Yes. You absolutely can freeze cheese sauce using just a freezer bag or an airtight container. In fact, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. That’s why I like to make cheese sauce in large batches so that I have it ready in the freezer whenever I crave it.
Through this article, we will discuss the detailed step-by-step guide to freezing your cheese sauce, as well as, the duration that the cheese sauce can last in the freezer.
How to Freeze Cheese Sauce
Before we go on with the detailed steps of freezing. Keep in mind that the higher the fat content in the cheese, the better it will freeze. That’s why, harder cheeses like cheddar and parmesan, freeze exceptionally well.
Here are all the steps you will need:
- Leave to cool: Once you have cooked your delicious cheese sauce, allow it to cool to at least room temperature. It could take a few hours.
- Decide on portion sizes: Divide your cheese sauce, batch into serving-size portions according to your needs. For example, if you are planning to use your cheese sauce in a mac and cheese dish, then the portion would be larger than for a cheese sauce dip.
- Place into containers: Pour your serving-size portions of cheese sauce into separate freezer bags or freezer containers. Seal them tightly after leaving room for them to expand.
- Label and date: label the containers with the date of freezing and the contents so that you can distinguish it from all the other food stored in the freezer. Put them in the freezer.
How to Defrost Cheese Sauce
I recommend just transferring the cheese sauce from the freezer to the fridge and allowing it to thaw slowly overnight. I don’t like to risk any dairy product spoilage by leaving it to defrost on the counter.
Once it thaws, stir it with a spoon to incorporate everything together. If you are not satisfied with the consistency, add in some grated cheese if the sauce is too thin, or a drizzle of milk if the sauce is too thick.
Another quick alternative to defrost your cheese sauce is to just place it in the microwave for 10 seconds at two to three intervals with stirring in between for proper reheating.
How Long Can Cheese Sauce be Frozen?
Cheese sauce can last in the freezer for up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container. I wouldn’t recommend leaving it for longer than 3 months since it is dairy-based. That’s why, if you notice any change in color or odor after taking it out of the freezer, better to discard it. However, if the texture is slightly different, that’s okay. Just mix it on low heat and it should be fine.
How Long Will Cheese Sauce Last in the Fridge?
It can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. So, if you are not planning to store the cheese sauce for long, then go ahead and pour it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
How to Freeze Cheese Sauce Variations
Yes. You now know how to freeze the basic cheese sauce. However, not all cheese sauces are the same. Every cheese sauce varies somehow. That’s why, we are going to discuss whether most of the cheese sauce varieties can be frozen or not.
Can you freeze vegan cheese sauce?
Generally speaking, vegan cheese can be affected by temperature to a great extent. It can, in fact, be frozen. However, the problem lies when you try to thaw it. It tends to separate. Same goes with vegan cheese sauce, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.
Can you freeze blue cheese sauce?
Blue cheese sauce can be frozen. However, it is not really preferred to freeze blue cheese as it loses its texture a little bit. A much better idea is to just freeze the white cheese sauce and once you thaw and reheat it, then you can add your blue cheese and mix it in.
Can you freeze homemade cheese sauce?
Yes. I actually prefer to freeze homemade cheese sauce than the store-bought ones, as I know all the ingredients added in as well as the type and amount of the cheese added.
Can you freeze cheddar cheese sauce?
Absolutely!
That’s mainly because cheddar cheese is one of the most suitable cheese types for freezing. Being a hard cheese, it is unlikely for its texture to change or for its flavor to be lost.
Can you freeze nacho cheese sauce?
Yes. If you followed the above mentioned steps for freezing, you can easily freeze nacho cheese, especially if the overall sauce had a high fat content, as in the case of adding whole milk. And don’t worry if the sauce separates upon thawing. Just stir it a bit on low heat and you will have a fully incorporated cheese sauce.
Can you refreeze cheese sauce?
Technically speaking, yes, you can refreeze cheese sauce. However, expect its consistency to be a bit off, especially after thawing and refreezing. So, don’t do it more than once.
I recommend freezing cheese sauce in small serving-sized portions, or better yet, in a silicone ice cube tray so that you only have the portion suitable for you without having to thaw and refreeze the cheese sauce.
Does cheese sauce freeze well?
A general rule you need to keep in mind. Cheeses with high fat content are perfect for freezing, so you won’t have to worry about freezing and thawing them. While, creamy and soft cheeses tend to separate upon freezing and defrosting. You better stay away from soft cheese types like gorgonzola blue cheese, for example!
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