How to Freeze Milk and Other Sustainable Cooking Tips for Dairy Products
Trying to cut back on food waste in the kitchen? These smart, sustainable cooking tips show you how to reduce food waste and get the most from your favorite dairy products.
Freezing Milk for Long-Term Storage
Wondering what to do with milk before it goes bad? Don’t waste it. Upgrade it. Freezing milk takes just a few minutes and can save you from pouring money down the drain. Frozen milk still works great in cooked dishes, baking, or blended drinks.
Milk freezes at a slightly lower temperature than water because of the natural sugars and proteins it contains. For best results, make sure your freezer is set to 0°F or colder. That ensures the milk freezes fully and stays fresh for long-term use.
Watch our video for helpful tips on the best ways to freeze and thaw frozen milk.
Pro Tip:
Freeze milk in ice cube trays for perfect portions. It’s just the right size for smoothies, sauces, or a splash in your coffee.
How to Defrost Frozen Milk Quickly
The fridge is the safest way to thaw frozen milk. But if you’re in a rush, there’s a faster fix. Submerge the milk container in cold water to speed things up. Keep it sealed tight and shake it well after thawing.
Pro Tip:
Skip the microwave when thawing milk. It heats unevenly and can mess with the texture.
Easy Ways to Use Milk Before It Goes Bad
If you’ve ever Googled “how to use up milk,” you’re not alone. Good news: There are easy, creative ways to use every last splash. No waste, just taste. Well played.
Make Homemade Buttermilk
Transform everyday milk into something special. Homemade buttermilk is rich, versatile, and perfect for recipes that need a little extra flavor.
Just combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Then let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use it right away or refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 days.
Now use that buttermilk in a crowd-pleasing treat. Think fluffy pancakes, savory soda bread, or rich ricotta for homemade lasagna.
Cheddar-and-Herb Irish Soda Bread
Use Borden Sharp Cheddar and 1¾ cups of buttermilk in this easy soda bread. Make it the MVP of your next soup night.
Dessert Recipes That Use a Lot of Milk
Too much milk? That’s not a problem, it’s dessert potential. Whip up pudding, tres leches, or a milkshake or two.
Monstrous Milkshake Madness
No boring shakes here. This freezer-friendly monster is cool, quick, and totally extra.
Banana Puddin’ Pops
Banana pudding, but make it frozen with 2 cups of milk and a big scoop of Cool Whip Original Whipped Topping.
Savory Recipes to Use Up Milk
Use up milk the savory way: gooey mac, bubbly bakes, and soups that hit just right. You saved the milk and dinner. Not bad.
Penne with Creamy, White Vodka Sauce
This cozy penne pasta uses 3 cups of half-and-half and Frigo® Mozzarella. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ultimate Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This ultra-creamy mac uses 1 cup of whole milk and a melty mix of Frigo® cheese for serious comfort in every bite.
More Sustainable Kitchen Tips When Cooking with Dairy
Trying to level up sustainability in the kitchen? Start with your cheese drawer. These leftover cheese ideas are easy, cheesy, and surprisingly delicious.
Best Way to Store Cheese
Don’t let good cheese go bad. Whether you’re snacking now or saving it for later, here’s how to store cheese like a pro.
Wrap Your Block Cheeses
Block cheese needs a little room to breathe. Wrap it in wax or parchment paper, then add a loose layer of plastic wrap or foil. Store it in your fridge’s crisper drawer to keep the texture just right and protect it from drying out.
Grate and Freeze for Later
Freezing cheese is easier than it sounds. Grate semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, toss them in a bag, and freeze for future meals.
Pro Tip:
Freeze grated cheese in small portions so you can grab just what you need. Future-you will thank you on pasta night.
What to Do with Leftover Cheese
Try Using Cheese Rind in Soup
That tough end of the cheese block? It’s soup gold. Toss the rind into a simmering pot and let it work its magic. It melts down slowly and adds rich, cheesy depth.
Meal Prep a Cheese Sauce or Dip
Blend those leftover cheese bits into a sauce you can reheat on busy nights. It’s perfect for mac and cheese, nachos, or fondue when time is tight. Try our Freezer Cheese Sauce Recipe.
Pro Tip:
Not sure which varieties melt best? Check out our guide to the best cooking cheeses before you start.
Sustainable Ideas for Yogurt
Blend Yogurt Cubes into Smoothies
Yogurt cubes = smoothie magic. They blend up thick, tangy, and protein-packed with zero waste. Just spoon yogurt into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Pop out and store in a freezer bag for easy smoothie upgrades.
Make a Frozen Yogurt Tart
Give yogurt a dessert glow-up. Blend frozen fruit and lemon juice into a tangy frozen yogurt that tastes like a tart—no crust required. Try our Homemade Strawberry Tart Frozen Yogurt recipe.
For more ideas, check out Sustainable Eating Made Easy with Frozen & Refrigerated Foods.
