Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge once opened to ensure it's safe to eat. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with higher moisture content creating more opportunities for bacteria to grow. Generally, soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks. Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish, so they tend to last longer. However, it's important to inspect your cheese for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold. Trust your senses of smell and taste to determine whether the cheese has gone bad. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping the cheese in parchment paper or storing it in a container with an airtight lid, can also help extend its shelf life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to store cheese | Wrap it gently in wax, parchment, or cheese paper after opening to help maintain its moisture. |
| Safe fridge temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| How to know if cheese has gone bad | Your senses will be the best red flag when a cheese goes bad. If you see spots of mold, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the areas and enjoy the rest. If it smells bad, it's best to throw it out. |
| How long does cheese last in the fridge | Soft cheeses last 1–2 weeks in the fridge after opening while most hard cheeses last 3–4 weeks. |
| How long does cheese last outside the fridge | Hard cheeses can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses. Soft cheeses should be discarded after two hours of sitting out at room temperature. Hard cheeses can be left out for 4 hours and then rewrapped and put back in the fridge. |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening
Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheeses will last for up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, but their quality and taste will start to deteriorate before then.
To ensure soft cheeses last as long as possible, proper storage is key. Soft cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind, so they require more care than other soft cheeses. Wrapping them in cheese paper or parchment paper and keeping them in an airtight container is recommended.
It's important to note that soft cheeses are more susceptible to mold growth than hard cheeses. If you see any signs of mold on soft cheeses, discard them immediately. To prevent mold growth, maintain a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C). At higher temperatures, bacteria multiply more rapidly, increasing the risk of spoilage.
While soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses, they can still be enjoyed for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. Inspect your cheese regularly and use your senses to determine if it's safe to eat. If it looks, smells, or tastes off, it's best to discard it.
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Hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last three to four weeks in the fridge after opening when stored properly. These types of cheeses have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
To ensure the longevity of hard cheeses, it is important to store them correctly. After opening, wrap the cheese using wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain its moisture. Then, place it in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent drying out while still allowing it to breathe. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
It is worth noting that hard cheeses generally do not require refrigeration. However, they will last much longer if they are refrigerated. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge.
Even if stored properly, hard cheeses can eventually spoil. Signs of spoilage in hard cheeses include an unpleasant smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracked areas, or mold. If you notice any of these signs, dispose of the cheese. Additionally, always inspect your hard cheese for mold before consuming it, and cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below any moldy spots.
By following these storage guidelines and regularly inspecting your hard cheese, you can maximize its freshness and enjoy it for three to four weeks after opening.
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How to store cheese to make it last longer
Cheese is simply a less perishable form of milk. Most of the moisture is removed, and the fat and protein are preserved by fermentation, salt, and acidity. The more water left, the more perishable your cheese will be.
To make your cheese last longer, it is important to store it properly. Here are some tips to help you store your cheese and make it last longer:
- Store your cheese in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
- Wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to help maintain its moisture.
- Avoid using plastic wrap as it can impart plasticky flavours to your cheese. Clear plastic wrap also lets in a lot of light, which can oxidize aged cheeses and affect their flavour.
- If you have to use plastic wrap, add a layer of parchment or wax paper between the cheese and the plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped cheese in a reusable container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Leave some air in the bag to ensure the cheese has plenty of oxygen and humidity.
- If you are storing blue cheese, wrap it in plastic wrap or specialty paper and place it in the crisper drawer.
- For soft cheeses like mozzarella or feta, leave them in their original packaging and change the water every couple of days.
- If your cheese develops mould, you can scrape it off and change the wrapper. However, for fresh cheese, it is best to throw it away.
- If you have large quantities of cheese, freeze blocks of cheese intended for cooking rather than snacking.
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How to identify if cheese has gone bad
Knowing when cheese has gone bad can be tricky as each type of cheese ages and spoils differently. The best tools to help you determine whether your cheese has gone bad are your senses, particularly sight, smell, and taste.
Appearance
Firstly, look at the cheese. Fresh French soft cheeses, for example, can have a white, fuzzy exterior that resembles bad mould but is completely safe to eat. If you start noticing patches of fuzz in different colours or textures, that's a sign that the cheese has gone bad. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can have white specks or crystallized patches which are usually calcium lactate crystals and safe to eat.
Smell
Give the cheese a sniff. If it smells off, it's likely gone bad. Depending on the type of cheese, this scent can be of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. However, remember that some cheeses are meant to be stinky, so it can be tricky to determine if a food has gone bad when it's already kind of stinky and moldy. A good tip is to smell your cheese when you first purchase it so you know how it is supposed to smell.
Taste
Finally, if all else fails, try a small piece of the cheese. If it has an off or sour flavour, it's likely gone bad.
Storage and Expiry
It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Properly stored hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are more likely to be safe to eat past their expiration date. Fresh soft cheeses like cottage cheese tend to go bad more rapidly. Unopened vacuum-sealed cheeses come with best-by dates, which indicate the date through which the cheesemaker has determined the cheese will remain good to eat.
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How long cheese can be left out of the fridge
The length of time cheese can be left out of the fridge depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's made, and how fresh it is.
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth. These cheeses can generally be left out of the fridge for up to four hours without significant safety risks. However, it's important to note that the quality and taste may start to deteriorate after two hours at room temperature.
On the other hand, soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, are more perishable and should not be left out for more than two hours. Leaving soft cheeses out for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
Some cheeses, like feta, are stored in brine or oil and can last longer at room temperature due to the preservative effects of the solution. However, even in these cases, there is still a risk of bacterial growth over time.
It's worth noting that the U.S. Department of Health recommends not leaving cheese at room temperature for more than two hours, and only one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Additionally, proper storage methods, such as wrapping cheese in wax or parchment paper, can help extend its shelf life both in and out of the fridge.
Overall, while hard cheeses can generally be left out of the fridge for longer periods without significant safety concerns, soft cheeses should be monitored closely and consumed within the recommended time frames to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese can go bad after opening, but the rate at which this happens depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese have a higher moisture content, which creates more opportunities for bacteria to grow, so they are more perishable than hard cheeses.
Soft cheeses last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening. However, they should be discarded after two hours of sitting out at room temperature.
Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth. They can last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening. Hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for up to 4 hours, but should be checked for signs of spoilage before being put back in the fridge.
Your senses of smell and taste are often the best indicators of whether a cheese has gone bad. Signs of spoilage include an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If you see mould on hard cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected spots and use the rest. However, if there is red or black mould, the cheese should be discarded.
Cheese should be stored in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). It should be wrapped gently in wax paper, parchment paper, cheese paper, or cheese storage bags to help maintain its moisture and protect it while still allowing it to breathe. Plastic wrap can be used in a pinch but may impart a plasticky flavour to the cheese.
