Cheese Storage: How Long Can You Keep It Out?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but it's important to know how long it can be left out of the fridge before it spoils or becomes unsafe to eat. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and the moisture content of the cheese. In general, soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and Brie, are more perishable and should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can be left out for longer—up to four hours—without posing a health risk, although their quality and taste may be impacted.

Hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge for up to four hours

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can be left out of the fridge for up to four hours. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth.

It is important to note that while hard cheeses can be left out for longer periods than other types of cheese, it is still best to follow food safety guidelines and only leave perishable foods out at room temperature for a maximum of two hours. This is to ensure that the cheese remains safe to consume and does not spoil.

Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life at room temperature due to their lower moisture content and ageing process. During the cheesemaking process, most of the whey is removed from the curds, reducing the moisture content. Hard cheeses are then aged for extended periods, ranging from two to 36 months, or even longer. This ageing process contributes to the development of complex flavours and a crumbly or grating texture.

In addition to their longer shelf life at room temperature, hard cheeses also offer other advantages. They are less perishable and less likely to encourage bacterial growth compared to softer cheeses. This is due to their lower moisture content and, in some cases, the presence of a hard rind that acts as a barrier to bacteria.

However, it is worth mentioning that leaving hard cheese out for extended periods may impact the quality and taste. Therefore, it is recommended to wrap and refrigerate the cheese after four hours to maintain its optimal condition.

Soft cheeses should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for over two hours

Soft cheeses are among the most perishable types of cheese. This is due to their high moisture content and the fact that they are not ripened (aged). These include soft unripened cheeses such as cottage and cream cheese, as well as fresh soft cheeses like Queso Fresco, and soft ripened cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella.

Because of their high moisture content, soft cheeses are more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. Therefore, it is recommended that soft cheeses be discarded if left unrefrigerated for over two hours. This guideline applies to all perishable foods and is intended to prevent foodborne illness.

Leaving soft cheese out at room temperature for too long can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, such as listeria, salmonella, Escherichia, and staphylococcus. While it may not always pose a health risk, it can definitely impact the quality and taste of the cheese. Soft cheeses that have been left out for too long may develop a slimy texture, a yellowed color, mold, sourness, or a scent of ammonia—all signs that they have gone bad and should be discarded.

To prevent soft cheeses from spoiling, it is important to store them properly. They should be kept in the refrigerator, in their natural liquid, in a plastic container. Additionally, soft cheeses should be consumed within a few days of opening to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

Fresh cheeses should be chilled until ready to serve

Fresh cheeses, such as burrata or fresh mozzarella, should be kept chilled until ready to serve. This is because they are more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage. The higher moisture content in these types of cheeses means they will deteriorate in quality and spoil faster when left on the counter.

It is recommended to keep perishable foods out of the fridge for no longer than two hours. However, this is a general guideline, and the risk of leaving fresh cheese out for slightly longer is minimal, especially if the cheese has been manufactured under safe conditions. Nevertheless, if you are planning to leave cheese out, it is safer to opt for harder cheeses, such as Parmesan or cheddar, which have a lower moisture content and are therefore less likely to harbour bacterial growth.

The best way to store fresh cheese is in its natural liquid in a plastic container. This will help to keep it fresh and maintain its quality. When you are ready to serve it, take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour beforehand to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance its flavour and texture.

It is important to note that leaving cheese out for too long may impact its quality and taste. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep fresh cheeses chilled until ready to serve to ensure maximum freshness and flavour.

Leaving cheese out overnight may impact its quality but is unlikely to be unsafe

Leaving cheese out of the fridge for a few hours is generally safe, but how long is a few hours? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Health, perishable food should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. However, this guideline may not apply to all types of cheese, especially those that are less perishable.

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth. As a result, they can be left out of the fridge for longer durations, typically up to four hours, without posing a significant health risk. On the other hand, soft cheeses, including cottage cheese, cream cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are more perishable due to their higher moisture content. These cheeses should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

It is worth noting that the safety of leaving cheese out overnight depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, its moisture content, acidity, salt content, and whether it has a rind. For example, rindless cheeses are more susceptible to mould growth, which can transport bacteria to the inside of the cheese. Additionally, the temperature of the room and the surface area of the cheese exposed to the air can also impact its safety.

While leaving hard cheese out overnight may not always result in a food safety issue, it is likely to impact the quality and taste of the product. Cheese will start to dry out when left in open air, becoming crusty and crumbly, and losing its appealing texture and flavour. Therefore, it is generally recommended to return cheese to the fridge after two hours for optimal quality and taste.

To store cheese, avoid tight plastic wrap and instead use parchment paper or cheesecloth

The proper storage of cheese is important to maintain its shelf life and quality. Cheese is a living, breathing thing, and as such, it needs to be stored in a way that allows it to breathe. Wrapping cheese in tight plastic suffocates it, leading to premature spoilage and a reduction in flavour and quality. Plastic wrap also has a taste, which can quickly transfer to the cheese.

Instead of using plastic wrap, especially for hard and semi-hard cheeses, opt for parchment paper or wax paper. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while preventing additional moisture from entering. You can also use cheese paper, though this tends to be more expensive. If you're using plastic wrap or a plastic bag, be sure to first wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper to create a protective barrier. This method helps to maintain the ideal balance of airflow and humidity, preventing the cheese from drying out or becoming soggy.

When wrapping cheese, it's important to avoid smothering it. Loosely wrap the cheese in the paper, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure the paper if needed. Additionally, labelling the cheese with its variety and purchase date can be helpful for keeping track of how long you've had it.

Once wrapped, store the cheese in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable drawer, where the temperature is cold and stable. Properly wrapped and chilled, very hard cheeses like Parmesan can stay good for weeks, while softer cheeses like Brie should be consumed within a few days.

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