Cheese Paper Alternatives » AGAH Productions

You just bought a lovely wedge of creamy brie, a salty slab of parmesan, or a crumbly chunk of aged cheddar from the cheese shop.

Now you need to properly wrap and store your precious dairy treasures to keep them fresh as long as possible.

But what if you don't have access to specialized cheese paper? Don't worry - you have options.

Table of Contents

Why Proper Cheese Storage Matters

Before we go over the alternatives, let's discuss why proper storage techniques matter in the first place. Cheese is alive - the aging process continues after you bring it home. Without the right storage conditions, your cheese will dry out, develop off-flavors, or grow mold before its time.

There are four key factors that impact cheese storage:

Temperature - Each cheese variety has an ideal temperature range. Soft cheeses do best refrigerated while hard cheeses can often be left at room temperature.
Humidity - Maintaining the right level of humidity prevents moisture loss. Hard cheeses need less humidity while soft cheeses require more.
Air circulation - This allows gases and odors to escape while providing oxygen for the rind to breathe. Too much airflow can dry cheese out while too little creates ammonia buildup.
Light exposure - Light can damage cheese fats so storage in darkness is best.

By considering these factors and using proper wrapping techniques, you can prolong the life of your precious cheeses. Now let's look at some accessible alternatives to specialty cheese paper.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is readily available, inexpensive, and works great for wrapping cheeses. The coated paper provides a breathable barrier that retains moisture but allows just enough airflow.

Here's how to wrap cheese in parchment:

Cut a sheet large enough to wrap your cheese, about twice as wide as the cheese is long.
Place the cheese in the center diagonally.
Fold the sides tightly over the cheese, then fold over the two ends.
Seal with tape if needed to secure the folds.
Write the name and date on the exterior.

Parchment paper is suitable for most cheese varieties except extremely high-moisture types like fresh goat cheese. For those, try another method below. The only downside to parchment is that it can dry out after several openings compared to specialist cheese paper.

Wax Paper

Wax paper is another common kitchen staple that doubles for cheese wrapping. The thin wax coating helps retain moisture better than parchment alone.

Follow these steps for wrapping with wax paper:

Cut a sheet to about twice the width of your cheese.
Place the cheese near one edge.
Pull the right corner over tightly, then the left corner for a smooth fold.
Wrap the ends like a present, taping edges if needed.

The cling from the wax means you may not need tape to secure it. Wax paper provides an excellent moisture barrier for high-humidity soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella. Avoid using wax paper for extremely runny cheeses as the wax can melt.

Plastic Wrap

You can use plastic wrap to store cheese if you do it carefully. Because plastic doesn't allow airflow, take precautions against suffocation.

Here are some tips for plastic wrap storage:

Use high-quality food grade plastic wrap, not generic household wrap.
Wrap loosely in a single layer, don't stretch it tight.
Leave openings at both ends so air can circulate.
Change the wrap every 2-3 days to allow the cheese to breathe.

The benefit of plastic is easy mold prevention. But flavors can be impacted since plastic doesn't allow gases to dissipate. Use for short term storage only.

Foil

Aluminum foil can be molded into a ventilated cheese cocoon. The reflective surface blocks light while the malleable foil lets you create breathing holes.

Follow these steps for proper foil storage:

Use heavy duty foil to prevent tears.
Make a pouch slightly larger than the cheese.
Poke 4-5 small holes through the foil before sealing.
Fold and wrap the foil around cheese, leaving opening at both ends.
Change foil every 3-5 days.

While foil prevents light exposure and retains moisture well, it can impart a metallic flavor over long term storage. Use for semi-hard and hard cheeses you plan to eat within 2 weeks.

Containers

Storing cheese in a container allows you to customize the environment. Use shallow rigid containers so cheese gets airflow.

Tips for container storage:

Line container with parchment before adding cheese.
Keep container slightly ajar rather than fully sealing the lid.
Place a damp paper towel in container to provide humidity.
Elevate cheese on a rack above collected moisture.
Refresh towel and wipe container every 2-3 days.

With the right adjustments, containers give you control over moisture and airflow. Shallow Tupperware or food storage bins work well for this.

Cheese Paper Alternatives by Cheese Type

Certain cheeses have particular wrapping needs. Here are some guidelines:

Soft ripened cheese (brie, camembert): Parchment or wax paper are best.
Blue cheese (stilton, gorgonzola): Foil or a container controls humidity and prevents off-flavors.
Washed rind cheese (taleggio, époisses): Wrap tightly in foil or plastic to contain the strong aroma.
Fresh mozzarella: Store in whey or water in a container to retain soft, moist texture.
Hard grating cheese (parmesan, pecorino): Wrap in parchment then foil or use a zip-top plastic bag with airflow.
Semi-soft cheese (havarti, gouda): Parchment or wax paper work well. Can also use plastic wrap changed frequently.
Soft fresh cheese (ricotta, cottage cheese): Seal in an airtight container, smothering surface with plastic wrap if needed.

Extra Tips for Proper Cheese Storage

Let cheese come to room temperature before serving for fuller aroma and flavor.
Mark wrapped cheese with variety and date so you know what's inside.
Place delicate cheeses on lower fridge shelves to prevent damage.
Rinse and reuse cheese wrapping 2-3 times before replacing.
Tightly wrap cheese crumbs or small pieces separately to avoid drying out.
Place very strong smelling cheeses like washed rinds in a secondary container to avoid odor transfer.

FAQs

What can I use instead of cheese paper?

The best substitutes for cheese paper are parchment paper, wax paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or storage containers. Adjust the wrapping method based on cheese type.

How long will cheese last with alternative wrappings?

Properly wrapped, most cheeses will retain optimum quality for 1-4 weeks depending on variety. Hard cheeses last longer while soft cheeses have shorter shelf life.

What cheeses need higher humidity when stored?

Soft cheeses with high moisture content require humidity above 90% to prevent drying out. These include brie, camembert, fresh mozzarella, and soft goat cheeses.

Can I freeze cheese without specialty paper?

Yes, you can freeze most hard and semi-hard cheeses by tightly wrapping in foil or plastic wrap. Allow cheese to thaw slowly in the fridge before consuming.

What material should I avoid wrapping cheese in?

Avoid direct contact with plastic bags, plastic cling wrap, or low-quality paper towels which can all negatively impact cheese flavor.

Conclusion

From common kitchen parchment to reusable containers, you can easily find a solution for proper cheese storage without specialty cheese paper.

Remember to consider the individual needs of your cheeses. Adjust wrapping tightness, humidity, and airflow as needed to keep those precious dairy treats fresh and delicious.

What will you try first - parchment, wax paper, foil, or a ventilated container?