Cheese And Temperature: How Long To Reach Room Temp?

Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 72 °F (20 to 22 °C). Taking cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before serving allows it to attain room temperature and enhances its flavour and texture. However, the time required for cheese to come to room temperature depends on various factors, such as the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and how the cheese is made.

Why cheese tastes better at room temperature

Cheese is a beloved food item, often the star of parties and get-togethers. However, it is important to remember that cheese should never be served straight from the fridge. But why? Well, when cheese is too cold, its flavour is dull and boring. Serving cheese at room temperature ensures that you get the best flavour and texture.

The reason for this lies in the composition of cheese. Cheese contains fat molecules that hold most of its flavour. When cheese is cold, these fat molecules contract, making it difficult to determine its flavour. However, when cheese is brought to room temperature, these molecules relax and expand, releasing strong and delightful aromas. This process is called relaxing or tempering. The ideal room temperature for cheese is 68 to 72°F, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to achieve. Softer cheeses, like Brie, may need a little longer, up to an hour or more.

The texture of cheese also improves at room temperature, becoming softer and creamier. This is because animal fats are solid at room temperature, and refrigeration temperatures make them even firmer. Just like cold butter is difficult to spread on bread, cold cheese can be hard and waxy, even with soft varieties. By allowing your cheese to reach room temperature, you'll enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a full range of flavours.

It's important to note that leaving cheese out for too long can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. While harder cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan can be left out for up to eight hours, softer cheeses with higher moisture content should not be left unrefrigerated for more than four hours. So, remember to plan accordingly and always strive for the perfect temperature to enjoy your cheese at its very best.

How long does cheese need to be left out of the fridge?

Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, which is usually between 68–72 °F (20–22 °C). The time it takes for cheese to reach room temperature depends on the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and the amount of cheese. On average, it takes about 20–30 minutes for cheese to come to room temperature, but it is recommended to take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. For soft cheeses like brie, it is recommended to leave them out of the fridge for closer to two hours, whereas harder cheddars only need about an hour. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes.

When cheese is too cold, the fat molecules contract, making it harder to taste the flavor. Additionally, cold temperatures can make the texture of the cheese hard and waxy, even for soft cheeses. Allowing cheese to come to room temperature improves the flavor and texture, making it softer, creamier, and more luscious.

However, it is important to note that leaving cheese out for too long can lead to spoilage. The general guideline is that perishable food, including cheese, should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and fresh mozzarella, are more perishable and should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, and Parmesan, can be left out for up to four hours and then rewrapped and refrigerated.

The length of time cheese can be left out also depends on the temperature of the room. At a temperature of around 70 °F (21 °C), soft cheeses can stay out for 2 to 4 hours, while harder cheeses can stay out for up to 8 hours. Beyond that, the fat will start to separate from the cheese, giving it a greasy appearance and altering its texture.

How to bring cheese to room temperature

Bringing cheese to room temperature is essential to help the fat loosen up, which gives the cheese a better texture and flavour. The ideal temperature for cheese to be served at is around 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).

The time it takes for cheese to come to room temperature depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room. In general, it takes about 20-30 minutes for cheese to come to room temperature. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, benefit from being taken out of the fridge about an hour before serving. Softer cheeses, such as mozzarella, can be left out for 30 minutes. If you are serving a very cold cheese, such as a ripe and runny Brie, it may need up to two hours to come to room temperature. If you are taking cheese outdoors on a hot summer's day, you may only need to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.

Take the cheese out of its wrapping and place it on a plate or platter. Cover the cheese with a clean, lint-free cloth, or invert a bowl over it to prevent it from drying out. If you are using a cheese grotto, you can take the whole thing out of the fridge and put it on the counter. If the room is particularly hot, keep an eye on the cheese as too much time above room temperature will cause the fat to separate and bead on the surface.

The US Department of Health doesn't recommend keeping perishable food out of the fridge for more than two hours. However, some sources suggest that soft cheeses can be left out for up to four hours, and harder cheeses for up to eight hours. After this time, the fat will start to leach out of the cheese, giving it a greasy appearance and altering its texture.

How to Store Cheese

When storing cheese, it's important to let it breathe. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag will reduce its quality and flavour. Instead, try using parchment paper, cheesecloth, butcher paper, cheese storage bags, or beeswrap. Store the cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator where the temperature is cold and stable, with consistent humidity.

How long can cheese be left out of the fridge?

Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, as this enhances its flavour and texture. However, leaving cheese out of the fridge for too long can cause it to spoil. So, how long can cheese be left out of the fridge?

The length of time cheese can be left out of the fridge depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and how the cheese is made. In general, soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, are more perishable and should not be left out for more than two hours. Harder cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content and can be left out for up to four to eight hours.

It is important to note that even if the cheese does not pose a health risk, leaving it out for too long may negatively impact its quality, taste, and texture. The fat in the cheese may start to separate and bead on the surface, and the cheese may become dry and crumbly.

To bring cheese to room temperature, it is recommended to remove it from the fridge at least an hour before serving. This allows the fat molecules to relax and release their full flavour. The ideal room temperature for cheese is around 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).

Some aficionados claim that cheese should not be refrigerated at all, as long as it is kept in a cool, dark place and consumed within a day or two. However, this may not be practical for most people, and refrigeration can help to extend the shelf life of the cheese.

How to store cheese

Cheese is best stored in the cheese drawer of your fridge, which keeps it humid and cool. However, storing cheese in the fridge can cause it to dry out, so it is important to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the cheese to come to room temperature, which enhances its flavour and texture.

To store cheese, it is important to wrap it in the correct material. Cheese is alive and breathing and therefore needs oxygen and humidity to stay fresh and tasty. It is best to avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap, as this cuts off the air supply and traps in moisture, causing the cheese to become slimy and mouldy. Instead, use cheese paper, parchment paper, wax paper, or reusable beeswax wraps to store cheese. Wrapping cheese in paper will keep it fresh for weeks at a time with very little change to its quality and flavour.

How to Bring Cheese to Room Temperature

To bring cheese to room temperature, take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Place the cheese on a plate or platter and cover it with a clean cloth, bowl, or cheese dome to prevent it from drying out. The amount of time it takes for cheese to come to room temperature will depend on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room. Softer cheeses, such as Brie, will take longer to come to room temperature than harder cheeses, such as Cheddar.

Frequently asked questions