Swiss Cheese: How Long Does Sealed Freshness Last?

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a sweet, mild, and buttery flavour. It is one of the most popular cheeses at the deli. When stored in the fridge, an unopened package of Swiss cheese can last between two and four months. However, once opened, hard cheeses like Swiss cheese will stay fresh for three to four weeks in the fridge. Vacuum-sealed Swiss cheese will last even longer, between four and eight months. If you want to extend the shelf life of Swiss cheese, you can freeze it. Frozen cheese will stay fresh for up to six months.

Sealed Swiss cheese's shelf life

Sealed Swiss cheese can last for quite a long time, depending on how it is stored and packaged. If you're storing it in the fridge, an unopened package of shredded Swiss cheese will last for about a week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. When stored properly in the fridge, an unopened package can even last between two and four months.

If you're storing sealed Swiss cheese in the freezer, it can last for much longer. When placed in a freezer, an unopened package of shredded Swiss cheese will maintain its best quality for about eight months but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen food that is vacuum-sealed can last for two to three years, while it will last six to twelve months on average when stored in other ways.

If you're storing sealed Swiss cheese at room temperature, it is safe for up to two hours, as can all perishable foods. However, it is recommended that Swiss cheese be stored in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life.

To further extend the shelf life of unopened Swiss cheese, you can freeze it. When freezing, place the cheese in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. To freeze, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than two months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Vacuum sealing Swiss cheese

Firstly, it's important to note that Swiss cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at around 5°C. It should be wrapped in cheese paper, or alternatively, wax or parchment paper with some holes to allow the cheese to breathe. This will keep the cheese fresh for three to four weeks.

To extend the shelf life of Swiss cheese, you can freeze it. It is best to freeze cheese in blocks, and if it is unopened, it can be stored in its original packaging. Once opened, use a vacuum sealer to pack the cheese blocks, removing excess air to prevent oxidisation and freezer burn. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing in the freezer.

Frozen Swiss cheese will last for around eight months. However, it may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To defrost frozen Swiss cheese, remove the desired amount from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the fridge. It is recommended to consume the cheese as soon as possible after thawing.

Freezing Swiss cheese

Swiss cheese can be frozen and still taste good. It is a semi-hard cheese, like cheddar, and holds up better in the freezer than softer cheeses, such as Brie.

To freeze Swiss cheese, it is recommended to wrap it first in parchment or wax paper, then loosely in plastic wrap, and finally, add a layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil. You can also use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, you can place the cheese in a freezer-safe, plastic zipper-top bag, ensuring that you have removed as much air as possible.

Frozen Swiss cheese will last for up to six months in the freezer. After defrosting in the refrigerator, it should be used quickly. Frozen Swiss cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches, as it may become more crumbly and less ideal for a cheese platter or sandwich.

Signs of Swiss cheese spoilage

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for many dishes, but it's important to know the signs of spoilage to avoid foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed indicators of Swiss cheese spoilage:

Mold Growth:

Any visible mold on the surface of Swiss cheese is a clear sign of spoilage. Mold can be varied in colour, including green, blue, or black spots. It is unsafe to consume and should be discarded immediately.

Slimy Texture:

A slimy or sticky texture is another indicator of spoilage. If the cheese feels wet or slippery, it is likely due to bacterial growth, which poses health risks. This type of Swiss cheese should be discarded.

Off-Odour or Sour Smell:

Fresh Swiss cheese should have a mild, nutty aroma. If the cheese emits a sour, musty, or rotten odour, it has likely spoiled. An ammonia-like smell can also indicate that the cheese has gone bad. Trust your sense of smell to determine freshness.

Discolouration:

Swiss cheese that has gone bad may exhibit changes in colour. Discolouration or dark spots are signs of bacterial growth and suggest that the cheese is no longer suitable for consumption.

Sour Taste:

If Swiss cheese has a sour or off-flavour, it has likely been exposed to spoilage. Trust your taste buds to assess the freshness of the cheese. If it tastes unpleasant, discard it.

Expiration:

Check the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package. Properly stored, unopened Swiss cheese can last about 1 week past this date. Once opened, aim to consume the cheese within 1 to 4 weeks for optimal taste and safety.

Room Temperature Exposure:

Swiss cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, and the cheese should be discarded if left out for an extended period.

To summarise, the best way to determine if Swiss cheese has spoiled is to examine its appearance, smell, and taste. If you notice any of the above signs of spoilage, it is best to discard the cheese to prevent potential health risks.

Storing Swiss cheese at room temperature

Swiss cheese can be stored at room temperature for a few hours. However, it is recommended that perishable foods are not left out of the fridge for more than two hours. If left out for longer than four hours, the bacteria growth rate increases dramatically. To bring out the fullest flavour of your Swiss cheese, let it sit out at room temperature for an hour before using it in a recipe.

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese. Semi-hard cheeses have a lower moisture content and have been aged longer than most hard cheeses. They are denser in consistency and have a slightly softer texture than hard cheeses but are still firm enough to be sliced, grated, or cubed.

The shelf life of Swiss cheese depends on how it is stored. When properly wrapped, Swiss cheese will keep in the fridge for three to four weeks. Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life of Swiss cheese to between four and eight months.

Swiss cheese can be frozen, but its texture will often become crumbly and mealy, and it will be harder to slice. Frozen Swiss cheese is best suited to cooked dishes.

Frequently asked questions