Can you freeze half and half? Yes, despite what others say, it’s possible to freeze half and half and other dairy products! That said, cream-based food items are tricky to freeze. The thinner consistency of half and half means it is prone to breaking or splitting once it is defrosted, giving the thawed half and half a curdled appearance.
Although thawed half and half is safe to eat, it’s better used in cooking and baking rather than mixing with coffee.
That said, we know a trick that could help retain the original consistency of thawed half and half. When stored in the freezer properly, half and half can keep for up to 3 months. Below is the guide on how to freeze half and half.
How to Freeze Half and Half?
Freezing Unopened Half and Half
The best way to freeze half and half is to chuck it in the freezer unopened and in its original packaging. Because it’s unopened, the product is not exposed to oxygen so once thawed, the half and half won’t split.
Freezing Leftover Half and Half
If say, you are freezing leftover half and half, we recommend transferring the product into a clean plastic jug with an airtight lid. Just pour the liquid into the jug, making sure you leave an inch of space to allow half and half to expand in the freezer.
Freezing Small Servings of Half and Half
If you’d like to freeze half and half in smaller servings, you can. Get several ice cube trays and start pouring the liquid gently to fill each tray. An ice cube of half and half is equal to 2 tablespoons. Stick the ice trays in the freezer and just pop a couple of cubed half and half whenever!
How to Defrost Frozen Half and Half?
The best way to defrost frozen half and half is to transfer the frozen product from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the frozen half and half to thaw for several hours. Once thawed, it’s normal for dairy to split because the butterfat has clumped.
To restore its original consistency, get a whisk and start whisking the half and half away until all ingredients are incorporated nicely. After whisking the thawed half and half, it is now ready to use in your coffee, or in baking or cooking!
Summary
Just like any type of dairy-based foods, it’s not a good idea to re-freeze thawed half and half. If you are planning to use up your stock gradually, then consider freezing the half and half in smaller servings.
This way, you don’t have to defrost the whole jug just to get several spoonfuls of the product. Now that you know how to freeze half and half properly, you can keep leftover product in the freezer for future use!