Can You Freeze Gorgonzola Cheese?

I know that the idea of freezing cheese can sound a bit absurd, but I am here to tell you and also prove to you that you can, in fact, freeze Gorgonzola cheese, and easily so as well!

Since I am a big advocate for minimizing climate change, I am often faced with the dilemma of whether I can or cannot freeze certain types of food as a way to eliminate food waste. Fortunately, Gorgonzola cheese qualifies as freezer-friendly food!

What is gorgonzola cheese?

For anyone that is yet to try Gorgonzola cheese, know that it is a type of blue cheese. However, it is slightly different than the known types of blue cheeses. It has a milder flavor with a softer texture, making it perfect for any cheese sauce, over a freshly baked pizza, or for a creamy soup or casserole.

Although, it is very suitable for serving alongside any cheese on a cheeseboard, freezing can slightly affect the texture, making it not so suitable for a cheeseboard. However, it will still be amazing with any other dish!

Where to buy gorgonzola cheese

You can buy this Italian delicacy from any Italian deli in your neighborhood.

Changes to Expect When Freezing Gorgonzola

Freezing gorgonzola cheese does lead to some changes in texture and appearance. Here’s what to expect:

• Softer texture: The texture will be softer and less crumbly after freezing. As ice crystals form, they disrupt the cheese’s structure.
• Milder flavor: Some of the sharper, tangier notes mellow out after freezing. The overall flavor profile is a bit muted.
• Less creaminess: the creamy mouthfeel will be diminished. Frozen gorgonzola tends to be drier.
• Crumbles less: The crumbly quality decreases; you may have to cut rather than crumble with a fork.
• Lighter color: Freezing tends to lighten the white and blue veins in gorgonzola slightly.
• More moisture: You may notice some moisture loss or weeping as it thaws. Blot with paper towels before use.

While frozen gorgonzola won’t have quite the same crumbly texture and sharp bite, it still makes a tasty addition to recipes. The flavor is still there, just a little more subtle.

How to freeze gorgonzola cheese

The sky is your limit when it comes to freezing Gorgonzola cheese. Whether you chose to freeze it as one big cheese wedge, grated cheese, or crumbled pieces ready for sprinkling on top of a pizza. You are free to do it however you would like.

1. A good wrapping of the Gorgonzola cheese is essential. You can tightly wrap it with cling film, tin foil, or a plastic freezer bag. You can also use a freezer-friendly container.
2. It is recommended to double-wrap the cheese piece with two different materials. For example, cling film and tinfoil to ensure the isolation of the cheese from all the surrounding smells and flavors.
3. Before moving the tightly wrapped and contained Gorgonzola cheese, label it with the date of freezing and its name so that it is easy to later distinguish it from all the other food in the freezer.

How to Use Frozen Gorgonzola

Once thawed, frozen gorgonzola cheese can be used in most of the same ways as fresh. Here are some ideas:

• Toss crumbles into pasta dishes.
• Make gorgonzola cream sauce for gnocchi or ravioli.
• Mix into the risotto along with the sage at the end of cooking.
• Top pizza with gorgonzola crumbles after baking.
• Stuff into meatballs or mix into burger patties.
• Fold into mashed potatoes for blue cheese potatoes.
• Add crumbles to dips and spreads in place of fresh crumbles.
• Use in blue cheese dressings; just drizzle milk to thin.
• Crumble over salads for a punch of flavor.
• Bake into gorgonzola and pear galettes.

Melting gorgonzola helps distribute the flavor evenly. Opt for dishes like pizza, pasta bakes, and savory tarts that involve melting the cheese.

Frozen gorgonzola may not crumble as easily over salads or as a finishing touch. Try cutting into small chunks if you have trouble crumbling by hand.

How long can Gorgonzola cheese stay in the freezer?

Gorgonzola cheese wedges can withstand the freezer for up to 3 months, retaining its premium quality. It can, however, stay for longer, but don’t expect it to be as good as the freshly bought one.

How to defrost gorgonzola cheese

You have a few options when it comes to defrosting the frozen Gorgonzola cheese. You can use it straight from the freezer to the stove if you are going to cook with it casserole or soup, since the pot will already be bubbling on the stove.

I prefer to leave it overnight in the fridge to thaw slowly. Bear in mind, though, that if you have small chunks of cheese frozen, then it shouldn’t take more than a few hours for it to completely defrost in the fridge.

Just remember that freezing can affect the texture of the cheese, so do keep that in mind before freezing the delicious Gorgonzola cheese.

Storing Thawed Gorgonzola

Once gorgonzola is thawed, it should be handled like fresh cheese. Here are some storage tips:

• Keep thawed gorgonzola refrigerated.
• Use within 5-7 days for the best quality.
• Store in the original packaging or wrap in parchment. Avoid putting plastic wrap directly on the cheese.
• If mold develops on the thawed cheese, trim off at least 1 inch around the entire mold spot.
• If thawed gorgonzola develops an off-odor, flavor, or appearance, it’s best to discard it.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The texture and flavor will decline with each round of freezing.

For optimal flavor and texture, thawed gorgonzola is best used as soon as possible after thawing in the refrigerator.

FAQ About Freezing Gorgonzola

How long does gorgonzola last in the freezer?

Properly frozen, gorgonzola will keep for 2–3 months in the freezer before its quality starts to decline. After that, it remains safe to eat but may have more pronounced texture changes.

Can you refreeze gorgonzola after thawing?

It’s best to avoid refreezing gorgonzola once it’s thawed. The texture really suffers when frozen, thawed, and frozen again. Refreezing also increases the risk of bacterial growth.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen gorgonzola?

Thaw frozen gorgonzola gradually in the refrigerator. This helps prevent excessive moisture loss. Allow 24 hours for a block to thaw. Thaw just what you plan to use within a week.

Can you freeze gorgonzola crumbles?

Yes, it’s fine to freeze crumbled gorgonzola. Wrap the crumbles tightly in plastic wrap with all the air pressed out before freezing. Freeze in recipe-size portions.

Does freezing change the flavor of gorgonzola?

Freezing does slightly muffle the tangy, strong flavor notes in gorgonzola. The cheese will still taste like gorgonzola when thawed, but the flavor is a bit more subtle and mellow.

Can I freeze baked gorgonzola dishes?

It’s best not to freeze dishes like gorgonzola potato gratin or gorgonzola bread pudding after baking. The texture really suffers. Instead, assemble the dish and freeze it before baking.

What’s the shelf life of fresh gorgonzola?

Properly stored in the fridge, fresh gorgonzola will keep for 2–3 weeks past the sell-by date. Once opened, it’s best used within 5-7 days. Freezing gives you more time to use up the gorgonzola.

The Bottom Line

Gorgonzola is a cheese that takes well to freezing. While the signature crumbly texture changes, the flavor carries through. Take steps to wrap gorgonzola carefully in portions and thaw it in the fridge for the best results.

With proper freezing and thawing, you can enjoy gorgonzola for longer without wasting it. A little extra planning lets you savor gorgonzola’s tangy, robust flavor anytime.