Can You Freeze Velveeta Cheese?

Wondering if you can freeze Velveeta cheese? You’re in the right place! We’ve been busy researching all about this popular processed cheese, so just keep reading if you’re interested in learning more…

What is Velveeta Cheese?

In a nutshell, Velveeta cheese is a popular processed cheese that consists of a soft and smooth texture. It can be enjoyed as it is, melted to make a yummy nacho cheese sauce, or even used as a side dip for the main meal. 

It’s popular because it has a slightly creamier taste than a regular block of cheese, which makes it a hit with children – even the fussiest! It has a vibrant orange color, has less fat than regular cheddar, and is sold in blocks. 

It goes great on crackers and, when melted, transforms into a thick, rich texture that is free from any lumps that other kinds of cheese make, which is one of the reasons it’s become a must-have for families across America. 

So, Can I Freeze Velveeta Cheese?

Technically speaking, you can freeze your Velveeta cheese. The only problem? Kraft, the maker of Velveeta, doesn’t recommend doing so. In fact, they’ve even released an official statement that (in summary) states that you shouldn’t freeze it because it may cause ‘changes to the texture’ as well as potentially causing crystallization. 

Kraft also states that freezing can cause a breakdown of the ingredients used, which may cause water to form on the surface, as well as leaving the cheese inedible.

However, there are ways that you can freeze Velveeta cheese properly so that it will remain just the same as it was before it was frozen. It’s sold in cardboard boxes so, if you plan on freezing your Velveeta cheese, you’ll have to transfer it to a freezer-safe container, as the original packaging is not suitable for the freezer. 

In order to properly prep the cheese, carefully take the product out of its packaging. Before transferring it into your freezer-friendly container, you’ll need to decide whether you want to freeze the block as it is or cut it into smaller cubes. 

Then, once you’ve decided how you would like to prepare the cheese, carefully cover the cheese with cling film wrap, making sure there are no areas that have been left exposed.

Place the wrapped cheese into your freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag (making sure to squeeze out the excess air if you choose to use a bag). We then recommend grabbing a pen and making a mark of the date before you stick it in the freezer. 

It’s important to note that the cheese has to be kept at a consistent temperature in order to reduce the chances of any texture changes or breakdown of ingredients, so you’ll need to place your Velveeta cheese right at the back of the fridge. 

When you’re ready to defrost, simply take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight. Then, gently melt the Velveeta cheese on low heat, ensuring that you use it up with 2 days. During this time frame, many people choose to keep it in the fridge. 

Step by Step Instructions

If you’re new to freezing your Velveeta cheese or would prefer a step by step guide, just follow our instructions below: 

• Firstly, remove your Velveeta cheese from its packaging, as it is not suitable for freezing.
• Once you have taken it out of its original packaging, decide whether you would like to freeze it as a block, or cut it into smaller pieces.
• After preparing your cheese, carefully cover it with plastic (cling film) wrap. Make sure that no areas of the cheese is left exposed. If you want to be extra safe, you can wrap an extra layer of cling film around it. 
• Place the wrapped Velveeta cheese inside a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container.
• If you have chosen to use a freezer-friendly bag, remove any excess air inside the bag, and secure tightly.
• For best results, place the cheese at the back of the freezer where the temperature remains the most consistent.
• When you want to thaw the cheese, remove it from the freezer into the refrigerator and leave it to defrost overnight.
• Once it has defrosted, gently melt the cheese over low heat, and make sure that you use it for two days.
• Ensure that you do not refreeze your Velveeta cheese once it has been defrosted, as it won’t be edible and may cause harmful effects.

Shelf Life and Thawing Advice

Once you have placed your Velveeta in the freezer, it will be able to remain frozen for at least 3 months, if not more. If possible, we recommend eating the frozen cheese as soon as possible in order to minimize any changes to the texture or a breakdown of ingredients.

Once you have defrosted your frozen Velveeta cheese, make sure that you use it up within two days. It’s also important to remember that once you have thawed your frozen cheese, you can only use it for cooking purposes and you shouldn’t decide to refreeze it once again. If you have any leftovers, you’ll have to dispose of them. 

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Though Kraft does state that you shouldn’t freeze your Velveeta cheese, many people have figured out a way to do so without causing a breakdown of the ingredients, or negatively impacting the cheese or texture. 

As long as you are carefully ensuring that you prepare the cheese correctly before freezing (i.e, wrapping it in plastic wrappers and a freezer-friendly container/bag) you’ll have no problems. 

You’ll be able to use your thawed Velveeta cheese for making mac and cheese, pasta dishes, or even dips. Remember, freezing will only help to extend the shelf life of the cheese, so you should only use it for cooking purposes. 

Once frozen, your Velveeta cheese will last for around 3 months and, once you’ve defrosted it, you’ll have to use it within 2 days.