Can Velveeta cheese be frozen? Yes, and it can be frozen for weeks into months, but you need to be ready for the consequences. Let’s dive into how you can freeze Velveeta cheese, what happens when it’s frozen, and what you can do about it.
What is Velveeta Cheese?
Velveeta is a brand of pasteurized prepared cheese product by Kraft Foods that is quite as popular as American cheese.
Velveeta cheese is used in cheese soups, sandwiches, crackers, queso dips, mac-and-cheese, etc., and is greatly enjoyed as a delicious, velvety, and easy-to-use cheese product.
It is called a “cheese product” because it is made from a blend of whey, milk, milk protein concentrate, modified starch, canola oil, and cheese culture and doesn’t contain actual cheese, although it originally used to.
READ MORE:
- How to Make Annie’s Mac and Cheese Creamier and Easily
- Can Dogs Eat Pimento Cheese?
- How to Make Mac and Cheese Homemade
How do you store Velveeta cheese long term?
As a processed cheese product with a high preservative content, Velveeta cheese has a long shelf life. You can keep your unopened Velveeta cheese in the pantry, in a cool, dry corner. Ensure it doesn’t make contact with sunlight or heat of any kind, and you’re good to go.
Your unopened Velveeta cheese can sit in the pantry for up to six months past the packaging date on the box and still stay fresh. When it is already opened though, that’s a different story.
To store your already-opened Velveeta cheese, put it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. You can then store it in your refrigerator or counter for not longer than eight weeks. If you have no plans of using it soon, you can try the option of making your Velveeta cheese frozen.
Can Velveeta cheese be frozen?
Yes, Velveeta cheese can be frozen for up to six months. However, being frozen affects the cheese’s texture, making it crumbly and grainy when defrosted. Kraft Foods, its manufacturers, do not recommend freezing Velveeta due to changes in its texture, flavor, and composition.
If you intend to use your Velveeta cheese by melting or freezing it, it won’t pose as much of a problem as it is still quite the same when melted. If you prefer to use Velveeta as a spread, it is advisable to not freeze it as you might not enjoy the crumbly texture.
You could, however, consider melting it and allowing it to solidify again before use. Ensure you do not try to make your Velveeta cheese frozen again, as it would further worsen the change in its texture, flavor, and composition.
Does Velveeta cheese go bad if left out?
It depends on several factors. If your used Velveeta cheese is left out in a neat, cool, dry place, it won’t go bad quickly. A lack of heat and moisture, which would melt it down, keeps it in good condition.
It is better advised that you leave your Velveeta cheese well-packaged in a refrigerator to ensure its longevity. Well-packaged Velveeta cheese, stored in a refrigerator, can remain fresh for up to eight weeks.
To be sure the Velveeta cheese you left out hasn’t gone bad, be sure to check it for mold and strange smells before eating.
Is Velveeta cheese unhealthy?
Velveeta cheese is high in calories, fat, and sodium, and does not make the list of healthy cheese products. It is also not a good food choice for persons who are lactose intolerant.
While Velveeta cheese cannot be considered a healthy food choice, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is surprisingly high in protein, which makes for a good combo in a balanced meal.
READ MORE:
- Is Cream Cheese Halal?
- How Much Cream Cheese For A Dozen Bagels
- Where To Buy Pumpkin Rolls With Cream Cheese Filling
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You can still enjoy your Velveeta cheese even after some time, as long as you follow the directions we’ve outlined. If you have some Velveeta cheese already bought that you would like to use by Easter or Independence Day, you can throw ‘em in the freezer and have them chilling until then. Make sure to store it properly to avoid mold and spoilage. You’re good to go!