Can You You Freeze Philadelphia Cheese?
Cream cheese doesn’t last as long as many hard cheeses, so if you’ve bought more than you can use, you might be be wondering whether freezing is an option.
I love cheese. From cheddar to taleggio, there are usually five or six different types of cheese in our fridge. It’s actually got to the point where we have a dedicated cheese shelf! If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to end up buying more than you’ll use before it starts to go past its best.
The good news is that Philadelphia and other brands of cream cheese can be frozen, although there are a few things worth knowing first.
What Is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, mild cheese that’s used in everything from cheesecakes and frostings to pasta sauces, bagels and sandwiches.
Philadelphia is probably the best-known cream cheese brand, but the same freezing advice applies to supermarket own brands and other varieties too, including reduced-fat and flavoured cream cheeses.
Can You Freeze Philadelphia Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Philadelphia cream cheese.
Freezing extends its shelf life, but it does change the texture slightly. Once thawed, cream cheese often becomes softer and a little grainy, making it better suited to cooking than spreading.
If you’re planning to use it in sauces, soups, baking or cheesecakes, freezing is an excellent way to avoid food waste.
Does Cream Cheese Freeze Well?
Reasonably well.
The flavour is largely unchanged, but the texture won’t be quite as smooth once thawed. That’s why frozen cream cheese is generally best used in cooked dishes or baking rather than spread on crackers or toast.
How To Freeze Cream Cheese
Freezing cream cheese is straightforward.
- If it’s unopened and still within its use-by date, you can usually freeze it in its original packaging.
- Once opened, transfer any leftovers to a freezer-safe airtight container.
- Wrap well if needed to help prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date before freezing.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last In The Freezer?
For the best quality, use frozen cream cheese within 3 months.
It will remain safe to eat after that if continuously frozen, but the texture may continue to deteriorate.
How To Defrost Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Transfer the cream cheese to the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight.
Smaller portions may only need a few hours.
If the texture separates slightly after thawing, giving it a good stir will often help bring it back together, although it still won’t be quite as smooth as fresh cream cheese.
Can You Refreeze Cream Cheese?
It’s generally best not to refreeze thawed cream cheese.
However, if you’ve used it as an ingredient in a cooked dish, such as a pasta bake or cheesecake, that finished dish can usually be frozen if handled safely.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia cream cheese freezes well enough to make it worth saving leftovers, particularly if you plan to use them in cooking or baking. While the texture changes a little after thawing, the flavour remains much the same.
Looking for more freezing advice? Browse our Can You Freeze It? hub for hundreds of food freezing guides.
Looking to freeze some other types of cheese? We’ve got you covered!
