I use a lot of mascarpone cheese and I’ve found it a great candidate for freezing. If you have leftover mascarpone cheese you want to freeze then you’re in luck! You can freeze mascarpone cheese and my process is simple and quick. Read on for the easiest and most effective way to freeze mascarpone.
Yes you can freeze mascarpone cheese for up to four months when stored properly. You will also need to learn how to properly defrost your mascarpone cheese when you are ready to use it.
There is variation in the quality and freshness of mascarpone cheese but on average you can freeze it for up to four months.
I will go over the complete freezing and thawing process so you can ensure that your mascarpone cheese tastes as fresh and delicious as the day you froze it.
I will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about mascarpone cheese so read on for the complete rundown.
What Is Mascarpone Cheese?
Mascarpone is a soft and smooth Italian cheese that is prized for it’s creamy texture and delicious flavor. It is a popular ingredient for both sweet and savory recipes making it a versatile staple in my kitchen.
It is a soft type of cheese and often compared to cream cheese. Mascarpone is not as tangy as cream cheese though and it has a higher fat content making it ideal for recipes that call for baking.
Mascarpone cheese is frequently used in spreads, cheesecake and even tiramisu. Because of it’s versatility it is an excellent cheese to keep stocked but knowing how to freeze it will allow you to keep a large amount of mascarpone on hand without worrying about it going bad.
Yes! You Can Freeze Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone’s high liquid and fat content makes it the perfect candidate for freezing. It also means that many recipes made with mascarpone can also be safely stored in the freezer.
I frequently make tiramisu and cheesecake with mascarpone and freeze my leftovers. Even spreads and sauces made with this soft Italian cheese hold their own frozen. The key though is to follow the steps below to keep your mascarpone free of freezer burn or losing it’s tasty flavor and texture.
Improper freezing techniques will lead to spoiling and curdling as well as a dried out and tasteless cheese. So follow the steps below for the best way to freeze mascarpone.
Stir Your Mascarpone
Whenever you freeze mascarpone cheese the first thing to do is stir it thoroughly. Mascarpone has a high liquid and fat content so it begins to separate when it sits. You must combine it by giving it a good whisk before it can be properly frozen.
If your cheese is clumpy then you will want to heat it with a double boiler prior to moving on to the next step. While heating it continue to stir it until it is well combined and smooth. Then allow it to completely cool before moving on to the next step.
Transfer To An Airtight Container
This step is critical to ensuring your mascarpone cheese freezes and maintains it’s texture and flavor.
Separate your cheese into desired portions (or freeze all together) and then place in clean, airtight freezer container or freezer bags.
Make sure they are completely sealed and use a vacuum sealer if you have one available. It is very important to ensure your cheese is sealed up airtight before moving it to your freezer.
You can additionally place a layer of aluminum to your airtight container but it is not absolutely required. It will offer you a bit more protection from freezer burn.
Now label your container with the original best used by date as well as the date put in the freezer. Remember that you can keep your mascarpone cheese frozen for up to four months so having it well labeled is crucial.
Freeze
Now place your labeled container in the freezer. Place it near the back of your freezer and in a place where it won’t need to be moved every time you need to get something else out of your freezer.
By placing it safely in the back of your freezer it will freeze quickly and this will help avoid the formation of ice crystals. Then simply keep your mascarpone in your freezer until you are ready to use it.
How Do You Defrost Mascarpone Cheese?
Just as important as the freezing process for maintaining your cheese’s flavor is the thawing process. You will need to do this step right or your cheese will taste lifeless and bland.
The best way to defrost mascarpone cheese is placing it (in the airtight container) in your refrigerator for at least twelve hours before using. Unfortunately there is no way to thaw your cheese faster without it losing texture and taste.
If you attempt to heat your mascarpone to thaw it, it will become clumpy and lose flavor. So be sure to give yourself enough time to thaw properly in the fridge.
I have found it’s best to place your mascarpone in the refrigerator the day before I need to use it to ensure it is completely defrosted in time.
Once it is fully thawed (after sitting in the fridge for at least 12 hours) stir your mascarpone to combine any separated liquid.
And just like that your mascarpone is ready to use!
Can Mascarpone Be Refrozen?
While you can technically freeze your cheese for a second time I do not recommend it. You are likely to have a cheese that separates and won’t properly combine when refrozen. For this reason it is best to pre-portion your cheese when initially freezing your cheese.
Refreezing also increases the chance for bad bacteria to be introduced to your cheese. For these reasons I recommend only freezing your cheese once. Take advantage of using multiple containers for your cheese and portion in sizes you will use in a particular recipe to avoid the need for refreezing your cheese.
How Long Can Mascarpone Cheese Be Stored In The Freezer?
Mascarpone cheese can remain frozen for up to four months. The exact amount of time may be a bit longer but that depends on the initial freshness and quality of your mascarpone cheese.
Be certain to label the date of freezing as well as the original best by date to ensure you do not leave your cheese in the freezer longer than four months.
Just like with anything frozen, your mascarpone can lose it’s flavor and texture when frozen for extended periods of time or if frozen in an improper container. Make sure to use a freezer safe, airtight container or freezer bag to store your cheese. And for best results use a vacuum sealer to seal it.
Bottom Line
Yes mascarpone cheese can be frozen. It is imperative that you follow the steps above to ensure your cheese stays good to eat as well as to avoid freezer burn or curdling. Some separation is to be expected but your cheese should only be frozen once to avoid spoiling.