Turn Your Freezer into an At-Home Dairy Aisle
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Did you know freezer storage can include dairy? Many people avoid food waste by freezing meat and even fruits and vegetables, but you can save yourself time and money in the dairy aisle, too.
If you’d like to buy butter, milk or cheese in bulk and freeze them for long-term use, consider these storage tips. Keep in mind, items with higher fat content may freeze better than lower-fat alternatives.
Butter
Section blocks of butter into smaller sizes, like 1/4-1/2 cup blocks, for convenience when thawing. Wrap them in freezer-safe plastic wrap then store in freezer-safe bags. Once you’re ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator.
Milk
Milk can be frozen in its plastic container, but be sure to pour out and use a bit before freezing to account for expansion. Secure the lid tightly before placing in the freezer. Or you can pour into smaller glass or plastic containers to be used in increments of tablespoons or cups. After thawing in the refrigerator, whisk the milk to offset separation that may have occurred.
Cheese
For larger blocks of cheese, shred, slice or cube it before freezing for easier separation when it comes time for use.
Sour Cream and Yogurt
Freeze in individual plastic containers or divide into smaller glass or plastic containers with lids. Unlike other dairy products, these may only last 1-2 months. Be sure to stir to return to expected consistency; yogurts may be better used in recipes like smoothies as they often become grainy after freezing.
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