Cheese Storage: How Long Does Fridge Keep Cheese Fresh?

How long does opened cheese last in the fridge? Well, that depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta have a shorter shelf life, lasting about a week in the fridge. Harder cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan can last three to four weeks. To ensure your cheese lasts as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and wrap it in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheese typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. This moisture is necessary for bacterial growth, so soft cheeses are more susceptible to spoilage from bacteria.

The shelf life of soft cheese is so short that proper storage is key to getting the most out of the product. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, or "semi-soft" cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It is best to wrap it in cheese paper, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

To ensure your cheese lasts as long as possible, it is important to store it in the right way. Wrap blocks of cheese (or other types that don’t come in resealable packaging) in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it.

You can also freeze cheese, but soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses don't freeze well.

Hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks

Hard cheese, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan, can last about four weeks in the refrigerator after being opened. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth and slows spoilage.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts for up to four weeks, follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as cheese paper or wax paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It is important to note that hard cheeses can also be stored without refrigeration, although they will last much longer if refrigerated. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge and even up to a year.

Additionally, if you notice any mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are likely not mould but calcium lactate crystals and are safe to consume.

How to identify if cheese is safe to eat

The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

• Best-by dates: Although commonly confused with expiration dates, these dates indicate the period until which the cheese is of the best quality. Cheese can still be safe to eat after this date, but it may lack optimal flavour or texture.
• Mould: Visible mould on cheese is a sign that it has spoiled. Blue mould on blue cheese is an exception, as it is intentional and safe to eat. For other types of cheese, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots. If you have a healthy immune system, you will likely be fine if you accidentally eat a mouldy spot, but monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning.
• Texture: Cheese that has gone bad may become overly dry, crumbly, or slimy.
• Discolouration: Significant changes in colour, such as yellowing or browning, can indicate spoilage.
• Taste: If the cheese has an off or sour flavour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
• White specks: White specks or crystallised patches on certain aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
• Other signs: Unintentional bitter flavours, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue are other signs that cheese has gone bad.

It is important to note that the above signs of spoilage may not be exhaustive. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume the cheese.

Freezing cheese

Freezing is a great way to preserve cheese, but it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Freezing cheese can alter its texture, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. The changes in texture may be more noticeable in soft cheeses, which is why they are not recommended for freezing. However, freezing can be an effective way to preserve hard and semi-hard cheeses for up to six months.

• Portion the cheese into manageable sizes. For large blocks of cheese like cheddar, don't freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion.
• Wrap the cheese tightly in parchment paper or foil. Ensure there is no moisture on the cheese before wrapping.
• Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This helps prevent freezer burn by keeping dry air out.
• Freeze the cheese as quickly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent large ice crystals from forming and damaging the cheese's structure.
• Cheese can be frozen indefinitely, but for the best quality, use it within six to nine months.

When it comes to thawing frozen cheese, it's best to transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. This process can take up to a day, depending on the size of the cheese. It's important to use the cheese as quickly as possible after thawing.

While freezing cheese may alter its texture, it does not affect its nutritional value. Frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Best ways to store cheese

The best way to store cheese will protect it from oxygen, which mould needs to grow. It will also create a barrier against drying air, excess moisture, and off-flavours from other foods in your refrigerator.

• Avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap. Cheese is a living, breathing thing, and closing it off from air is one of the worst things you can do. Plastic wrap can also impart a plasticky flavour to the cheese.
• Store cheese in a breathable, porous material such as cheese paper, butcher paper, or wax paper.
• Place the wrapped cheese in another container for added protection, such as a Tupperware container with holes poked in it or a plastic bag with holes poked in it. The holes are important as cheese is a living thing.
• Store cheese in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the cheese drawer or the vegetable drawer.
• Store cheese away from other smelly things, as cheese can absorb odours.
• Store cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
• If you have a lot of cheese, designate a large Tupperware container as your cheese home.
• If storing cheese in the freezer, wrap it in parchment or waxed paper, followed by a loose layer of foil.
• If storing cheese in the freezer, be aware that soft or fresh cheeses like ricotta or brie may not defrost well and may lose their texture.
• Try to buy only as much cheese as you will consume in one to two sittings.

The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. In general, soft cheeses will last about a week in the fridge, while hard cheeses will last three to four weeks. Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months or even a year in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions