One of the most common questions that people ask is whether or not it’s possible to freeze cotija cheese. This article will answer that question and provide some tips for freezing cotija cheese.
Can You Freeze Cotija Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze cotija cheese. However, frozen cotija cheese will have a crumbly texture.
Here are some tips for freezing cotija cheese:
- Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag.
- Label the freezer bag with the date.
- Freeze the cheese for up to two months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use the cheese. Once thawed, use the cheese within one week.
If you have any leftover cotija cheese, we recommend using it within two weeks. After that, the quality of the cheese will start to decline.
Related: Can You Freeze Flour Tortillas?
What is Cotija Cheese?
Cotija cheese is a type of Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a strong, salty flavor and a crumbly texture. Cotija cheese is often used topping for salads, tacos, and enchiladas.
Does Freezing Affect Cotija Cheese?
Generally, cotija cheese doesn’t have a long shelf life and should be used within about two weeks of purchase. However, you can freeze it for up to six months, making it easy to stock up on if you know you’ll use it sooner rather than later.
Like many hard cheeses, freezing does affect the texture of cotija. The drying effect is intensified during freezing, leaving the cheese drier and more crumbly than when first frozen.
As with many other types of cheese, it’s better to thaw a frozen block of cotija cheese in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature or in water.
Another consideration for cotija cheese is that it’s very sharp, so eating a lot of it at once can be overwhelming if you’re not used to the kick. If you’re going to freeze cotija cheese, it’s best to do so in small portions or dime-sized slices and thaw as needed.
This will help maintain the quality of the cheese for when you are ready to use it. When thawing, cotija cheese can be crumbly, so it is best used in dishes where that texture would enhance the dish, such as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, or salads.
How Long Does Cotija Cheese Last?
Cotija cheese will last for two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer. After that, the quality of the cheese will start to decline.
How to Freeze Cotija Cheese?
You can freeze Cotija Cheese in a couple of ways. One way to do it is by shredding the cheese into pieces and freezing it before putting it into an airtight container or resealable bag.
The other option is to just freeze the whole block of cheese, but keep in mind that it will not be as moist as when frozen a different way and will lose moisture during freezing.
Also, if you decide just to freeze the whole block, you’ll need to thaw it before shredding. Here are a couple of tips:
- If you’re going to shred the cheese, do it before freezing.
- Get all the air out of the container or bag before sealing it shut.
- Write the date on the bag to know when it was frozen.
Following these steps will help your Cotija Cheese last longer and stay fresher. Now that you know how to freeze it go ahead and stock up or save some for later!
How to Thaw Frozen Cotija Cheese?
You should never thaw Cotija Cheese at room temperature because it will begin to lose moisture and dry out quickly. The best way to thaw it is slowly, in the refrigerator overnight, or for a few hours if you’re pressed for time. You can also submerge the block or container of cheese in warm water for about 15 minutes.
You can then put it back into the fridge and let it sit until completely thawed, or use it as directed in your recipe. Once cotija cheese is thawed, it’s a good idea to cook it with something as soon as possible because it will begin to dry out quickly if not used immediately.
Use cotija cheese within a day or two for best results. Do not refreeze thawed cheese.
Will Freezing Change The Texture Or Taste Of Cotija Cheese?
When frozen, the cheese becomes much drier and crumblier than initially frozen. To thaw cotija cheese, put it in the refrigerator rather than letting it sit at room temperature or in water.
How to Tell if Frozen Cotija Cheese is Bad?
The cotija cheese has gone bad if it smells strange, is moldy, or tastes bad. You should also look at the color and texture of the cheese.
You should throw away cheese that tastes different or doesn’t have color.
If you put it in the freezer for 2 months, you will be safe to eat it again as long as the container is sealed shut.
What to Make With Cotija Cheese?
Cotija cheese is a delicious ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Try it out in some of your favorite Mexican dishes and see how much you enjoy it.
It’s a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways. One is elote, which is corn on the cob with sour cream, spices, and herbs. You can also put cotija cheese on tacos, and it gives them a salty flavor. Another dish is red salsa with cotija cheese.
This is a mix of classic red salsa and cotija cheese, which is a delicious combination. Cotija cheese does not melt when exposed to heat, but it softens instead. This makes it perfect for grating and sprinkling on top of different dishes.
Related: Can You Freeze Salad?
Conclusion
The quality of cotija cheese will degrade over time. If you want to keep it fresh, the best way is either freezing or refrigerating for up to two weeks.
However, frozen cotija cheese will have a crumbly texture and won’t be as moist when thawed as other ways of preserving it. You can also keep it submerged in warm water for about 15 minutes.
Once thawed, it is best to use it immediately or within a day or two. If you see any mold, bad smell, or change color, then the cheese has gone bad, and you should throw it away.
