Yogurt is one of those sneaky must-have ingredients. You probably buy it for breakfast (hello, pretty parfaits and smoothies!), but you may not necessarily think of it as an essential like eggs, milk, and bread. But then you realize it's always on your grocery list, because you use it all the time.
Yogurt is used in so many recipes from snacks like easy avocado dip to homemade salad dressings. You can bake with yogurt for dessert and get a cake with a tender, moist crumb. That telltale creaminess and tang also make it a great substitute of buttermilk, sour cream, mayo, and even baking powder. See? It's good to have stocked at home.
And once you realize its usefulness, you'll probably want to stock up on yogurt (or make it yourself). But since it's perishable, you also have to consider storage options. Can you freeze yogurt to make it last longer, for instance? The short answer is yes, but there's a catch. Read on for more!
Can You Freeze Yogurt?
Yes, you can freeze yogurt. So what's the catch? Much like freezing cheese, the texture of yogurt will change once it's been defrosted. It may separate and become grainy. The flavor might change, too! It may taste tangier depending on the type of yogurt and the brand. That doesn't mean it's bad, of course. It just means you should probably mix it into recipes or use it in marinades rather than elevating yogurt for breakfast, for example.
How Do You Freeze Yogurt?
You can freeze yogurt just like you freeze milk—in the container it came in. Most commercial yogurts come in plastic or glass containers, which are both freezer friendly. You can also transfer yogurt to airtight food storage containers. This is a great idea if you have a smaller amount leftover or want to pre-portion your yogurt.
You can even freeze small amounts in ice cube trays, pop them out when they're solid, and stash them in a zip-top bag. Then when you need a small amount for a recipe, you can simply defrost what you need. Regardless of how you freeze yogurt, make sure you label it with the date so you know how long it has been stashed away. Most yogurts will last for about two months in the freezer.
How Do You Thaw Yogurt?
According to the USDA, "When thawing frozen food, it's best to plan ahead and thaw in the refrigerator where it will remain at a safe, constant temperature—at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below." Furthermore, "Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter, or in hot water and must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours." So pop in the fridge the night before and you should be good to go.
Once yogurt is thawed, it should not be refrozen. And if you find that your thawed yogurt is extra watery or grainy, you can blend it in a food processor to help bring it back to life before using it. You can also just leave it frozen if you feel like snacking on it because you've basically just made a quick frozen yogurt.
