Kamil Perry
Deli cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but it's important to know how long it lasts to ensure food safety and the best quality. The shelf life of deli cheese depends on various factors, such as the type of cheese, its moisture content, and how it's stored. Hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses such as mozzarella or cream cheese due to their lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth. Freshly sliced deli cheese should be consumed within 5-7 days of purchase, while unopened pre-sliced cheese should be used by the date on the package. When refrigerating, deli cheese should be kept in the center of the fridge for optimal temperature control. To extend its shelf life, deli cheese can be frozen, but freezing may alter its texture and taste. Properly stored frozen deli cheese maintains the best quality for about 8 months, but it can be kept indefinitely at 0°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated pre-sliced deli cheese | 5-7 days |
| Refrigerated freshly sliced deli cheese | 5-7 days |
| Refrigerated unopened pre-sliced deli cheese | Use by the date on the package |
| Refrigerated after the sell-by date | 2-3 weeks |
| Frozen deli cheese | 8 months |
| Deli cheese left out of the fridge | 2 hours |
| Hard cheese left out of the fridge | 4 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Deli cheese lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge
Deli cheese will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. This timeframe applies specifically to sliced American deli cheese that has been purchased from a deli and properly stored in the refrigerator. The cheese may be kept in its original deli packaging, and it's best to only open the package when you are ready to use it.
Once the package is opened, it's recommended to use the cheese within 5-7 days. This timeframe applies to both pre-sliced cheeses and freshly sliced deli cheese. To maximise the shelf life of opened cheese, it should be securely rewrapped in airtight plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a resealable plastic food bag.
To further extend the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese, you can freeze it. When freezing, it's best to wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
It's worth noting that the shelf life of cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and other factors such as freshness and how it's made. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can generally last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. However, it's recommended to not leave hard cheese unrefrigerated for longer than 4 hours.
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Freeze deli cheese for up to 8 months
Deli cheese can be frozen for up to 8 months. It is important to note that freezing cheese changes its texture and taste, making it crumbly and reducing its flavour. Hard and semi-hard cheeses freeze better than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content and higher fat content. Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as cottage cheese, do not freeze well as the curds separate and the texture becomes watery.
To freeze deli cheese, it is recommended to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic freezer wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Alternatively, you can place the cheese in a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring that you remove as much air as possible before sealing. For best results, it is recommended to consume frozen deli cheese within 2 to 3 months, as the quality may start to deteriorate after this period.
When thawing frozen deli cheese, it is best to do so in the refrigerator to maintain food safety. Thawed deli cheese is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, casseroles, and grilled or baked dishes. This is because the cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, making it less suitable for dishes where the cheese is served on its own.
It is important to note that freezing cheese is not always recommended, especially for certain types of cheese. Soft cheeses with delicate structures, such as Brie and burrata, should not be frozen as it can cause the paste to separate or become grainy, ruining the texture and flavour. Cheeses with natural rinds, like Camembert, Brie, or cloth-bound Cheddar, should also be avoided for freezing as it can create undesirable flavours.
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Hard cheeses can sit out longer than soft cheeses
Deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after it is purchased. To maximize shelf life, it is recommended to not open the package until you are ready to use it. If you want to further extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cheese. When freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags.
Now, this answer primarily focuses on sliced American deli cheese. However, if you are referring to deli cheese as cheese from a deli counter, then the answer depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, like Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, and Parmesan, can be left out for longer than soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and Mozzarella. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable and prone to bacterial growth.
According to the U.S. Department of Health, perishable food should not be kept out of the fridge for more than two hours. However, hard cheeses can be left out for longer without becoming unsafe, although their quality and taste may change. If hard cheeses have been sitting out for four hours or less, you can rewrap them and put them back in the fridge. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, should be discarded if left out for two hours.
To summarize, hard cheeses can sit out longer than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content, which makes them less prone to bacterial growth. However, all cheese should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and food safety.
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Soft cheeses should be discarded after 2 hours at room temperature
The length of time that deli cheese remains good for consumption depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the temperature of its environment. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh Mozzarella, are more perishable than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which encourages bacterial growth.
According to the U.S. Department of Health, soft cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as they can spoil or become unsafe to eat. This limit is reduced to one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Soft cheeses have a higher risk of bacterial growth and spoilage, so it is recommended to discard them if they have been left out for longer than two hours.
To maintain the best quality and taste of soft cheeses, they should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If you need to store soft cheeses for longer periods, freezing is an option. However, freezing may alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavorful. When freezing soft cheeses, wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags to maximize shelf life.
When purchasing freshly sliced deli cheese, it is recommended to consume it within 5-7 days of purchase for the best quality. Properly stored, sliced American deli cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time if constantly frozen at 0°F. After being frozen and thawed, sliced American deli cheese can be kept for an additional 3-4 days in the refrigerator before use.
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Signs of spoilage in hard cheeses include a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks or mould
Deli cheese can be purchased in pre-sliced packaging or freshly sliced from the deli counter. Pre-sliced cheese products should be consumed by the date on the package if unopened. Once the package is opened, both pre-sliced and freshly sliced cheeses should be consumed within 5-7 days. Sliced American deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks and frozen for up to 8 months.
While mould on softer cheeses indicates spoilage, harder cheeses like cheddar and parmesan can be salvaged by cutting away the mouldy portion. However, if you notice any of the following signs of spoilage, the cheese should be discarded:
- Bad smell
- Slimy surface
- Dark spots
- Dryness
- Cracks
- Mould
To prolong the shelf life of cheese, proper storage is crucial. Cheese should be wrapped in a breathable material such as cheese paper, foil, or parchment paper to prevent it from drying out. Plastic wrap should be avoided as it can cause a stale, plastic-like flavour to develop. Additionally, cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, with the exception of long-lasting shredded cheese, which can be stored unrefrigerated until the package is opened.
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Frequently asked questions
Deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks if it's unopened.
Freshly sliced deli cheese should be consumed within 5-7 days of purchase.
Yes, deli cheese can be frozen. Frozen deli cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
Frozen deli cheese that has been defrosted can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Deli cheese may have gone bad if it has developed dark spots, a slimy surface, dryness, cracked areas, or mold.
