Kamil Perry
Cheese balls are a versatile appetiser, often made from a combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings. They are usually coated with a layer of nuts, herbs, or spices. While cheese balls typically have a long shelf life, they can go bad. The 'best before' date on the package is a guideline for quality rather than safety. If stored correctly, cheese balls can last 1-2 weeks past the printed date on the package. However, if they are not stored properly, they can go stale, develop an unpleasant smell, or exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. In such cases, it is recommended not to consume them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | An unopened cheese ball can last 1-2 weeks past the printed date on the package if stored correctly. Cheddar cheese balls can last for several months to a year or more past their 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. |
| Signs of spoilage | If the cheese ball has mold, a sour smell, or a different smell from when it was first bought, it should not be eaten. Changes in texture, such as becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy, or very hard, wet, or soft, are also signs of spoilage. |
| Storage | Cheese balls should be stored in the refrigerator. For everyday use, store the cheese ball in an airtight plastic bag or container. For slower consumption, divide it into smaller, portion-sized balls, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. |
| Freezing | Freezing a cheese ball is possible but may affect its texture once thawed. To freeze, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and put it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a slow, even thaw. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese balls' expiration dates
Cheese balls are a versatile appetizer made from a combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and various seasonings. They are often coated with a layer of nuts, herbs, or spices and can be made with different types of cheese. While they are typically safe to consume for 1-2 weeks past the printed expiration date if stored correctly, it's important to be aware of the signs of spoilage to ensure you don't eat cheese that has gone bad.
The "best by" or "sell by" dates on cheese ball packaging are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Properly stored cheese balls can often be safely consumed beyond these dates. However, it's important to use your best judgment and consider the type of cheese and its appearance, odour, and taste before deciding to eat it. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it's best to err on the side of caution and not consume the cheese balls.
The tell-tale signs of cheese balls that have gone bad include mould, an unpleasant smell, and changes in texture. Mould on cheese balls indicates that they should not be eaten. If the cheese balls smell sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's a sign of spoilage. Additionally, if the texture of the cheese balls becomes overly dry, crumbly, slimy, or very hard, or if they become overly wet or soft, these are definite signs that they should not be consumed.
To ensure the longest possible shelf life for cheese balls, proper storage is essential. For everyday use, store the cheese balls in an airtight plastic bag or container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you plan to consume the cheese balls over an extended period, consider dividing them into smaller portions, wrapping each portion in plastic wrap, and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Freezing cheese balls is also an option, but it may affect their texture once thawed.
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Signs cheese balls have gone bad
Cheese balls are a tasty snack, but they don't last forever! While they do have a relatively long shelf life, there are a few signs you can look out for to know if your cheese balls have gone bad. Firstly, trust your nose. If your cheese balls smell sour, rancid, or like ammonia, they have likely spoiled.
Secondly, check for any visible mould. While blue mould is normal and safe to eat on blue cheeses, other types of mould on cheese balls indicate spoilage and are not safe to consume. If you spot any suspicious growths, cut off the affected portion and throw it away.
Thirdly, pay attention to any changes in texture. Cheese balls that have gone bad may become overly dry, crumbly, slimy, or very hard. They may also become overly wet or soft, which is a definite sign that they should not be eaten.
Lastly, be mindful of the "best by" or "sell by" dates on the packaging. These dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety, but if your cheese balls are past this date and exhibit any of the above signs of spoilage, it's best to discard them. If in doubt, it's probably safer not to eat them.
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Proper storage of cheese balls
Proper storage is essential to preserving the flavour, texture, and overall quality of cheese balls. If you've made your own cheese balls, it's best to wrap them in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminium foil before storing them in the fridge. The plastic wrap helps retain moisture and protects the cheese ball from all sides, while the foil provides an added layer of protection from temperature fluctuations and blocks out unwanted light. This combination keeps the cheese ball fresh and helps it retain its shape. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to four weeks.
If you've purchased pre-made cheese balls, they can be stored at room temperature if they are sold and packaged that way. However, once opened, they should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and slow down spoilage. Cut the wrapper off, and then store the cheese ball in the fridge. If you're travelling with cheese balls, some countries may not allow you to bring them in, so always check the regulations of your destination.
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Freezing and thawing cheese balls
Cheese balls can be frozen for up to three months without affecting their taste or texture. Freezing cheese balls is a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.
To freeze a cheese ball, first mix together all the ingredients, including cheese, herbs, and spices. Then, shape the mixture into a ball with your hands or a spoon. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil to protect it from odours and flavours from other foods in your freezer. Finally, place the wrapped cheese ball in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to serve the cheese ball, thaw it in the refrigerator for six hours or overnight, keeping it wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. Once thawed, let the cheese ball come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can add garnishes such as nuts, herbs, or other toppings to the cheese ball before serving.
It is important to note that cheese balls with fresh fruit or vegetables should not be frozen as they can become watery and affect the consistency of the cheese ball. If you want to add fresh fruit or vegetables to your cheese ball, it is recommended to add them after thawing the cheese ball.
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Shelf life of different types of cheese
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and Brie, have a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of soft cheeses, such as keeping them in their brine or wrapping them in cheese or parchment paper. Semi-soft or semi-hard cheeses, including Cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack, have a slightly longer shelf life of up to three weeks when properly stored.
Harder cheeses, such as aged Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, can last from a few months to almost indefinitely. Lower water content in these cheeses means there is less chance for bacteria to grow, and they can even be faced by trimming dry or mouldy outer layers.
Freezing cheese is not recommended as it can affect the texture, although some suggest freezing blocks of cheese intended for cooking or grating. Buying smaller amounts of cheese more frequently is generally recommended, as cheese will not taste as good over time. While expiration dates are useful, using your senses to taste and smell the cheese is a better way to determine if it has gone bad. Cheese will usually become unpalatable before it becomes dangerous, and mould growth or drying out are signs that a soft cheese has gone bad. Harder cheeses can have mould scraped off, except in the case of red or black mould, which indicates the cheese should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can store cheese balls in the freezer. However, freezing cheese balls may affect their texture once thawed.
Homemade cheese balls will last as long as their most perishable ingredient. If made with cream cheese, they will last for about a week or two in the fridge. If made with fresh herbs, diced fruit, or other perishable ingredients, they may only last 24 to 48 hours.
Unopened, store-bought cheese balls can last 1-2 weeks past the printed date on the package if stored correctly.
Cheese balls should only be left out at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. After two hours, any unused portions should be discarded for safety.
Signs that cheese balls have gone bad include the presence of mold, an off or sour smell, or a change in texture (e.g., becoming very hard, overly wet, soft, or slimy).
To extend the shelf life of cheese balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they can be frozen, although this may affect their texture.
