Cheese Storage: How Long Can You Keep It Outside?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but how long can it be left out of the fridge before it goes bad? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's made, and how fresh it is. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and Brie, are more perishable and should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Harder cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can withstand room temperature for longer—up to four hours—due to their lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth. While harder cheeses may not pose a health risk even if left out for longer, their quality, taste, and appearance may suffer. To maintain optimal flavour and texture, it's best to enjoy cheese within two hours of removing it from the fridge.

Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella should be discarded after two hours

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and Queso Fresco, are considered perishable foods. This means that they should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which encourages bacterial growth and makes them more susceptible to spoilage.

The higher moisture content in soft cheeses means they are more perishable than harder cheeses, which have a lower moisture content and can be left out for longer—up to four to eight hours. Harder cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower risk of bacterial growth and are less likely to spoil, but they should still be refrigerated after four hours to maintain quality and taste.

If you have left soft cheeses out for longer than two hours, it is recommended to discard them. Soft cheese that has spoiled will typically show signs of blue or green mold. Unlike hard cheese, where you can cut off the moldy parts and keep the rest, soft cheeses should be thrown away entirely if mold is present. Some molds can be harmless, but others can produce dangerous toxins.

Other signs that soft cheese has gone bad include an unusual smell, darkened or hardened edges, a slimy texture, a yellowed color, or a sour taste. If you see any of these signs, discard the cheese immediately.

To maintain the quality and taste of soft cheeses, it is important to store them properly. They should be kept in the refrigerator, in their natural liquid, in a plastic container. Soft cheeses should also be consumed within a few days of opening to ensure freshness.

Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can be left out for up to eight hours

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, can be left out of the fridge for up to eight hours. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth. However, it's important to note that while hard cheeses can be left out for a longer period, their quality and taste may start to deteriorate after four hours.

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, are aged for longer periods of time, which removes moisture and contributes to their distinct, crumbly texture. This longer aging process also gives them a more complex flavour.

When it comes to food safety, the U.S. Department of Health recommends not keeping perishable food out of the fridge for more than two hours. However, harder cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are an exception to this rule due to their lower moisture content.

It's important to regularly check hard cheeses for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded. Otherwise, hard cheeses can be safely left out for up to eight hours and then wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

To maintain the quality of hard cheeses, proper storage is essential. Instead of using plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth, it is recommended to use parchment paper, cheesecloth, butcher paper, cheese storage bags, or beeswrap. These materials allow the cheese to breathe and release natural byproducts, preserving its flavour and extending its shelf life.

Fresh cheeses like burrata and mozzarella should be chilled until serving

Fresh cheeses like burrata and mozzarella are soft and creamy, and are made from fresh curds that have not been pressed or aged. They have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable and susceptible to bacteria and spoilage.

The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable food should not be kept out of the fridge for more than two hours. This is especially important for soft, fresh cheeses like burrata and mozzarella, which are highly perishable and should be chilled until serving. Leaving these cheeses out at room temperature for longer than two hours can cause bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

If you are travelling with fresh cheese, it is important to keep it chilled. Using a cooler bag with ice packs or cooling packs can help keep the cheese cold during your journey. Leaving fresh cheese at room temperature for more than four hours can be unsafe, as "bad bacteria" can start to multiply and cause food poisoning.

To maintain the quality and taste of fresh cheeses, it is best to keep them chilled until serving. Once opened, they should be stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container in the refrigerator.

Soft cheeses are more susceptible to bacterial growth due to higher moisture content

Soft cheeses are highly perishable due to their high moisture content, which encourages bacterial growth. Soft cheeses, also known as fresh cheeses, are made from fresh curds that have not been pressed or aged. They have the highest moisture content of all cheeses, ranging from grainy textures like cottage cheese to smooth and spreadable varieties like cream cheese. This high moisture content makes soft cheeses susceptible to bacterial growth, making them much more perishable and susceptible to spoilage.

The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable foods, including soft cheeses, should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. This guideline is particularly important for soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and fresh mozzarella. If left out for longer than two hours, soft cheeses should be discarded to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

The higher moisture content in soft cheeses provides more opportunities for bacteria to grow, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. Harder cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth and allowing them to be left out for longer periods.

To prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety, it is essential to properly store soft cheeses. They should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days of opening. Additionally, it is important to check the "best before" date on the packaging to ensure the cheese is still safe to consume.

Hard cheeses are less likely to spoil, but always check for signs of spoilage

Hard cheeses are less likely to spoil than soft cheeses, but it's always important to check for signs of spoilage. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, have lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth. This means they can be left out of the fridge for longer than soft cheeses—generally up to four hours. However, it's still important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming hard cheese that has been left out.

Signs of spoilage in hard cheese include an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese. If there is mould on hard cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area and safely eat the rest. However, if the cheese has been left out for more than four hours, it's best to be cautious and discard it.

Hard cheeses that are left out for extended periods may not pose a health risk, but their quality and taste may be affected. They can become dry and crumbly, and their flavour may change. To maintain the quality of hard cheese, it's best to store it in the fridge, wrapped in porous material like cheese or wax paper.

In summary, while hard cheeses are less likely to spoil than soft cheeses, it's important to be vigilant and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming them.

Frequently asked questions