Can You Freeze Provolone Cheese?
Yes, you can. Provolone is a hard, unmelted cheese that will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
If you’re planning on freezing it, we recommend using a freezer bag or zipper-top bag with a label on it. Using an airtight container, the cheese may dry out and become crumbly when thawed.
To avoid this problem, place the cheese inside a zip-top bag before placing it into your freezer. Then, remove the cheese from the bag once frozen and transfer it directly to the storage container. The cheese should be placed as flat as possible not to take up too much space.
What is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone cheese is a semi-soft, aged cheese made from cow’s milk. It is known for its sweet and intense flavor. It is also a member of the Swiss cheese family, with its strong tanginess and salty character.
Provolone is typically used in sandwiches, but it can also be eaten on its own.
Provolone cheese has a moist, crumbly texture that melts easily and gives a tender, smooth texture to foods like pizza. It’s also one of the most popular cheeses in the United States.
How is Provolone Cheese Made?
The process of making provolone cheese begins by curdling the milk. This involves adding rennet to the milk, which causes the protein in the milk to coagulate into small clumps called curds. These curds are then separated from the whey, containing water and other nutrients.
Next, the curds are cut into pieces and heated until they reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43°C). They are then pressed together to form blocks of cheese. Afterward, these blocks are left to age for a while, usually at least six weeks. During aging, the cheese develops a rind and loses moisture.
When choosing a provolone cheese brand, look for one that uses only pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills bacteria, including salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. However, it does not kill all harmful microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to choose a brand that has been produced under strict guidelines.
What happens if you freeze provolone cheese?
If you freeze Provolone Cheese, it will break apart and become soft and sticky. It can be used for various things, such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more.
The freezing process makes the cheese more flavorful and keeps it fresh for longer. The freeze-drying process causes the fat content to be retained, giving the cheese its texture.
Furthermore, it can be stored at room temperature for about two weeks after defrosting. However, it should be kept refrigerated once opened.
How to Freeze Provolone Cheese?
Freezing provolone cheese is a fairly easy project. It requires no electricity, just a bit of elbow grease, and a couple of inexpensive tools. Provolone is often used in sandwiches or for dipping bread into pasta sauces, but it can also thicken sauces and dress salads.
Process:
STEP 1 Remove the labels from the cheese. When cutting cheese for freezing, it’s best to remove the labels to avoid cross-contamination. Cut off the outer edges with a clean blade if you’re using a knife. Cut out the label and peel it off.
STEP 2 Layout the cheese on a baking sheet. Provolone is usually sold in rounds or slices, so cut them into pieces that fit your freezer.
STEP 3 Freeze the cheese. There are a variety of methods you can use to freeze cheese. Try placing the pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, then place them in the freezer. Or, if you have more space, spread it out over a cookie sheet or another flat surface to make a thin, flat slab.
STEP 4 Put the frozen cheese into plastic bags or wrap. Once you have the cheese in its final packaging, there is no need to thaw it before storing it. But if you don’t want to store it right away, you can put it into a Ziploc bag then freeze it in a container. You can also freeze the cheese in portions if you have extra pieces.
You can keep the cheese in the freezer for up to six months.
Tip:
To prevent the cheese from sticking together when you slice it, cut the cheese first and cover it with plastic wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Provolone Cheese:
How long is provolone cheese good frozen?
Provolone cheese freezes well because it contains natural fats that help preserve the product. As long as the cheese is not exposed to air, it will last for several months in the freezer.
Can I freeze provolone cheese without removing the labels?
Yes! Like any other food, you can freeze provolone cheese with the attached labels. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally contaminating the rest of the cheese with leftover labels.
Can I freeze provolone and mozzarella cheese together?
Yes! Since both cheeses contain similar ingredients, they can be combined easily. Mix the two types of cheese and freeze them separately. Then combine them when ready to serve.
What happens if I freeze provolone by itself?
The freezing process does not affect the taste of provolone cheese. It improves the flavor.
What do I do if my provolone cheese has been defrosted?
If your provolone cheese has already been defrosted, refreeze it. The texture should remain unchanged.
Last Words
Freezing provolone cheese doesn’t require much effort. All you have to do is follow these simple steps to get started. Now that you know how to freeze provolone cheese, you’ll never go back to buying pre-packaged products again.
Did we answer all your questions about freezing provolone cheese? If you have additional questions, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
