Can You Freeze Manchego Cheese?
Quick Answer : Can You Freeze Manchego Cheese?
Yes. You can freeze Manchego cheese, similar to any hard cheese. Preserving Manchego cheese is easy, provided you follow the recommendations correctly. Though the Manchego cheese can get grainy after defrosting, it still holds well. One of the best aspects of Manchego cheese is that it freezes well. So, let us learn how to freeze the cheese and consider the precautions you take to do it successfully.
How Do You Freeze Manchego Cheese?
Manchego cheese is like any other hard, cured cheese. While you can keep it in a dry room or the fridge, freezing the cheese is the best storage method. The key is to ensure that it does not become wet.
- While you can freeze the entire block of Manchego cheese, we recommend that you chop it into consumable pieces. Then, it becomes convenient to defrost and consume without wasting any cheese.
- Manchego cheese blocks can absorb other food odors easily. So, it becomes essential to protect the cheese. The ideal way is to wrap each piece carefully with plastic wrap. We suggest wrapping them tightly enough to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
- Place the wrapped Manchego cheese in freezer bags. Use a vacuum sealer to expel air from the bag and seal it.
- Once sealed well, note the freezing date, and push the bags into the freezer allowing the Manchego cheese to freeze well.
If you decide to freeze the entire Manchego cheese block, we suggest double wrapping it to protect against moisture exposure and the food odors in the freezer. You can shred the cheese before freezing it in freezer bags. However, removing excess air from the freezer bags is critical. Otherwise, freezer burn can damage the cheese’s texture and taste.
How Long Can Manchego Cheese Remain Frozen Fresh Inside Freezer?
The frozen Manchego cheese retains its freshness for two to three months inside the freezer.
Does Freezing Affect Manchego Cheese?
Freezing does not affect the Manchego cheese much. However, it can cause ice crystal formation that can disrupt its structure. As a result, the cheese might dry and become a bit crumbly. Freezing the Manchego cheese halts its ripening process. Thus, it is beneficial as it encourages an active mold population.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Manchego Cheese?
You can defrost Manchego cheese in two ways. The ideal defrosting method is transferring the frozen Manchego cheese from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. The Manchego cheese defrosts naturally and becomes ready for consumption the following morning.
Alternatively, you can defrost the Manchego cheese by leaving it on the kitchen countertop for two and a half hours. The cheese defrosts quickly because it is one of the best melting cheeses. As a result, it becomes nutty and buttery and not greasy as cheddar cheese usually gets.
Does Manchego Cheese Store Well In Kitchen Cabinet?
Manchego is a cured cheese. Hence, it can be stored in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight. However, the room temperature should not be more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). So, you can store an entire wheel of Manchego cheese at room temperature.
Please ensure proper ventilation and the humidity levels in the room are low. We suggest placing the Manchego cheese block on a wooden tray and wrapping it with waxed paper. The protection is necessary to preserve the Manchego cheese’s flavors.
If you slice or chop the Manchego cheese into small pieces, we advise storing them in a jar with extra virgin olive oil. You can add herbs and garlic to add to its flavors.
How Do You Store Manchego Cheese In The Fridge?
You can refrigerate Manchego cheese after taking the following precautions. First, place the Manchego cheese block on a wooden tray and wrap it well with waxed paper. We suggest keeping the Manchego cheese in the lower part of the fridge to ensure it does not get wet.
If you plan to store a Manchego cheese wedge in the fridge, we suggest using a plastic storage container. You can also wrap the cheese wedge with a wet cloth, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
If you store the Manchego cheese with extra virgin olive oil, you can keep it in the fridge. However, please ensure that the jar with the oil and cheese should not be sealed airtight. In contrast, we suggest covering the pot with waxed paper and a rubber band.
How Long Can You Store Manchego Cheese In The Fridge?
The Manchego cheese remains fresh for two months in the fridge. Freezing it can extend its storage by another month.
Can You Refreeze Manchego Cheese?
We do not recommend refreezing the Manchego cheese because it can destroy its texture and make the cheese grainy. That explains why we suggest chopping the cheese block into small cubes. Then, it becomes convenient to consume the cheese and not let it go waste.
Can You Freeze Manchego Cheese With Its Rind?
Yes. You can freeze the Manchego cheese with its skin. But, if you plan to cut the cheese before freezing it, we suggest peeling off its skin.
Can You Freeze Grated Manchego Cheese?
You can freeze grated Manchego cheese by placing them in freezer bags and storing them in the freezer after removing excess air.
With What Foods Does Manchego Cheese Pair Well?
Manchego cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, crackers, bread, dried tomatoes, figs, etc. You can consume Manchego cheese alone, especially if you like its complex flavor.
Can You Freeze The Manchego Cheese Sandwich?
Yes, there should not be any problems freezing the Manchego cheese sandwich. However, we suggest wrapping the sandwich well to prevent freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Manchego Cheese Sauce?
Yes. It is possible to freeze the Manchego cheese sauce because the cheese freezes well.
Can You Freeze Manchego Cheese Dip?
You can freeze Manchego cheese dip. Though the defrosted cheese can become a bit grainy, you can stir it and restore its consistency.
Final Thoughts
Manchego cheese is unique in many ways. Manchego cheese, a cured, hard cheese, is easily preserved in the kitchen cabinet. While refrigerating the cheese is also possible, freezing it is ideal if you wish to extend its lifespan. So, can you freeze Manchego cheese? The answer is YES. You can freeze Manchego cheese after taking the necessary precautions.
