Can You Freeze Cotija Cheese? Find Out!

Imagine a cheese that has been aged organically for more than 100 days and is made from unpasteurized milk from Mexican pasture-fed cows. Can you picture the flavor and texture of this cheese? It is none other than cotija cheese, a traditional treat from Mexico.

Genuine cotija cheese is made in Michoacán’s hills and in Mexico’s mountains, using only organic methods. Also produced is an industrial variety that ages more quickly due to an inorganic process.

Everyone is compelled to purchase a block of this cheese. What transpires, though, when you purchase it? A whole block of cheese must be stored because it cannot be consumed all at once.

Can You Freeze Cotija Cheese?

Cotija cheese is a firm, white-colored cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a milky and salty taste. A question people usually ask is can you freeze Cotija cheese?

Yes, Cotija cheese can be frozen. However, it also depends on the quality of the cheese. Ensure the Cotija cheese’s quality hasn’t been compromised before freezing.

Many types of grated cheese, including Parmesan, Cheddar, Cojita, Pecorino, and others, freeze nicely.

If you correctly freeze the Cojita cheese, it won’t lose flavor or taste. If your cheese has low moisture, freezing it could cause the flavor and texture to change.

Delicate cheeses like mozzarella don’t work after thawing because of the production of ice crystals. The ice crystal production ruins the texture of the high moisture cheeses.

How to Freeze Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is an excellent dairy product to freeze, much like most cheese variations. Ice crystals won’t drastically change the flavor or texture of the cheese, unlike mozzarella, which is softer and more delicate.

Cotija cheese can be frozen in a variety of ways; however, the method we would choose is as follows:

• Slice Cheese

Cotija cheese is a fantastic salad topping because it can be frozen in individual slices. Cotija should be cut into pieces between 1 and 2 inches thick to prevent crumbling.

• Wrap Slices

To keep each slice of Cotija safe, wrap it in greaseproof paper, then cover it with cling film.

• Bag Up

Cotija cheese slices should be placed in freezer bags and sealed while letting out as little air as possible.

• Label and Freeze

After carefully putting the bag into the freezer, mark the bag with the date and the type of cheese.

One of the greatest methods to store anything in the freezer if you have access to a vacuum sealer is to use that. The procedure of vacuum-sealing removes air from the package.

Cheese can be put in a plastic bag and vacuum-sealed to remove all the air before being put in the freezer. If you use this technique, it will last for at least 12 months.

What Are the Precautions to Take When Freezing Cotija Cheese?

There are some considerations to make when freezing cotija cheese. 

First, check that the cheese is securely wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It can be put in a sealed plastic bag or wax paper. 

Second, ensure that the cheese is frozen as soon as you can. The cheese will freeze more slowly in a cooler climate, which could result in ice crystals developing in the cheese. To prevent the cheese from becoming too soft, defrost it slowly and carefully.

How Long Can You Freeze Cotija Cheese?

Cotija cheese is a great dairy product that can be put in the freezer. But, how long can one freeze it?

Cotija cheese can be frozen for up to 6 to 9 months, but in ideal circumstances, it may be preserved permanently.

This is a lot longer than cotija cheese would keep in the refrigerator, where it would only keep for 1-2 weeks once opened.

While your cheese is frozen, you do need to keep an eye out for any changes that could mean it has spoiled. The cheese should be discarded if it starts to become grainy, moldy, or has a sour taste.

How Do You Defrost Cotija Cheese?

Cheese shouldn’t ever be defrosted at room temperature since it will quickly lose moisture and start to dry out.

Cotija cheese should be removed from the freezer in whatever form it is (for example, slices or blocks) and kept in the refrigerator for at least eight hours to fully defrost.

If you’re in a hurry, you may alternatively soak the wrapped cheese blocks in a dish of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.

The partially defrosted blocks of cheese can then be put in the refrigerator to finish defrosting before being used in recipes.

Cotija cheese should be used as soon as possible after defrosting to prevent it from drying out excessively and becoming unpleasant to use.

Can Freezing Affect Cotija Cheese?

Cotija cheese should be consumed within two weeks after purchase because it doesn’t often have a long shelf life. However, because it can be frozen for up to 6 months, it’s simple to stock up on it or purchase more if you know you’ll use it sooner rather than later. Can freezing affect Cotija cheese?

Cotija’s texture is impacted by freezing, like many other hard cheese slices. After freezing, the drying action is heightened after freezing, making the cheese much drier and crumblier.

It’s preferable to thaw a frozen block of cheese in the refrigerator as opposed to at room temperature or in water, as with many other forms of cheese.

Another thing to remember with Cotija Cheese is that it’s incredibly sharp, so if you’re not used to the kick, eating a lot of it at once might be overpowering.

Cotija Cheese freezes best in small quantities or dime-sized slices that may be thawed as required.

How To Tell If Cotija Cheese Is Bad

You should look out for a few symptoms before consuming Cotija cheese.

• Shape

Cotija cheese can go bad but is still safe to eat if it gets hard, dry, and gritty. However, the texture and flavor will not be as nice as when it is new.

• Mold

Cotija cheese should not be consumed if it shows any signs of mold. Throw it away. You can also slice the rotten cheese and eat the remaining portion.

• Smell

Throw them aside if you detect any bad milk flavors.

• Taste

The final step in the Cojita cheese inspection is this. You can also tell if the requirements above are met by tasting it. Don’t eat it if you detect any ruined taste.

Does Cotija Cheese Freeze Well?

Cotija is manufactured from cow’s milk with a salty flavor and crumbly consistency. Cotija cheese is available in two varieties: fresh and aged (or aejo). They both bear the name of the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacan. But does Cotija Cheese freeze well?

Yes. Cotija cheese does freeze well, but the texture will be slightly more crumbly than usual.

Fortunately, freezing won’t change the salty and nutty flavor of Cotija cheese, a hard Mexican cheese that enhances food.

What to Make With Cotija Cheese?

Here are some amazing dishes you can make with Cotija cheese:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

In Mexico, Cotija is a delicacy that pairs superbly with a cob of corn. Sour cream, spices, and herbs are sprinkled on top of the corn along with the Cotija. Making it at home is possible if you use this recipe.

• Tacos

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that is finished with cotija cheese. It gives the tacos a salty flavor.

When exposed to heat, Cotija softens rather than melts. Because of this, it is ideal for shredding and scattering on top of tacos or corn cob.

• Red salsa with cotija cheese

What is superior to red salsa? Cheese-topped red salsa with Cotija. This delectable dish is a fantastic example of Mexican cuisine.

Where Can I Find Cotija Cheese?

You’ll adore the well-known Mexican cotija cheese if you want an excellent crumbly, salty cheese. It’s one of my faves and something I frequently use in my cooking.

Both offline and online retailers offer Cojita cheese. If you live in a place with well-stocked grocery stores nearby, you can purchase Cojita cheese there. 

Otherwise, you can purchase it online at Amazon if you reside in a rural location where Cojita cheese is not readily available.

Best Cotija Cheese

1. Paisa Queso Cotija Molido

A versatile item that may improve the flavor of any dish is the exquisite natural white fresh cheese from Paisa. Get the best natural paisa cotija cheese, which is shredded to make cooking simpler and more convenient, if you enjoy experimenting with your cooking style! Cotija cheese, made from cow’s milk, is rich in vitamins, proteins, and fats that are good for your body. 

Improve your overall health by including this adaptable food item in your diet. Include cotija cheese to improve the flavor of any meal, whether you’re throwing a birthday celebration or changing up your weekly menu. Without this fantastic ingredient, snacks like nachos, pizza, enchiladas, and posole are lacking. 

The delectable natural white cheese is offered in a pack of 10 oz, and it comes in lightweight packaging that makes it simple to store in the refrigerator. The cheese is kept fresh and preserves flavor thanks to the tight packaging.

Pros:

• The naturally white, freshly grated cotija cheese simplifies and speeds up your cooking.
• Make a range of well-known Mexican meals using this magic ingredient to spice up your regular menu.
• This wonderful natural white cheese is quick and simple to prepare.

Cons:

• Expensive

Conclusion

To sum up, Cotija Cheese is a hard Mexican cheese that gives food a salty, nutty flavor. Wrapping Cotija Cheese in plastic wrap or wax paper, putting it in a resealable bag, and pressing the air out will allow you to freeze it. You may use it right away to start cooking or sprinkle it on food to give it flavor and texture.

Pay attention to the texture, color, and odor to determine if it has gone rotten. Always remember to write the date on your container if you want to use it in a few months.