Freezing mozzarella cheese is super easy and a great way to save money by stocking up on it when it is on sale. You can freeze it in blocks, balls or shredded.
If you are freezing store-bought mozzarella, simply toss the sealed and unopened bag straight into the freezer.
If you are shredding your own, take your block of mozzarella and shred it with a cheese grater.
Spread the shredded cheese in a single layer on a cookie sheet and pop it into the freezer for about 2 - 3 hours to flash freeze it. It should be partially frozen.
Remove from the freezer and pour it into freezer bags in the portions you will want when you defrost it.
For blocks of mozzarella
You can freeze an entire, unopened block of mozzarella by placing it directly into the freezer. Pop it into a freezer bag for extra protection if desired.
If you have already opened the block of mozzarella, wrap it in cling wrap. Then, pop it into a freezer bag and put it into the freezer.
For slices of mozzarella
If not done already, slice the mozzarella into the size slices you prefer.
Place them on a cookie sheet and flash freeze by putting them in the freezer for a few hours.
Remove from the freezer and place into freezer bags.
For fresh mozzarella balls
Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the balls.
Wrap each ball in cling wrap. Two layers provides maximum protection.
Place the wrapped balls into a freezer bag and place it into the freezer.
If you want to slice the balls, you you dry them and then follow the steps for slices of mozzarella above.
Notes
Top tips
Squeeze all the air out of the freezer bags before sealing to maintain the highest quality and prevent freezer burn.
Label bags with date and amount so that you know exactly what is in them.
Press the contents of the bags flat and even before freezing so that they are easy to stack and save room in the freezer.
Place parchment paper between each slice if freezing slices so that they are easier to separate.
Package each bag in the amount of cheese you will want or need when defrosting so that you only defrost what you need each time.
Defrosting/Thawing
If cooking or melting the cheese, you can use it frozen.
To defrost, place it in the refrigerator overnight.