Storing Shredded Cheese: How Long Can You Keep It?

Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour. Shredded cheese, in particular, has a shorter shelf life than blocks of cheese, so it's crucial to be mindful of how long it can be kept in the fridge or freezer. In this article, we'll explore the shelf life of shredded cheese and provide some tips for storing it effectively.

Store-bought shredded cheese lasts 3-5 days after opening the package

Store-bought shredded cheese will last 3 to 5 days after opening the package. This is true for both store-bought and homemade shredded cheese. If you need to keep it for longer, it's best to freeze it.

Shredded cheese has a shorter shelf life than cheese blocks. For example, parmesan cheese lasts for at least a couple of weeks after opening, whereas shredded cheese only lasts a few days. This is because shredded cheese is more prone to moisture absorption and oxidation, which can affect its texture and taste.

To maintain the freshness of your shredded cheese, it's important to store it properly. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to protect the cheese from air, moisture, and odors. Keep the cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the lower shelves or the fruit and vegetable drawer, to maintain a consistent temperature. Avoid storing it near the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature can fluctuate.

Additionally, keep shredded cheese away from strong-smelling foods, as it can easily absorb odors. Label and date the containers to keep track of its freshness and use it within a reasonable time for optimal taste and quality.

By following these storage tips, you can prolong the freshness of your store-bought shredded cheese and ensure it stays delicious and safe to consume.

Freeze shredded cheese if you need it to keep longer

If you have a lot of shredded cheese and want to make it last longer, freezing is a great option. It's important to note that freezing will alter the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly and mealy. However, frozen shredded cheese is still perfect for melting into casseroles, soups, or pasta dishes. Here are some tips to help you freeze shredded cheese effectively:

• Portioning: Divide your shredded cheese into smaller portions before freezing. This way, you can thaw only the amount you need without defrosting the entire batch.
• Packaging: Place each portion of shredded cheese into a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can use airtight containers designed for freezer storage.
• Labelling: Label the bags or containers with the type of cheese and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of the cheese's freshness and ensures you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Storage Time: Shredded cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to two months without losing quality. For best results, use the frozen cheese within one to two months.
• Thawing: When you're ready to use the frozen shredded cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
• Usage: Frozen shredded cheese is ideal for melting and cooking purposes. You can add it directly to casseroles, soups, or pasta dishes, and it will melt beautifully. However, it may not be suitable for serving fresh on a cheese board or for dishes that require slicing.

By following these tips, you can effectively freeze shredded cheese and extend its shelf life, ensuring you always have a stash ready for your favourite recipes.

Store shredded cheese in a sealed container or bag

Storing shredded cheese correctly is essential to maintaining its freshness, flavour, and safety. Shredded cheese should be stored in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your shredded cheese stays fresh:

• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the shredded cheese to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This creates a barrier against air, moisture, and odours, keeping your cheese fresh for longer.
• Label and Date: Label the containers with the type of cheese and the date of shredding. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge: The optimal temperature for storing shredded cheese is between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C). Place the containers in the coldest part of your refrigerator, such as the lower shelves or the fruit and vegetable drawer.
• Keep Away from Strong Odours: Cheese absorbs odours from other foods in the fridge. Store your shredded cheese away from items with strong odours, such as onions, garlic, or seafood.
• Avoid Excessive Handling: Each time you open the container or bag, air and moisture are introduced, accelerating spoilage. Only take out the amount of cheese you need and promptly seal the rest.
• Use Within a Reasonable Time: While shredded cheese can be stored for several weeks, it's best to use it within 1 to 2 weeks for optimal taste and quality.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: If you need to keep shredded cheese for longer, freezing is a good option. Portion the cheese into smaller amounts, place them in airtight freezer bags, and label with the date. Frozen shredded cheese will maintain its quality for 1 to 2 months.

By following these tips, you can prolong the freshness and flavour of your shredded cheese, ensuring it enhances your culinary creations.

Avoid wrapping shredded cheese in tight, non-porous material

When storing shredded cheese, it's important to avoid wrapping it in tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap. Here's why:

Cheese Needs to Breathe

Shredded cheese, like any other type of cheese, is a living, breathing food product. Wrapping it in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap suffocates the cheese, trapping in moisture and odours. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, affecting the taste, texture, and safety of the cheese.

Moisture Retention

Plastic wrap can also cause shredded cheese to dry out. Cheese is mostly made up of oil and fat, and when wrapped tightly in plastic, it can start to take on the flavour of the plastic, resulting in a less desirable taste. The plastic wrap can draw out the moisture from the cheese, causing it to become dry and hardened.

Odour Absorption

Cheese is known for its ability to absorb odours from other foods in the fridge. When wrapped tightly in plastic, the cheese has no way to breathe, and it will absorb the odours of the plastic, as well as any other strong-smelling foods nearby. This can result in an unpleasant taste and smell for the cheese.

Alternative Wrapping Options

So, what's the best way to store shredded cheese? It's recommended to use porous materials like cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while still protecting it from air exposure. If using wax or parchment paper, place the wrapped cheese in a partially sealed plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. You can also use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, ensuring there is enough airflow to maintain the quality of the cheese.

Keep shredded cheese away from strong odours

When storing shredded cheese, it is important to keep it away from strong odours. Cheese has a remarkable ability to absorb odours from other foods in the fridge. This is because cheese is a living thing and is highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. To avoid any unwanted flavours, store shredded cheese away from items with strong odours, such as onions, garlic, or seafood.

The best way to store shredded cheese is to use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This creates a barrier against air, moisture, and odours. It is also recommended to store shredded cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the lower shelves or the fruit and vegetable drawer, to maintain a consistent temperature.

Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive handling of shredded cheese. Each time the container or bag is opened, air and moisture are introduced, which can lead to faster spoilage. Only remove the amount of shredded cheese needed and promptly seal the rest.

By following these storage practices, you can prolong the freshness of shredded cheese and maintain its flavour and texture.

Frequently asked questions