Patrick Oconnell
How long does a shells and cheese dish last in the fridge? Well, it depends on several factors, including the type of cheese used and how long it's been stored. Soft cheeses such as mozzarella or cream cheese are more perishable and have a shorter shelf life, while hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan can last longer. If you've prepared a shells and cheese dish with soft cheese, it's recommended to consume it within a week to maintain optimal quality. On the other hand, hard cheese varieties can last three to four weeks in the fridge after opening. However, it's always important to inspect your dish for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, unpleasant odours, or changes in texture, before consuming it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long do shells and cheese last in the fridge? | 2-3 days |
| How long do shells and cheese last in the freezer? | 1 month |
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What You'll Learn
How long does soft cheese last in the fridge?
Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, feta, ricotta, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and fresh mozzarella have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Unopened, soft cheeses typically last a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. Once opened, soft cheese will last about one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up. Soft cheeses should be stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container.
Opened fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within a week or two of opening.
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How long does hard cheese last in the fridge?
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Generally, hard cheeses last 3-4 times longer in the fridge than soft cheeses since they contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.
Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for 6 months in the fridge. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, unopened packages will last about 6 months.
It's important to note that the shelf life of hard cheese also depends on how it is stored. Proper storage can dramatically extend its refrigerator life. Hard cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator in the same way as semi-hard varieties. First, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
To determine whether hard cheese is safe to eat, inspect it for signs of spoilage such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold. If you notice specks of blue or green surface mold on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely not mold but calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
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What are the signs that cheese has gone bad?
It's important to know when cheese has gone bad, as consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses. Here are some signs to look out for:
Smell
One of the most obvious signs of spoilage is an "off" smell. Depending on the type of cheese, it may smell like spoiled milk, ammonia, or even your refrigerator. Some types of cheese may have a pungent odour, so it's helpful to smell the cheese when you first purchase it to establish a baseline. However, if there is a significant change in the smell, it's best to discard the cheese.
Appearance
Visible mould on cheese is a clear sign of spoilage. Blue mould on blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort is intentional and safe to eat. However, mould on other types of cheese, such as Cheddar or Swiss cheese, is not safe and should be discarded. Other appearance indicators include discolouration, such as fading or darkening, sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.
Texture
Spoiled cheese may exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. Hard cheeses like Cheddar may start to crack due to changes in moisture content and bacterial growth. Soft cheeses like Camembert can become slimy due to the growth of unwanted bacteria.
Taste
Tasting the cheese is often a last resort, but it is a definitive way to tell if it has gone bad. Spoiled cheese may have an off or sour flavour, or an unpleasant aftertaste.
It's important to note that some aged hard cheeses, like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, may develop white specks or crystallized patches. These are typically calcium lactate crystals and are safe to consume.
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How to store cheese in the fridge?
How to store cheese in the fridge
The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life, while those with lower moisture levels will last longer as they lack the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella are more perishable and typically last for about a week in the fridge. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. Soft-ripened or semi-soft cheese like Brie has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. Wrap it in cheese paper, parchment paper, or an airtight container.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese. They have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge. To store them, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging, wrap it loosely in wax paper or cheese paper, and put it in an airtight container.
Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano have low moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Thus, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator, while unopened packages will last about six months. To store hard cheese, follow the same steps as for semi-hard varieties, removing the plastic packaging and wrapping it in wax paper or cheese paper before placing it in an airtight container.
Additional Tips
- The proper storage of cheese has a significant impact on its shelf life. Cheese needs air to breathe, so avoid wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in a plastic bag, as this will reduce its quality and flavour and increase the likelihood of unwanted bacteria growth.
- Store cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator where the temperature is both cold and stable, with consistent humidity.
- A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of spoilage.
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How long can you leave cheese unrefrigerated?
The length of time cheese can be left unrefrigerated depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it was made, and how fresh it is.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, brie, and fresh ricotta, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. The U.S. Department of Health does not recommend leaving perishable foods unrefrigerated for more than two hours, and soft cheeses fall into this category. Leaving soft cheeses out for longer than two hours could lead to bacterial growth and spoilage, and they should be discarded.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth. These cheeses can be left unrefrigerated for up to four hours, according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. After this time, carefully inspect the cheese for signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If no spoilage is apparent, the cheese can be rewrapped and returned to the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
Regardless of the type of cheese, it is important to note that leaving it out for more than two hours may impact its quality, taste, and texture. To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Instead of using plastic wrap, which can dry out the cheese, use porous materials like parchment paper, cheese paper, or wax paper. For soft and semi-soft cheeses, store them in their natural liquid in a sealed container.
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Frequently asked questions
Shells and cheese can last in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If you notice a slimy texture, a yellow colour, mould, sourness, or an ammonia-like smell, discard your shells and cheese immediately.
You can freeze your shells and cheese to make them last longer.
It is recommended to freeze your shells and cheese within 2 days of refrigeration.
Other foods that can last 2-3 days in the fridge include cooked chicken, burgers, meatballs, and ground beef.
