Learn how to freeze dry cheese for long-term storage! Get the best tips for preserving cheddar, mozzarella, and more—plus a free Mylar storage chart.
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Cheese is a staple in my homestead—we go through a lot of it. We always buy it in bulk, and since getting a freeze dryer last year, we decided it was time to try freeze-drying cheese for long-term storage.
The thing about cheese is that it doesn’t last forever unless you take serious steps to preserve it. I’ve frozen it, but freeze-drying? That’s next-level food storage.
We started with big blocks of raw cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella from a local Amish store. With food prices climbing and the need for shelf-stable ingredients more important than ever, it just made sense.
And let me tell you—it was a total game-changer. Now we can stock up on cheese, store it without worrying about spoilage, and always have real cheese ready to go – no fridge or freezer required.
Best Cheeses to Freeze Dry
Not all cheeses freeze-dry equally. Hard cheeses with low moisture content give the best results.
- Mild and Sharp Cheddar
- Provolone
- Parmesan
- Colby
- Pepper Jack
- Smoked Gouda
- Mozzarella
What About Soft Cheeses?
Soft cheeses like blue cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, etc., don’t freeze-dry as well on their own due to their high water content. They tend to become crumbly or powdery instead of creamy. However, you can:
- Mix them with shredded cheese to improve rehydration.
- Pre-freeze them before freeze-drying.
- Blend them into powder for easier storage.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Cheese – The better the cheese, the better the final product. Avoid processed cheese with added oils or fillers.
- Shred for Faster Drying – While cubes work, shredded cheese dries more evenly and rehydrates better.
- Spread Evenly on Trays – Avoid clumping by spreading the cheese in a single layer so everything dries evenly.
- Pre-Freeze Before Freeze-Drying – This helps speed up the process and improves texture.
- Check for Dryness – Cheese should be completely brittle when done. If it flexible or feels soft, it needs more drying time.
- Store Immediately – Oxygen exposure can affect the shelf life. Don’t let it sit at room temperature for too long before sealing.
- Label and Date Everything – This prevents confusion and helps track rotation for best quality.
How to Freeze Dry Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Cheese
First things first—shred or cube your cheese. Shredded cheese dries faster and is easier to store, but if you’re cubing, keep the pieces around 1 inch so they dry evenly.
Next, spread it out on your freeze-dryer trays in an even layer—no clumps! This makes sure everything dries at the same rate. My trays are 9×12 inches and hold about 2 lbs of cheese each.
Before freeze-drying, stick the trays in the freezer overnight. This step helps speed up the process and gives you a better end result.
If you’re stacking trays in the freezer, make sure to separate them with a silicone mat or liner between each one. That way, they won’t freeze together, and you can pull them apart easily when it’s time to load them into the freeze dryer. A little prep goes a long way!
Step 2: Freeze-Drying Process
Once your cheese is frozen solid, load the trays into your freeze dryer and start the cycle.
The exact time will depend on your freeze dryer, the type of cheese, and the batch size, but the vacuum chamber will pull out all the moisture, leaving you with light, dry cheese that’s ready for storage.
When it’s done, check for dryness—it should be completely brittle and snap easily. If it’s even a little soft, give it more time. You don’t want any moisture left behind.
Step 3: Store for Long-Term Use
Now it’s time to pack it up!
- Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers – The best option for 10-25-year storage. Just seal it up with a heat sealer and store it somewhere cool and dark.
- Mason jars with oxygen absorbers – Great if you’re planning to use the cheese within a few months.
Not sure how many oxygen absorbers to use? Grab my free Mylar Storage Chart, which tells you exactly how much you need for different container sizes.
And that’s it! Now you’ve got real cheese that’s shelf-stable and ready to go whenever you need it.
Whether you snack on it dry, toss it into soups, or rehydrate it for cooking, you’ll always have cheese on hand without worrying about spoilage. Total game-changer!
FAQ: Freeze-Dried Cheese
Can you freeze dry cheese at home?
Yes! You can easily freeze dry cheese with a home freeze dryer for long-term storage.
Does freeze-dried cheese need refrigeration?
No. When stored properly in airtight bags or jars with oxygen absorbers, it’s shelf-stable.
How long does freeze-dried cheese last?
When heat sealed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, it lasts 10-25 years.
Is freeze-dried cheese good?
Absolutely! It retains flavor and nutrition and can be eaten dry or rehydrated for cooking.
Does freeze-dried cheese melt?
Sort of. While it won’t melt exactly like fresh cheese, adding moisture helps it soften for cooking. It works well in soups, baked dishes, and sauces.
Final Thoughts
Freeze-drying cheese is the best way to store cheese for a long period of time without worrying about spoilage.
So next time you see a great deal on fresh cheese, stock up and put that freeze dryer to work! A little prep today will keep your pantry stocked for years to come.
