Thaw mozzarella in the refrigerator -- not at room temperature or in the microwave -- and use it in cooked dishes like pizza, lasagna, or frittatas to mask any texture changes.

Mozzarella cheese is a staple of Italian cooking, and unless you're vegan or lactose intolerant, the odds are good that you indulge in some at least once a week. (Americans consume about 12 pounds per person per year.)

So, if you see a great deal in the supermarket, is it worth buying in bulk and immediately freezing what you don't intend to use? Read on to learn about safely freezing mozzarella cheese so you maintain its flavor, texture, and farm-fresh goodness.

Mozzarella cheese can be frozen and will last for over six months in the freezer. However, most experts recommend using it within the first three months of freezing to help protect the texture and flavor of the cheese and minimize the chances of getting freezer burn.

Italian

You may want to reconsider freezing mozzarella if you have a particularly good (and particularly gooey) fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella. The additional moisture in the cheese could make your cheese more likely to develop an "off" texture as it freezes and defrosts.

In order to keep your mozzarella cheese preserved for months, you need to pop it into the freezer properly. Air can damage your frozen mozzarella, so you'll want to choose wrapping methods that keep air away from your cheese. Here's what you need to do to prep it.

The best way to defrost mozzarella cheese is to move it into the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw for several hours or overnight. For larger chunks, place the mozzarella cheese in the fridge overnight so it can slowly thaw -- minimizing condensation.

Refrain from leaving it out at room temperature because moisture may accumulate on the cheese, giving it an odd texture. If you start to get soggy cheese from moisture beading on the surface of the cheese, pat it dry with paper towels.

Beyond the headline

Also, do not microwave mozzarella cheese to defrost it. Mozzarella cheese is prone to uneven thawing. You might discover the outer parts of a chunk of cheese may melt away, leaving a hard inner core. Likewise, shredded cheese may melt into a puddle if given too much heat. Shredded mozzarella doesn't need the time to thaw -- take it out and pop it on your recipe.

Freezing mozzarella can impact the texture slightly. Any moisture in the cheese or trapped on the surface of it (such as condensation) could expand and contract as it's frozen and thawed, giving you a more crumbly type of texture. If you have a slab, some sticks, or some shredded mozzarella in the freezer, try them in these dishes.

Pizza is an ideal way to use the frozen mozzarella -- like this super-classic version you can make that's delicious.

Cheddar cheese may be the standard cheese to go with mac, but this Caprese version (featuring mozzarella cheese) may change your mind.

The part worth remembering

Mozzarella is only one of the gooey cheeses added to these stellar (and simple to make) calzones. Stash both pizza dough and mozzarella in your freezer so you're ready to put these together whenever you need an easy dinner.

Mozzarella for breakfast? This easy frittata is perfect for brunch (or dinner!). Garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes give this extra flavor.

All the classic Italian cheeses come out to play in this delicious and cozy lasagna. Ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella work together for a show-stopping lasagna.

If you have shredded mozzarella in your freezer, this recipe is the perfect way to use it. This decadent pizza mimics the classic Italian pasta dish -- and is prepped and ready in a half-hour.

The best way to defrost mozzarella cheese is to move it into the refrigerator.

Reading the wider picture

Texture settles most bakery arguments long before flavour gets a vote.

Key takeaways

  • Thaw mozzarella in the refrigerator -- not at room temperature or in the microwave -- and use it in cooked dishes like pizza, lasagna, or frittatas to mask any texture changes
  • Mozzarella cheese is a staple of Italian cooking
  • Mozzarella cheese can be frozen and will last for over six months in the freezer
  • The best way to defrost mozzarella cheese is to move it into the refrigerator
  • Refrain from leaving it out at room temperature because moisture may accumulate on the cheese, giving it an odd texture

What people ask

What should you know about Italian?

Mozzarella cheese is a staple of Italian cooking, and unless you're vegan or lactose intolerant, the odds are good that you indulge in some at least once a week.

Why does it matter?

Refrain from leaving it out at room temperature because moisture may accumulate on the cheese, giving it an odd texture.

What happens next?

Mozzarella cheese can be frozen and will last for over six months in the freezer.

All told

Every change in the bakery case eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.