How Long Can Unopened Cheese Be Left Out

Do you love adding ricotta cheese to your savory dishes and baked goods?

While ricotta is hardly cheap, it also has a relatively short shelf life. However, the good news is that a little of this specialty cheese goes a long way.

Finding a great deal on ricotta cheese can feel like winning the lottery. You are likely to want to grab several packages of ricotta cheese before the deal runs out. But, Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?

And can you defrost it later without experiencing any changes in texture or flavor?

Contents

• Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?
  • Fortunately
• How To Freeze Ricotta Cheese?
  • All At Once or In Smaller Portions?
• How To Thaw and Use Ricotta Cheese?
  • When You Are Ready To Use The Ricotta?
• How To Use Thawed Ricotta Cheese?
  • After Thawing
• More Ways To Use Ricotta Cheese
• Final Thoughts

Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?

While it is possible to freeze ricotta cheese, this is not the best cheese for freezing. Ricotta boasts a high moisture content, which turns to ice during the freezing process. When you defrost your ricotta, the texture will change, and it may be unsuitable for certain recipes.

The curds and whey become divided by the ice when ricotta is frozen. As a result, the ricotta will be drier and more crumbly when it thaws. In order to mask the change in texture, it is best to only use ricotta that was frozen in cooked dishes.

Fortunately

You can freeze ricotta cheese and use it in a wide range of different dishes. If your recipe is uncooked and calls for fresh ricotta, avoid using the cheese in the freezer. However, you may be able to use ricotta that has been cooked before the freezing process.

How To Freeze Ricotta Cheese?

If you have an unopened container of ricotta that has not expired, you can freeze it directly in that container. Simply pop the container of the ricotta in the back of the freezer, and the process is complete. However, it is a good idea to write the date of freezing on the container so that you can keep track of it.

In most cases, you are likely to be freezing leftover ricotta rather than an unopened container. Make sure that you store the leftover ricotta so that it freezes more evenly. Remove the ricotta from the container and press down on it with a layer of paper towels to drain the excess water.

All At Once or In Smaller Portions?

Depending on how you are planning to use your ricotta later, you can either freeze it as a whole block or individual portions. If you are only planning to use a little ricotta at a time, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can then transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag.

Either way, wrap the ricotta in plastic wrap before transferring it to the freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. You can now freeze your ricotta for up to two months.

How To Thaw and Use Ricotta Cheese?

The easiest and safest way to thaw ricotta cheese is to let it defrost in the fridge. The thawing process should take around five or six hours. If your ricotta is left in the fridge for more than eight hours, the texture will start to deteriorate.

Avoid thawing ricotta cheese at room temperature at all costs. Ricotta that is left at room temperature for too long can suffer from bacterial contamination.

When You Are Ready To Use The Ricotta?

Stir it together with a spoon so that it reaches the right consistency. You can keep ricotta that has been frozen in the fridge for up to three days. If there is too much extra water in the ricotta, it is a good idea to drain it before working with the cheese.

While thawing ricotta in the fridge is the best way, it means that you have to plan ahead. You need to know exactly when you want to use the ricotta and allow enough time for thawing. Unfortunately, thawing the ricotta in the fridge overnight is likely to degrade the texture.

Alternatively, you could cook with the ricotta when it is frozen. Frozen ricotta makes a great addition to soups and stews. Getting creative with frozen ricotta cheese will save you a lot of time and trouble.

How To Use Thawed Ricotta Cheese?

After your ricotta cheese has thawed, you can use it in a wide range of different ways. As we have already discussed, it is best to add ricotta cheese to hot dishes. Ricotta is the perfect addition to Italian dishes such as ravioli, lasagna, calzone, and fresh pasta.

If you are feeling creative, try adding a little ricotta to your pancake mix. The addition of ricotta makes pancakes especially creamy and decadent. Ricotta is also a great savory pancake filling and works well as salmon, spinach, tomatoes, and onions.

After Thawing

Ricotta is also the perfect addition to a range of other baked goods. These include pound cakes, cookies, and angel food cake. However, you should not use ricotta that has been frozen in ice cream, cheesecake, or cannoli filling.

More Ways To Use Ricotta Cheese

For more great ways to use ricotta cheese, check out the Best Italian Cookbooks, the Best Mexican Cookbooks, and the Best Cookbooks For Kids. Personally, I love using ricotta on pizza and pasta. I highly recommend using one of the Best Portable Pizza Ovens, the Best Pizza Stones, and the Best Canned Pizza Sauce you can buy in 2021.

Also, be sure to check out my Ooni 3 Outdoor Pizza Oven Review. And for pasta, try one of the Best Gluten-Free Pastas, the Best Frozen Meatballs, and the Best Canned Tomatoes currently on the market.

Final Thoughts

Ricotta cheese freezes well, and you can store it in the freezer for quite a long time. This helps to ensure that you will always have plenty of ricotta cheese close at hand. And, if you find a bargain on ricotta cheese, make sure that you grab it with both hands.

The only catch is that you cannot refreeze ricotta cheese that has already thawed. Trying to do this will quickly degrade the flavor and texture of the cheese. Therefore, it is best to freeze it in small batches and only defrost the amount that you plan to use.

Happy cooking!

How Long Can Unopened Cheese Be Left Out

Source: https://www.chefsresource.com/can-you-freeze-ricotta-cheese/

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