yes. Parmesan cheese will last a long time in your refrigerator, but it can also be frozen to prolong its shelf life.

When Parmesan cheese is frozen, you can expect texture changes, so it is best to use it in cooked dishes.

How to freeze Parmesan cheese?

Moisture is the worst enemy of Parmesan cheese. 

Therefore, to maintain your cheese fresh and with low moisture content, it is convenient to wrap it in parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax cheese paper and keep it in an airtight container. 

Parmesan cheese has low water content, making the freezing process easy, and ensuring outstanding results. 

One of the best methods to freeze parmesan cheese is to cut it into smaller pieces to avoid waste and wrap it with two layers of plastic freezer wrap to prevent freezer burn. 

When doing this, ensure you remove excess air when wrapping it. You can place the wrapped pieces in an airtight container in the freezer until needed. 

You can also freeze grated parmesan cheese with the same technique. 

For best results, select amounts of grated parmesan cheese and wrap them individually, place packages of the grated cheese in an airtight container, and freeze.

A good idea is always to label and date anything you freeze. 

This will allow you to know what you are freeing and how long it’s been in the freezer. If done correctly, frozen cheese will last for months.

Can You Freeze Parmesan Rinds?

Yes, you can freeze Parmesan rinds. To freeze them, place them in an airtight container or bag for up to six months.

When ready to use them, thaw the cheese in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.

Parmesan rinds are a great way to add flavor to soups and stews. 

Simmer the rinds in soup or stew for about 30 minutes, then discard them before serving. 

You can chop up Parmesan rinds and add them to dishes like risotto or pasta sauce. 

They’ll add a salty, cheesy flavor that will take your plate to the next level.

How to thaw Parmesan cheese?

If you use grated or shredded parmesan cheese, there is no need to thaw it. You can use it frozen. 

If you want to defrost a wedge of Parmesan cheese, the thawing process is simple; you must place it in the refrigerator overnight.

You will probably notice that once thawed, your wedge of Parmesan cheese has a little moisture due to condensation, but this is normal. 

Just dry out your wedge with a paper towel and rewrap your leftover thawed cheese before you store it again.

What do you need to freeze Parmesan cheese?

To freeze leftover Parmesan cheese, you will need a knife to cut your cheese, a grater to grate your cheese, plastic wrap, an airtight container, or plastic freezer bags.

Recipes ideas that use frozen grated Parmesan cheese 

If you’ve ever been to an Italian restaurant, you’ve probably had grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on your pasta dishes or pizza. 

But you might not know that you can buy frozen grated Parmesan cheese, which is a great time-saver when making dinner. 

Here are some recipes that use frozen grated Parmesan cheese:

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Toss diced potatoes with olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese, then roast in a 400-degree oven until crispy.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Dip chicken breasts in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. 

Bake in a 350-degree oven until cooked.

Parmesan Creamed Spinach: Sauté spinach in a little olive oil, stir in heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish or over pasta.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some frozen grated Parmesan cheese and try one of these recipes for an easy and delicious meal.

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How to store grated Parmesan cheese 

One of the great things about grated Parmesan cheese is that you can use it to add flavor to various dishes. 

However, it can be tricky to store grated cheese since it tends to dry out quickly. 

The best way to store grated Parmesan is to place it in a resealable bag or plastic container and keep it in the refrigerator. 

When ready to use the cheese, remove the desired amount from the pack and seal it again. 

With proper storage, grated Parmesan cheese will stay fresh for days.

FAQs about freezing Parmesan cheese