Cheddar Cheese: How Long Does It Last In Fridge?

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life compared to soft cheeses. Once opened, a block of cheddar cheese will typically last 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator, while an unopened block can last 6 months to a year. To extend its shelf life, cheddar cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before being placed in the fridge. Freezing is also an option, which can prolong its life by several months.

Cheddar cheese in the fridge: unopened vs opened

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. When unopened, it can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. This is because it has a lower moisture content, which creates a less-than-ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Once opened, exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination mean that the shelf life of cheddar cheese declines considerably. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. According to the USDA, an opened package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator, while unopened packages will last about six months.

To extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil before refrigerating. This will help the cheese retain its moisture and keep it fresh for longer.

It is important to note that if mould appears on a block of cheddar cheese, it is still safe to eat as long as you cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area. However, if mould appears in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled cheddar cheese, the entire package should be discarded.

How to store cheddar cheese in the fridge

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a lower moisture content, which helps extend its shelf life. When stored in the fridge, unopened cheddar cheese can last for several months and even up to a year. Once opened, the exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination mean that the shelf life declines considerably.

To store cheddar cheese in the fridge, follow these steps:

Remove from plastic packaging:

Take the cheese out of its plastic wrapping as this can dry it out and harden it.

Wrap loosely:

Wrap the cheese loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. This will allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge.

Place in an airtight container:

Put the wrapped cheese in a container with an airtight lid. This will help to maintain its moisture and keep out contaminants.

Store in the correct place in the fridge:

Keep the container on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Make sure it is above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Maintain a safe fridge temperature:

Keep your fridge below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which can cause the cheese to spoil faster.

By following these steps, you can safely store opened cheddar cheese in the fridge for about 3 to 4 weeks. However, always inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.

How long does cheddar cheese last in the freezer?

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it can be kept in the fridge for a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened, according to Gordon Edgar, a cheesemonger and author. Unopened packages of cheddar will last about six months, according to the USDA.

If you want to extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, you can freeze it. When freezing, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Properly stored, frozen cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time. Cheddar cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, although it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.

A chunk of cheddar cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional three to four days. If the cheese is thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it should be used immediately.

How to identify spoilt cheddar cheese

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese, so it will have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses, but not as long as hard cheeses. When stored in the refrigerator, an opened packet of cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. However, it's important to know how to identify spoilt cheddar cheese to ensure you're consuming safe and delicious cheese. Here are some ways to identify spoilt cheddar cheese:

Mould

The presence of mould spots on the surface of cheddar cheese is a clear indication that the cheese has gone bad. Mould, such as mildew, can grow on cheese if it becomes contaminated, and favourable conditions support mould growth. This mould is typically white, green, or black. However, if you notice only a small amount of mould on a hard cheese like cheddar, you can try to salvage the rest of the cheese by cutting off the affected area plus about an inch around and below it with a clean knife.

Discolouration

Spoiled cheddar cheese may exhibit significant changes in colour, with the original yellow or orange hue fading. In extreme cases, the cheese can even turn black or blue.

Texture

Changes in the texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses like cheddar can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in the cheese's moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Smell

Spoiled cheese can develop a range of unpleasant odours, often described as rancid, sour, or putrid. This is due to the growth of bacteria or the breakdown of proteins and fats in the cheese.

Taste

Spoiled cheese can taste bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour due to the overgrowth of bacteria, which leads to excessive fermentation.

Cheddar cheese vs other cheeses: which lasts longer?

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese that falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to longevity. It has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, which typically last for one to two weeks in the fridge. However, it doesn't last as long as hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, which can last for about four weeks in the refrigerator after being opened.

Unopened, semi-hard cheddars can last for several months to a year or more when stored in the fridge. Once opened, they are best consumed within a few weeks to a couple of months. Proper storage is essential to maximise shelf life. Cheddar should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before being placed in an airtight container.

Compared to other semi-hard cheeses, cheddar has a longer shelf life. For example, Swiss cheese, a semi-hard variety, typically lasts for several weeks in the refrigerator after being opened.

Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Romano, and aged Gouda are the longest-lasting cheeses. They can be stored at room temperature and often don't require refrigeration. In the fridge, they can last for about six months unopened and four weeks once opened.

While soft cheeses have the shortest shelf life, lasting about a week in the fridge, harder cheeses like cheddar can last much longer due to their lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

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