
Wondering what to do with that extra fresh mozzarella cheese you bought from the grocery store? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions cheese lovers have is, “Can you freeze fresh mozzarella?” This article delves into everything you need to know about the freezing process, shelf life, and best practices for your mozzarella cheese.
What Exactly is Fresh Mozzarella Cheese?

Fresh mozzarella cheese is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. It’s made from the milk of water buffalos but nowadays is often made from cow’s milk as well. The high water content gives it a creamy texture and differentiates it from other types of cheese.
What Sets Fresh Mozzarella Apart from Other Cheeses?
One of the defining characteristics of fresh mozzarella cheese is its high moisture content, which sets it apart from many other dairy products. Unlike hard cheeses, which have less water and a longer shelf life, fresh mozzarella cheese is best enjoyed as soon as possible to take advantage of its health benefits, including a good dose of vitamin B.
Low-Moisture vs Fresh Mozzarella: What’s the Real Difference?

You’ve probably encountered both low-moisture and fresh mozzarella cheese at the grocery store, but what’s the difference between the two?
How Does the Water Content Affect Their Shelf Life?
Low-moisture mozzarella has, as the name suggests, less water content compared to fresh mozzarella. This difference in water content significantly impacts their respective shelf lives. While fresh mozzarella is best consumed within a week, low-moisture mozzarella can last much longer, especially if it’s properly stored in an airtight container.
Is One Type Better for Cooking Than the Other?
Both types of mozzarella cheese have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different types of dishes. Fresh mozzarella is excellent for salads and pasta dishes where its creamy texture can shine. On the other hand, low-moisture mozzarella, often found in shredded form, is generally better for cooking at high temperatures, such as pizza toppings or homemade mozzarella sticks.
Can You Really Freeze Fresh Mozzarella?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze fresh mozzarella cheese. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Is Freezing a Good Idea for Extending Shelf Life?
Freezing can indeed extend the shelf life of fresh mozzarella, which is good news for those who don’t plan to consume it right away. But remember, the texture may experience some changes after thawing.
What Happens to the Cheese When It’s Frozen?
When you freeze fresh mozzarella, ice crystals can form within the cheese, leading to a risk of freezer burn if not properly wrapped. The freezing process will also cause some of the water content to separate, potentially altering its original creamy texture. However, frozen mozzarella cheese is still perfectly usable, especially when melted in dishes like pasta or pizza.
Why Would You Want to Freeze Mozzarella Cheese?
Freezing mozzarella cheese can be a practical way to extend its use-by date and minimize waste, but there are other reasons why you might consider this option.
Is Freezing the Only Way to Extend Its Use-by Date?
While freezing is a reliable way to prolong the shelf life of mozzarella, it’s not the only method. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge or submerge it in a mixture of olive oil and fresh basil for added flavor. However, freezing offers the best results for longer periods.
What Are the Health Benefits of Doing So?
The health benefits of mozzarella, such as its vitamin B content, remain largely unaffected by freezing. The only thing you might lose is some texture and slight taste alterations, but the nutritional value stays intact.
How Can You Freeze Fresh Mozzarella the Right Way?

Freezing fresh mozzarella isn’t complicated, but doing it the right way can make a big difference in quality. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
What Materials Do You Need for the Freezing Process?
Before you begin, gather your materials. You’ll need plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and a resealable freezer bag. These items help in reducing freezer burn and the formation of ice crystals.
Step-by-Step: How to Wrap and Store It?

- Initial Wrapping
Start by cutting your mozzarella blocks or fresh mozzarella balls into smaller portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap.

2. Secondary Barrier
After wrapping in plastic, wrap the portions again in aluminum foil for added protection against freezer burn.

3. Freezer Bag
Place the wrapped cheese into a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

4. Label and Date
Always write the freezing date and the expiration date on the plastic bag before placing it in the freezer.
Any Tips to Prevent Freezer Burn and Ice Crystals?
To best preserve the quality of your frozen cheese, place a paper towel in the freezer bag to absorb any excess moisture. Make sure the cheese is laid out in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet for a couple of hours to freeze individually before transferring them into the bag. This prevents clumping and makes it easier to use individual portions later.
How to Use Frozen Fresh Mozzarella Cheese?
So you’ve frozen your mozzarella, but now what? How do you go from frozen blocks of mozzarella to melted mozzarella on a pizza or in a pasta dish?
Do You Need to Thaw It First?
The thawing process is crucial. It’s a good idea to thaw your frozen mozzarella cheese in the fridge for a couple of hours before using it. Doing so in cold water can speed up the process, but might result in a crumbly texture.
Can You Cook It Directly From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook mozzarella directly from its frozen state, especially if you’re using it as a pizza topping or in creamy soups. Keep in mind, however, that frozen cheese may have a slightly altered texture and may release more water during the cooking process.
Any Cooking Tips for Best Results?
If you’re planning to use your mozzarella in dishes like homemade mozzarella sticks or as melted cheese in a sandwich, it’s best to use it in its thawed state for the best results. The texture change is less noticeable when the cheese is melted, making it a good fit for such dishes.
How to Store Fresh Mozzarella Cheese if Not Freezing?
Perhaps you’ve decided that freezing isn’t the best idea for your mozzarella. In that case, how should you store it for the best quality?
Is Refrigeration a Good Alternative?
Keeping your fresh mozzarella balls or mozzarella blocks in the fridge is a good alternative to freezing. Store them in their original packaging or an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture. Some even prefer submerging the cheese in a mixture of olive oil and fresh basil to enhance the flavor.
Can You Store it at Room Temperature?
Storing soft cheese like mozzarella at room temperature is not recommended due to its high moisture content. It’s best to keep it refrigerated until the use-by date indicated on the original packaging.
How Long Can it Last Without Freezing?
Mozzarella di bufala, a type of mozzarella cheese, and other high-moisture varieties typically have a shorter shelf life than semi-hard cheese or hard cheeses. Depending on the type of mozzarella cheese, it should be consumed within a couple of days to a week after opening for the best quality.
Common Misconceptions and FAQs About Freezing Mozzarella
We all have questions when it comes to storing dairy products like mozzarella. Let’s clear up some of the confusion.
Does Freezing Affect the Nutritional Value?
The good news is that the health benefits and nutritional value of mozzarella, including its vitamin B content, are generally not impacted by freezing. So, you’re not losing out on the goodness of this dairy product when you freeze it.
Will the Cheese Become Hard or Crumbly?
While the freezing process does result in some texture change, properly thawed mozzarella still works well in most recipes. If you find the cheese a bit crumbly after thawing, it’s not a big deal; it can still be easily melted.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Mozzarella?
Refreezing thawed cheese is generally not recommended as it can severely impact its texture and may introduce excess moisture, leading to freezer burn.
What About Using Frozen Mozzarella in Sandwiches?
While the texture change may be more noticeable in cold applications like sandwiches, you can mask it by using other creamy elements like olive oil or soft, creamy cheese like ricotta.
What’s the Best Way to Use Leftover Frozen Mozzarella?
Leftover frozen mozzarella can be conveniently used in creamy soups, melted as a pizza topping, or included in pasta dishes.
The Variety Matters: Types of Mozzarella and Freezing Suitability
Not all mozzarella cheeses are created equal, and that’s something to consider when thinking about freezing.
How Does Mozzarella Di Bufala Fare When Frozen?
Mozzarella di bufala is a high-end type of mozzarella cheese known for its soft and creamy texture. Because of its high water content, it’s a bit trickier to freeze without losing some of its original texture. However, it is still possible if you use the right methods of wrapping and thawing.
What About Low-Moisture Mozzarella?
Low-moisture mozzarella is more forgiving when it comes to freezing. With less water content compared to its fresh counterpart, it tends to freeze well and thaw with minimal texture change.
Shredded vs. Block Mozzarella: Which Is Better for Freezing?
If you’re purchasing your cheese in shredded form or as blocks of mozzarella, you might be wondering which is better for freezing. Both have their merits. Shredded cheese can be used directly from the freezer, making it convenient. On the other hand, mozzarella blocks give you more flexibility as you can decide how to slice or shred it later.
Can You Freeze Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?
Good news! Mozzarella cheese sticks are perfect candidates for freezing. Whether it’s whole blocks or individual cheese slices, freezing them can extend their life, making it an easy way to always have a dairy treat at hand.
Final Thoughts
Freezing mozzarella can be a convenient way to extend its shelf life and make the most out of this versatile dairy product. While it’s true that freezing may alter its texture slightly, the good news is that thawed or directly cooked frozen mozzarella works perfectly in a wide range of dishes, from creamy soups to pasta dishes, and as a delicious pizza topping. Remember to store your cheese properly, whether in the freezer or fridge, to enjoy it at its best quality.