Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a staple in many households, and it can be tricky to know how long it can be left out of the fridge before it goes bad. The answer depends on the type of cheese—hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. Shredded cheese falls into a grey area, as it has a larger surface area than a block of cheese, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth. While leaving shredded cheese out overnight may not always pose a health risk, it could impact the quality, taste, flavour, or texture of the product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food safety risk | Minimal, especially for hard cheeses like Parmesan |
| Quality | Likely to be impacted |
| Flavour | Likely to change |
| Texture | Likely to change |
| Food safety risk factors | Exposure to air, length of time left out, type of cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Hard vs. soft cheeses: Hard cheeses are safer
In general, it is not advisable to leave cheese out overnight. However, if you do, hard cheeses are safer to consume than soft cheeses. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes them less favourable for bacterial growth and, therefore, safer to consume if they have been left out.
The texture of cheese, whether hard and crystalline or soft and creamy, is largely determined by its moisture content, age, and exposure to mould. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, have a moisture content of around 50% or higher. This high moisture content gives them a creamy texture and a short shelf life, usually only a few days.
Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, aged Gouda, and aged Asiago, have a moisture content of less than 50%. These cheeses are often brined in salt baths, pressed into moulds, and aged for several months to years, which reduces their moisture content and gives them a dry, crumbly texture. The longer a cheese is aged, the less moisture it will hold, and the harder it will become.
The production process also plays a role in the texture of the cheese. Soft cheeses are gently handled to preserve their moisture content, while firmer cheeses are subjected to higher pressures and temperatures to remove as much moisture as possible. The curds in hard cheeses are also cut into smaller pieces, allowing more moisture to escape.
In terms of food safety, the USDA guidelines recommend discarding perishable foods, including soft cheeses, that have been left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. However, hard cheeses that have been aged longer, such as Parmesan, are less of a food safety risk, even when held outside of ideal conditions. While soft cheeses are more susceptible to bacterial growth, it's important to note that they are still manufactured under safe conditions, and the risk of pathogens or mould is minimal.
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Food safety: Minimal risk with properly manufactured cheese
Leaving shredded cheese out overnight may not always be a health risk, but it can impact its quality, flavour, and texture. The larger surface area of shredded cheese, relative to a block of cheese, means it is more easily compromised. Therefore, it is important to inspect shredded cheese closely when it has been left out overnight.
Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Gruyere, are aged for longer and have a distinct, crumbly texture. They can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or cream cheese, due to their lower moisture content. Soft cheeses are friendlier to bacterial growth, as they hold more moisture. Therefore, soft cheeses pose a higher food safety risk when left out overnight.
According to the USDA, perishable foods, including soft cheese, that have been left out at room temperature for longer than two hours should be thrown away. However, this guideline may be overly cautious, as most cheese manufactured under safe conditions will not pose a food safety risk. Hard cheeses that have been aged longer, such as Parmesan, will be better able to maintain their flavour and functionality characteristics when held outside of ideal conditions.
Overall, while leaving shredded cheese out overnight may not always be dangerous, it is important to inspect it closely for any signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded. Proper storage of cheese is also important to ensure its shelf life and maintain its quality. Cheese should not be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag, as this will reduce its flavour and quality.
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Spoilage signs: Smell, slimy surface, dark spots, etc
Leaving shredded cheese out overnight may not always be unsafe, but it can impact its quality. When it comes to spoilage, there are several signs you should look out for before consuming shredded cheese that has been left out:
Smell
If the shredded cheese has developed a bad or unusual odour, it is best to discard it. A change in smell can indicate bacterial growth or the presence of mould, which can be harmful if consumed.
Slimy Surface
A slimy surface on the shredded cheese is another sign of spoilage. This could indicate the growth of bacteria or mould, which can be detrimental to both taste and food safety.
Dark Spots
Dark spots on the cheese, especially in conjunction with a slimy surface, are a red flag. These spots could be mould, which can produce toxic substances that are unsafe for consumption.
Dryness and Cracks
While not indicative of harmful spoilage, dryness and cracks can significantly impact the quality of shredded cheese left out overnight. These changes in texture can affect the melting ability and overall mouthfeel of the cheese.
It is important to note that shredded cheese has a larger surface area compared to a block of cheese, making it more susceptible to spoilage when left out. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect it closely for any signs of deterioration.
While the potential health risks of consuming cheese left out overnight are generally minimal, it is always advisable to exercise caution. If in doubt, it is better to discard the cheese than risk potential foodborne illnesses.
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Proper storage: Cheese needs air to breathe
Proper storage is key to keeping cheese tasting its best. Cheese is a living food, and it needs to breathe. The aging process continues as long as the wheels remain whole. Once the cheese is cut into, the aging process stops.
To ensure cheese can breathe, it should be wrapped in paper. This is especially important for soft ripened cheeses such as brie, which should be wrapped loosely in paper and then placed in a partially sealed plastic bag or small airtight storage container with a cracked lid. Soft cheeses need to breathe more than other cheeses. Wax wraps can also be used, but they do not work as well for soft cheeses and need to be washed and replaced regularly. Hard cheeses like Parmesan should be tightly wrapped in paper and then loosely wrapped in plastic. Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, Swiss, and fontina can be wrapped loosely in paper and then loosely in plastic wrap.
Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator to help preserve it and keep premature mold growth at bay. However, it is important to note that cheese should be brought to room temperature before eating, except for mozzarella or cheddar that is going to be melted. It is best to keep cheese in the cheese drawer or crisper to protect it from the drying air of the fridge and to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Taste and quality: May change after being left out
Shredded cheese is more easily compromised than a block of cheese due to its larger surface area relative to volume. Therefore, it is important to inspect shredded cheese closely when it has been left out overnight or for an extended period. While leaving shredded cheese out for longer than four hours unrefrigerated may not always pose a health risk, it may change in taste, flavour, quality, or texture over time.
The proper storage of cheese has a significant impact on its shelf life. Like any living thing, cheese needs air to breathe, so wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or a plastic bag will suffocate it and reduce its quality and flavour.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or cream cheese. This is because hard cheeses have been aged for longer periods and have a distinct, crumbly texture. The longer ageing process of hard cheeses also results in more complex flavours and a texture that is better for crumbling or grating.
On the other hand, soft cheeses hold more moisture and are more susceptible to bacterial growth. Therefore, if you are being extra cautious, it is recommended to follow the USDA guidelines and toss perishable foods, including soft cheeses, that have been left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. However, as Adam Brock, director of technical services at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, notes, the risk of foodborne illness from cheese that has been left out overnight is minimal, especially for cheese that has been manufactured under safe conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded cheese is more easily compromised than a block of cheese due to its larger surface area. Therefore, it is important to inspect shredded cheese closely if it has been left out overnight. While it may not always pose a health risk, it may change in taste, flavour, quality, or texture.
The type of cheese is a factor in determining if cheese left out overnight is safe to eat. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and cheddar, can last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or cream cheese. Additionally, the freshness and manufacturing conditions of the cheese also play a role in its safety.
Signs that cheese has gone bad include a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.
Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, but it does not need to be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Instead, it should be allowed to breathe as this will help maintain its quality and flavour.
