It happens that you buy Philadelphia Cream Cheese for a recipe. Then, your decision changes. You don’t use the cream cheese, which languishes in the fridge. Cream cheese is another dairy product that can often expire before you use it. However, your freezer could allow you to get more out of it than the expiration dates suggest.
You are interested in knowing the details of freezing Philadelphia cream Cheese so you can decide if it is a good idea for your situation.
If you answered yes, then this article is for you. Keep reading.
Can you freeze Philadelphia cream cheese?
You can freeze Philadelphia cream cheese with no problems. Freezing Philadelphia cream cheese is possible if you properly freeze and defrost it. But once defrosted, the consistency of the cheese will change.
Although you expect it to be creamy and smooth, the cheese becomes more crumbly. It is not suitable for use as a spread or dip. It can also become slightly grainy. However, we recommend that you don’t freeze it. This is not because it’s dangerous but because it causes a loss of quality. It is no longer creamy.
It will look perfect when first defrosted. You will see some liquid separations around the edges. Stir it back together. It looks fine but becomes a thin yogurt texture and loses its incredible smoothness. This can impact how you use it, but it doesn’t mean you should throw it out.
It’s still useful and valuable. You can avoid it by adding more ingredients to your dish or baking. like people tend to make and freeze cream soups, pies, cakes etc. for eating them later when hungry.
Can You Freeze Philadelphia Cream Cheese Blocks and Spreads?
You can freeze both Philadelphia spreads as well as blocks. Are there differences in the effects of freezing them?
Before you start, you should know that cream cheese spreads and blocks get softened so that you can spread them easily. However, you will have trouble spreading them.
Both of them change in texture once frozen. The Philadelphia blocks have lower moisture levels than spreads, making the change less dramatic once defrosted. It is still visible.
It is important to leave some space between the cream cheese and the container.
This will prevent freezer burn.
If you place the cheese in an untightened container. In that case, it will cause a dramatic alteration in its texture. It will ultimately lead to a very unpleasant result.
How to Freeze Philadelphia Cream Cheese?
Here are some ways to make frozen cream cheese.
- Decide how you will use it. Cream cheese is solid. Consider how you’ll use cream cheese once it has thawed and the best portion size for your needs.
- Divide the portion into individual containers. Once you plan, you can transfer the portions to an airtight container. This is a great use for the containers in which Philadelphia spreads come packaged. You don’t need to repackage the entire thing if you freeze it. You can also freeze unopened cream cheese containers. Place Philadelphia blocks in containers, even whole bricks, without wrapping.
- Freeze. Label containers with date and name if necessary.
That’s it. It’s easy and takes only a few minutes.
Does the texture change when you freeze cream cheese?
Cream cheese is basically an emulsion or a stable combination of milk fats and protein. The water content can cause ice crystals to form in frozen cream cheese. This can cause the fat/protein mixture to break down slightly and create a grainier texture.
You can ease the problem by gently freezing your cream cheese. However, you can do a few things to restore your cream cheese’s natural state once thawed.
How to Thaw Frozen Philadelphia Cream Cheese?
Use the containers you froze the Philadelphia cream cheese in to defrost it. The entire process can take between 4 and 12 hours, depending on how much cream cheese you defrost.
You can speed up the process by placing the container in a bowl filled with lukewarm (still in the fridge) water. This works because water conducts heat faster than air and can defrost any food item.
It doesn’t have to be a large portion of Philadelphia. You can transfer it to the fridge in the evening and let it freeze overnight. The next morning, it will be ready. You can also do this in the morning to have it ready by the end of the afternoon.
After the cheese gets defrosted, it is time to deal with the separated liquid.
How to Make Soft Cream Cheese again?
There are several things you can do to make cream cheese smoother.
- Mix in milk or water, and then use an electric mixer to mix it all. This will smoothen any frozen lumps and give you a creamy texture.
- Add sour cream to the mixture that will add creaminess to your cream cheese and restore its original consistency.
- Heat the cream cheese in the microwave for a few seconds and then stir. Continue heating until you reach the desired texture.
What should I do if I have too much cream cheese?
There are many things you can do with excess cream cheese.
Make cheesecake and freeze it, so friends can have dessert ready for them when they come for dinner. It’s also possible to add sour cream to your recipe to give it more creaminess and restore its original consistency.
Here are some more ideas for cream cheese recipes
Cream cheese pound cake- This delicious recipe has the soft texture of pound cake. You can freeze this one without losing its flavour or texture.
Cream Cheese Frosting– This frosting is a timeless classic. It’s great for cakes, cupcakes and even brownies. You can also freeze it so that you have some for later.
Lasagna Rolls– These rolls are filled with creamy cheese and topped off with your favourite sauce. These rolls are great for family dinners; you can freeze them later.
Cream Cheese Potato soup– This creamy potato soup is perfect for winter days. This soup is also very easy to prepare, and you can freeze them later.
Pecan Pie Bars- These bars are sweet, nutty, and great for holidays or any other time of the year. They are easy to make and can be frozen for later.
Many more recipes use cream cheese. You can find many recipes using cream cheese through a quick online search or by looking in your favorite cookbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to Philadelphia cream cheese if it is frozen?
To extend the shelf life of cream cheese, you can freeze it. It is important to remember that freezing cream will alter the texture of cream cheese, making it more grainy. The cheese can become crumblier after it has thawed, making it harder to spread.
How can you make frozen cream cheese creamy again?
You can thaw frozen cream cheese by removing it from the freezer and placing it in a refrigerator overnight. Whip frozen cream cheese to make it creamy again. This is what it does. Mix the liquid and solid by heating it in a microwave for 10-20 seconds.
What happens if you don’t Soften cream cheese?
You can use softened cream cheese in recipes that require it. If the cream cheese is not cold enough, it will produce a lumpy texture. to know for how long you can safely use your cream cheese read our post to understand the shelf life your cream cheese.
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