The Best Way To Store Deli Cheese

Deli cheese is a versatile and tasty dairy product, but it's important to know how long it will last in your fridge to avoid food waste and potential food poisoning. The shelf life of deli cheese depends on a few factors, such as the type of cheese, the storage conditions, and whether it has been opened.

Storage conditions: Keep deli cheese refrigerated at all times

Deli cheese should be kept in the refrigerator at all times to ensure its freshness and prolong its shelf life. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 35° to 40°F (or 4°C). Warmer temperatures will accelerate mould growth and increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of spoilage.

To maintain the optimal temperature for your deli cheese, avoid storing it in the fridge door. Instead, place it in the centre of your refrigerator, on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keeping it away from the fridge door will ensure a more consistent temperature, as the door is the warmest part of the fridge.

When storing deli cheese, it is important to use the right type of wrapping. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper. These materials will help to maintain the moisture content of the cheese.

If you want to prolong the shelf life of deli cheese even further, you can freeze it. Freezing cheese will not compromise its safety, and it can be stored indefinitely in the freezer at a constant temperature of 0°F (18°C). However, frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.

In summary, to keep deli cheese in the best condition, it should be stored in the refrigerator at all times, ideally at temperatures between 35° to 40°F. Use porous wrapping materials and store the cheese in the centre of the fridge, away from the door. For extended storage, deli cheese can be frozen, but this may affect its texture and taste.

Expiry dates: Deli cheese is safe to eat after its sell-by date if stored properly

Expiry dates can be confusing, especially when it comes to deli cheese. The "sell-by" date on the package of sliced deli cheese is not an expiration date but rather an indicator of when the product is of the best quality. This means that the cheese may still be safe to consume after this date if stored properly.

For example, sliced American deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after purchasing from the deli, and sliced cheddar deli cheese can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, the "sell-by" date may pass, but the cheese will remain safe to eat as long as it has been stored correctly.

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the safety and quality of deli cheese. It is recommended to keep the cheese in its original unopened packaging in the refrigerator until ready to use. Once opened, the cheese should be wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or placed in heavy-duty freezer bags to maximize shelf life.

Additionally, freezing deli cheese can further extend its shelf life. When freezing, ensure the cheese is placed in the freezer before the recommended refrigerator storage time has elapsed. Frozen deli cheese will maintain its best quality for about 3 months for cheddar and 8 months for American cheese, but it will remain safe to consume beyond these times if stored at a constant temperature of 0°F.

In summary, deli cheese can be safely consumed after its sell-by date as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer and has not developed any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, flavor, appearance, or the presence of mold.

Packaging: Keep unopened deli cheese in its original packaging

Keeping unopened deli cheese in its original packaging is the best way to maximise its shelf life. The packaging is designed to keep the cheese fresh, so it's best not to open it until you're ready to use the cheese.

When storing unopened deli cheese, it's important to keep it refrigerated at all times. A safe fridge temperature is considered to be below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which raises the risk of the cheese spoiling.

The original packaging is also important for food safety. Deli cheese should be kept in its original packaging to ensure that it remains properly sealed and protected from contamination. This will help to maintain the quality and safety of the cheese.

In addition, the original packaging can provide important information about the cheese, such as the "sell-by" date. This date is not an expiration date but indicates the period during which the cheese will be of the best quality. Even if the "sell-by" date has passed during storage, the cheese will remain safe to use if it has been properly stored.

Therefore, it is recommended to keep unopened deli cheese in its original packaging and to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, quality, and safety.

Freezing: To extend shelf life, wrap tightly and freeze

Deli cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, it is important to note that freezing cheese will likely change its texture and flavour. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cheese for cooking after thawing, as the texture change becomes less noticeable once the cheese is melted.

To freeze deli cheese, start by trimming the cheese into a uniform shape, such as a cube or rectangle, with level surfaces. This will help to reduce the surface area exposed to oxygen during freezing. Next, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place the cheese in a freezer bag and ensure that as much air as possible is removed from the bag before sealing. For best results, double bag the cheese to prevent freezer burn.

It is important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan, tend to freeze better than softer cheeses. Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as cream cheese, ricotta, or burrata, can become crumbly and grainy when frozen. Therefore, it is recommended to use frozen deli cheese for cooking rather than serving it as part of a charcuterie board or snack platter.

Freshness: Smell and look at the cheese to determine if it's spoiled

Freshness: How to Tell If Deli Cheese Has Spoiled

Deli cheese typically lasts for about 5-7 days after purchase for the best quality. However, it can be challenging to determine if your cheese has spoiled, especially since many cheeses have a strong odour even when fresh. Here are some tips to help you assess the freshness of your deli cheese:

Smell

Firstly, use your sense of smell. When you first open a new package of cheese, take a moment to smell it. This way, you'll know what it's supposed to smell like, and you'll be able to notice any deviations from this scent later on. If a usually mild cheese starts to smell strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, it's probably gone bad. On the other hand, pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, when they spoil. If the cheese smells like a more concentrated version of its usual scent, it's likely no longer safe to eat.

Appearance

Cheese can also provide visual clues to its freshness. If you notice any changes in colour, such as fading or darkening, this could be a sign of spoilage. Additionally, watch out for changes in texture, such as a hard cheese becoming soft or a soft cheese turning slimy. Other red flags include the presence of oil or bloated packaging.

If you notice a small amount of surface mould, don't panic! Cheese naturally grows mould. Simply trim off about a quarter of an inch from the side with mould, and the rest should be fine to eat if it shows no other signs of spoilage. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it's probably best to discard it.

Taste

Finally, if all else fails, you may have to resort to a taste test. But before you do, make sure to examine the cheese using your senses of smell and sight, as taste should be a last resort. If you do taste the cheese, only try a small piece to assess its freshness. Spoiled cheese will have a sour or unpleasant aftertaste.

Frequently asked questions