Camembert is a beloved soft-ripened cheese originating from France, known for its creamy texture and earthy flavor. While it’s a delicious addition to any cheese board or recipe, sometimes you may find yourself with leftover Camembert that you don’t want to go to waste.
This begs the question, can you freeze Camembert and does it freeze well?
Technically yes, you can freeze Camembert cheese, but it is not recommended. Freezing can affect the texture and flavor of soft cheeses like Camembert, making it crumbly and less enjoyable to eat.
Additionally, the cheese may develop a strong, unpleasant odor after thawing. If you need to store Camembert for a longer period, it is best to keep it in its original packaging in the refrigerator and consume it within its expiration date for optimal taste and texture.
In this article, we will explore tips on how to freeze and thaw it properly to preserve its texture and flavor the best you can.
What to Make with Frozen Camembert?
Considering the fact that the quality decreases after freezing, here are some ideas on what you can do with your frozen cheese and what is better not to do.
Things you can do:
- Use frozen Camembert in cooked dishes where the texture and taste won’t matter as much.
- Grate frozen Camembert and use it as a topping on pizzas or in casseroles.
- Melt frozen Camembert and use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Things you shouldn’t do:
- Eat frozen Camembert as is, as the texture and taste will be compromised.
- Use frozen Camembert in recipes where its flavor and texture are important, such as in a cheese board or as a standalone appetizer.
- Refreeze Camembert that has already been frozen, as this can further damage the texture and taste.
How to Freeze Camembert?
Freezing camembert cheese can be done in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Portion it
Dividing your camembert into portions is an excellent way to start.
First, cut the camembert into wedges and make sure they weigh about 200 grams each.
Knowing how much cheese you will use in one sitting, beforehand, will help you conveniently store it.
Step 2: Wrap it
Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap. This is important, to avoid freezer burn.
Step 3: Bag it
Put the wedges in a freezer bag or airtight container for extra protection and place it in the freezer. Ensure your cheese is safe and away from the risk of being smushed by other items.
How Long Can You Keep Camembert In the Freezer?
As previously mentioned, it is not recommended to freeze Camembert as it can compromise its texture and flavor. However, if you still decide to freeze it, Camembert can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
In comparison: Frozen Swiss Cheese can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
It is important to note that the longer it stays frozen, the more the quality and taste of the cheese will deteriorate once it’s thawed.
Therefore, it is best to consume Camembert as fresh as possible or within its recommended shelf life.
How to Defrost Camembert?
Camembert is best thawed slowly. Here are the steps I recommend:
- Take the Camembert out of the freezer and remove the plastic wrap or packaging.
- Put it in the fridge in its original wrapping or wrap it in parchment paper.
- Allow the Camembert to thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This slow thawing helps preserve the texture and flavor of the cheese.
- Use it in your frozen camembert recipe.
Remember, it’s important to thaw the Camembert properly to preserve its flavor and texture as much as possible.
Avoid defrosting it in the microwave or in hot water, as this can damage the cheese and negatively affect its flavor.
Can thawed camembert be refrozen?
No, thawed camembert should not be refrozen under any circumstances, just freezing the cheese once may cause considerable harm to the texture so refreezing it would damage it further.
This may also be interesting to you: Can you freeze farmer’s Cheese?
How to Cook Camembert from Frozen
Are you wondering what you can do with your frozen Camembert? Check out this recipe.
Baked Camembert Mac and Cheese Recipe (Using Frozen Camembert)
Course: MainCuisine: Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
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500g elbow macaroni
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1 cup milk
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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200g frozen Camembert cheese, grated
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- If using frozen Camembert, take it out of the freezer and thaw it completely.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, whisking constantly until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add grated frozen Camembert cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Note: If you’re using frozen Camembert cheese, it’s important to thaw it completely before using it in this recipe. While the texture may not be as creamy as fresh Camembert cheese, it will still add a delicious, cheesy flavor to this dish.
FAQs about Camembert Cheese
Let’s review some commonly asked questions about camembert cheese.
How Long Can You Keep Camembert After Opening it?
Camembert should be consumed within 2 weeks of opening.
How Do You Know if Camembert has Gone Bad?
Camembert will indicate decay with signs like hardening at the edges, darkening of color and developing a sour smell.
How Long Can you Keep Camembert Out Of the Fridge?
You can keep the camembert out in the open for 3-4 hours before putting it back. Always keep the camembert in the fridge when you are not eating it.
What is The Best Way to Store Camembert?
It is best to store Camembert cheese in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in waxed or parchment paper. This way you avoid that it dries out faster. Then place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually in the back. Avoid storing Camembert cheese in the door of the refrigerator, as the temperature fluctuates too much there.
It is also important to keep the cheese away from strong-smelling foods, as it can easily absorb odors. Camembert is best served at room temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving.
And That’s It!
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to freeze Camembert cheese, it is not recommended due to the negative impact on the taste and texture of the cheese. At least if you want to use it afterward in recipes where taste and texture matter.
But there are other reasons why freezing it might make sense like using it for cooking or sprinkling it over your favorite pizza.
