There is nothing that goes with a bagel like some smooth, fluffy cream cheese. Aside from topping bagels, cream cheese can also be used to make cream cheese frosting for baked goods, and even serves as a main ingredient in many cheesecake recipes.
If you find yourself with leftover cream cheese that you want to save for later, freezing it is a good option to consider. The freezer can keep cream cheese good for up to two months, giving you plenty of time to put it to use.
Frozen cream cheese can be thawed easily and quickly, or over a period of time with little effort. Microwaving, refrigerating, or leaving cream cheese at room temperature will all bring this delicious treat back to life and ready to be used.
Whether you plan to make some cream cheese frosting in a few weeks, or simply want to keep some cream cheese on hand in case you have a sudden craving for some cream cheese rangoons, freezing is a great way to keep it from going bad in the refrigerator before you get around to using it.
How To Thaw Frozen Cream Cheese
Thawing frozen cream cheese is a simple task that can be done in minutes, hours, or somewhere in between, depending how soon you plan to use it. Be sure to consider how quickly you need it defrosted when choosing the method you will use.
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Thawing Cream Cheese In The Refrigerator
This method is relatively easy, requiring little effort, but it will take the most time until your cream cheese is completely defrosted and ready to use. If you do not need your cream cheese frosted for several hours or more, this method will work well for you.
Place the amount of cream cheese you want to defrost into a resealable ziploc bag or airtight container. Allow this to sit in your refrigerator for at least several hours or overnight.
The amount of time it will take to defrost your cream cheese will depend on the amount you are using. Check to see if it is defrosted yet by poking with a fork and seeing how soft the texture has become.
If your cream cheese is not defrosted yet when you first check, allow it to sit for thirty minutes before testing again. Once defrosted, cream cheese can remain in the refrigerator for up to ten days.
Thawing Cream Cheese At Room Temperature
Thawing cream cheese at room temperature is an easy way to allow it to defrost with little effort, and to do so faster than in the refrigerator. This method, as long as done right, is a safe way to defrost cream cheese.
Place the cream cheese in an airtight dish if it is not still in the original packaging. A resealable plastic bag will also work. Leave the creamcheese on the kitchen counter, allowing it to defrost naturally in the warmer temperature.
Defrost at room temperature for thirty minutes to allow it to soften a good amount. If you want it to be softer, allow it to defrost for about an hour. These amounts of time will be slightly dependent on the temperature of your kitchen.
Do not leave cream cheese out at room temperature for longer than two hours, as anything more can cause bacteria growth and the possibility of food borne illness. Once defrosted, cream cheese can be stored in the refrigerator to use later.
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Thawing Cream Cheese In The Microwave
Thawing cream cheese in the microwave is the quickest method to soften it up and get it ready for use. This method takes only a few seconds of your time and will safely defrost any amount of cream cheese.
Place the unwrapped cream cheese into a microwave safe dish that allows it to lay flat. Microwave on high for fifteen seconds before testing the texture for softness.
Poke the cream cheese with a fork to see how defrosted it is. If it is not soft enough to use, cook for an additional ten seconds until it is thawed completely.
How To Make Thawed Cream Cheese Creamy Again
Oftentimes frozen cream cheese once it has been thawed it may lose its deluctant, soft and creamy texture. To prevent this from happening, or bring it back to that smooth form we all love, you can whip it back into shape (metaphorically and literally).
If you have cream cheese that is frozen and you want it to be smooth once again, simply whip the cream cheese with a mixer. Do not whip too long, only until there is a slight separation between the liquid and solid forms of cream cheese.
In a microwave safe dish, heat the cream cheese for twenty to thirty seconds to help mix the solid and liquid back together. Once done microwaving, mix the cream cheese with a fork to help maintain that creamy goodness it once was before freezing.
Whipping frozen cream cheese is the best way to revive it to where it once was. Now you are ready for whatever you want to make with it!
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In Conclusion
Freezing cream cheese is an easy way to keep it for longer than its shelf life in the refrigerator. This method will extend its livelihood until you may need it again.
When storing cream cheese in the freezer, leaving it in its original foil wrapping and box is more than enough to keep it safe from freezer burn. If you have already removed it from the original packaging, simply place it into a resealable ziploc bag or airtight container.
Thawing cream cheese is an easy task that can be done as soon as you need it to be. Whether you have hours to spend or simply minutes, there is a method that will fit your time frame to get this done perfectly.
Next time you have leftover cream cheese that you do not want to spoil, throw it in the freezer and save it for a delicious meal later on.
