Can you freeze cottage cheese?

What freezing does to cottage cheese

Freezing causes the curds to separate from the whey and the texture to become crumbly and lumpy. This structural change means it loses its creamy consistency, so it is best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten raw.

How to freeze it

1. Drain excess liquid from the container before freezing.
2. Transfer the cottage cheese into an airtight container that freezes without trouble or heavy-duty freezer bag.
3. Leave about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
4. Label the container with the current date.
5. Place in the freezer immediately.

Thawing and using it

Upon thawing in the refrigerator, the cottage cheese will release a significant amount of liquid and the curds will become grainy. Stirring vigorously can help recombine the whey, but the texture will remain altered. Use thawed cottage cheese in baked goods, casseroles, dips, or smoothies where the texture change is less noticeable.

Depends on the form

• low-fat or non-fat varieties may separate more dramatically than full-fat
• cottage cheese with added fruits or mix-ins will have a mushier texture after freezing
• opened containers may absorb freezer odors faster than sealed ones