Updated 29 July 2026 · Written by Daniel Wright
Yes, you can freeze most hard and semi-hard cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, for up to 6 months. They may become crumbly after thawing, so frozen cheese is best used melted or cooked. Soft cheeses such as brie, cream cheese and ricotta do not freeze well and turn watery or grainy.
Freeze hard and semi-hard cheese up to 6 months (best melted). Soft cheeses like brie and cream cheese freeze poorly.
Which Cheeses Freeze Well
- Freeze well: cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Swiss and other firm cheeses.
- Freeze poorly: brie, camembert, cream cheese, ricotta and cottage cheese, which turn watery or grainy.
- Shredded cheese freezes conveniently and can be used straight from frozen.
How to Freeze Cheese
Wrap blocks tightly or freeze shredded cheese in a sealed bag, removing as much air as possible. Use within 6 months. Thaw in the fridge, and expect a more crumbly texture, which is why frozen cheese is best for cooking, pizza, sauces and toasties rather than a cheese board. Keep it airtight in a storage container to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does freezing cheese change the texture?
Yes. Freezing forms ice crystals that make cheese more crumbly and less creamy after thawing, so it is best used melted in cooked dishes.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
You can, but the texture becomes grainy and watery, so thawed cream cheese is really only suitable for baking or cooked recipes, not spreading.
