How Long Can American Slice Cheese Stay Unrefrigerated?

Sliced American cheese is a popular dairy product that can be purchased from the deli counter or as pre-packaged slices. It is a versatile and tasty food item with a relatively long shelf life when compared to other cheeses. However, it is important to understand how long sliced American cheese can be left out of the refrigerator to ensure food safety and maintain its quality.

American cheese can sit out for about two hours at room temperature

American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of one or more types of cheese, emulsifying salts, food colouring additives, and other stabilizers. It is a popular choice for sandwiches and can be safely left out of the fridge for a short period of time.

According to food safety guidelines, perishable foods, including American cheese, should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. This is because American cheese is made with milk and can become unsafe to consume if left at room temperature or higher for longer than two hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discarding any perishable food that has been left out of the fridge for two hours or longer.

However, it is important to note that American cheese can last for a few days without refrigeration without spoiling. This is because American cheese, as a pasteurized processed cheese, has a lower moisture content and a more acidic pH level, which slows down bacterial growth. Nevertheless, it is still recommended to refrigerate American cheese to maintain its freshness, texture, and flavour.

When it comes to serving cheese, it is best to let it sit out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes to bring it to room temperature, as this enhances its flavour and texture. However, it is important to be mindful of the time and not leave the cheese out for longer than two hours to ensure food safety.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks

Sliced American deli cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. This is in reference to cheese that has been purchased from a deli and kept in its original packaging. This timeframe may be shorter than the "sell-by" date on the package, but the cheese will remain safe to consume after this date if it has been stored properly.

It is important to note that the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese can be extended by freezing it. However, freezing may alter the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it crumbly and less suitable for dishes that require melting.

To maximise the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese, it is recommended to keep it refrigerated at all times and unopened until ready to use. Additionally, maintaining a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) is crucial for optimal food storage.

The length of time cheese can be stored also depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth.

It is always important to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odour, flavour, or appearance, even if it is within the recommended storage timeframes.

Unopened sliced American cheese can be kept in its original packaging

When storing unopened sliced American cheese, it is important to keep it refrigerated at all times and to not open the package until you are ready to use the cheese. This will help to maximise its shelf life. If you want to freeze the cheese, it is best to do so before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has passed. To freeze, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Properly stored, sliced American cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that time. It is important to note that the freezer time is only an estimate for the best quality, and cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.

After defrosting, sliced American cheese can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It is best to thaw the cheese in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is better suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To extend its shelf life, wrap the cheese in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap

To extend the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap before placing it in the freezer. This method of storage will ensure the cheese remains safe to consume indefinitely, although the quality of the cheese will be best if consumed within 8 months.

When wrapping cheese, it is important to remember that it is a living food that needs to breathe. Therefore, it should not be smothered or tightly wrapped in plastic as this can cause it to spoil faster. Plastic wrap can trap moisture and promote the growth of undesirable bacteria, creating unpleasant flavours and aromas. It can also cause the cheese to take on a plastic taste. Instead, it is recommended to use parchment paper or wax paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent additional moisture.

If you are wrapping multiple types of cheese, it is a good idea to label them with the name of the cheese and the date it was purchased. This will help you keep track of how long you have had the cheese and ensure you consume it within its shelf life.

Another option for wrapping cheese is to use cheese paper, which is a special type of thick paper coated on one side with a combination of wax and polyethylene. This paper is designed to resist sweating and condensation and allows the cheese to continue maturing throughout its intended shelf life. However, cheese paper can be quite expensive and may not be a cost-effective option for everyone.

Aluminium foil can also be used to wrap cheese, although it is not the ideal option. Foil is not breathable and can create a similar environment to plastic wrap, trapping moisture and gases. This can lead to the development of undesirable flavours and aromas and potential bacterial growth. Additionally, the acidity and salt content of the cheese can cause it to take on a slight aluminium flavour. Therefore, while foil is better than plastic wrap, it is not the best choice for storing cheese.

American cheese can be frozen, but it may become crumbly and lose its flavour

American cheese is a processed cheese, usually a blend of cheddar and Colby, with added chemicals and processed ingredients. It is typically sold in sandwich slices, although it can be bought in blocks from delis.

American cheese has a long shelf life, and fresh packages can last two to three weeks. However, if you want to store it for longer, it can be frozen. Freezing American cheese is a great way to preserve it, but it may become crumbly and lose its flavour.

To freeze American cheese, it should be wrapped carefully to ensure it doesn't dry out and to prevent it from absorbing other odours from the freezer. Each slice should be wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, although it may begin to lose its texture and taste after this point.

When it comes to using frozen American cheese, it's best to let it thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Once thawed, it can be used in cooked dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sauces, and baked macaroni and cheese. However, it's worth noting that frozen and thawed American cheese may have a different texture and taste, so it's best used in small quantities in dishes that require a lot of cheese, such as soup and mac and cheese.

Frequently asked questions