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If you have ever been to an Italian restaurant, you may have had the pleasure of enjoying ricotta cheese. This soft, creamy cheese is a staple in many Italian dishes. But what do you do if you have leftover ricotta cheese and don’t know can you freeze ricotta cheese? or how to store it? Luckily, there are several ways to freeze ricotta cheese so that it will last for months. In this blog post, Liliana Kitchen will discuss three different methods for freezing ricotta cheese. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious cheese all year long!
Types of Ricotta Cheese
There are 4 types of ricotta cheese:
There are several different types of ricotta, including fresh ricotta, basket ricotta, salted ricotta, and smoked ricotta.
Fresh ricotta is sold in a tub and most often used as a main ingredient in lasagna and other types of baked pasta.
Basket Ricotta is made by scooping soft, pillowy curds into baskets to drain, which shapes the ricotta into a small dome.
Salted Ricotta is made from sheep’s milk curd that has been salted and pressed and then aged for about 3 months.
Smoked Ricotta is less common and is basically Ricotta Salata that has been cold smoked. Ricotta cheese can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes.
How long does ricotta cheese last?
Ricotta cheese can last anywhere about 2 weeks in the fridge. If you’re not sure how old your ricotta is, it’s best to check the expiration date on the package.
Can You Freeze Ricotta Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese! Ricotta cheese freezes well and will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When freezing ricotta cheese, be sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the ricotta cheese fresh for longer.
3 Ways to Freeze Ricotta Cheese
There are three different ways that you can freeze ricotta cheese:
1: Freezing Ricotta Cheese in a Block
One way to freeze ricotta cheese is to simply place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use the ricotta cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then use it as you would normally use fresh ricotta cheese.
2: Freezing Ricotta Cheese for Baked Pasta Dishes
If you’re planning on using the ricotta cheese in a baked pasta dish, such as lasagna, you can freeze it ahead of time. Simply spread the ricotta cheese over the layers of noodles and then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake the lasagna, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
3: Freezing Ricotta Cheese for Muffins, Pancakes, or Waffles
Another way to freeze ricotta cheese is to use it in muffins, pancakes, or waffles. Simply add the ricotta cheese to the batter and then freeze the muffins, pancakes, or waffles on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the muffins, pancakes, or waffles overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or oven.
No matter how you choose to freeze ricotta cheese, be sure to label the freezer-safe container with the date so that you know when it was frozen. Ricotta cheese can be enjoyed fresh or frozen and will last for 2-4 weeks in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw and Use Ricotta Cheese
When you’re ready to use the ricotta cheese, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once it’s thawed, you can use it as you would fresh ricotta cheese. Ricotta cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, such as lasagna, muffins, pancakes, waffles, and more.
How To Use Thawed Ricotta
Ricotta cheese can also be used as a filling for ravioli or as a topping for pizza. It’s a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So, if you have some ricotta cheese that you need to use up, don’t hesitate to try one of these ideas!
How To Use Thawed Ricotta
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze ricotta cheese mixtures, including pasta fillings?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese mixtures, including pasta fillings. Simply place the mixture in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the ricotta cheese mixture, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then use as you normally would.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese with egg in it?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese with egg in it. Simply place the mixture in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the ricotta cheese mixture, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then use as you normally would.
How long can you freeze ricotta cheese?
Ricotta cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and keep the ricotta cheese fresh for longer.
When should you not eat ricotta cheese?
You should not eat ricotta cheese if it has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Ricotta cheese is a dairy product and, like all dairy products, it can spoil quickly when not stored properly. If the ricotta cheese has been sitting out for longer than 2 hours, it’s best to throw it away to avoid food poisoning.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese lasagna. Simply spread the ricotta cheese over the layers of noodles and then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake the lasagna, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
Does freezing ricotta cheese change the texture?
Freezing ricotta cheese may change the texture of the cheese slightly, but it will still be safe to eat. The changes in texture are most likely due to the high moisture content in ricotta cheese. When ricotta cheese is frozen and thawed, the water in the cheese can separate from the solids, which may cause the ricotta cheese to be less creamy. However, the ricotta cheese will still be safe to eat and can be used in recipes as usual.
What is the best way to freeze ricotta?
The best way to freeze ricotta is to place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the ricotta cheese fresh for longer. Ricotta cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When thawing ricotta cheese, should I drain the water?
Yes, you should drain the water when thawing ricotta cheese. The water that separates from the cheese during thawing can make the ricotta cheese less creamy. To avoid this, simply drain the water before using the ricotta cheese in recipes.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese mixture for lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese mixture for lasagna. Simply spread the mixture over the layers of noodles and then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake the lasagna, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
Final Words
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can freeze ricotta cheese, the answer is yes! Freezing ricotta cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life and make sure that you always have some on hand. Simply place your ricotta cheese in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the ricotta cheese in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it as usual. Do you have any other tips for freezing or storing Ricotta Cheese? Let me know in the comments below!
