Randy Chandler
Cheese is best served at room temperature, which is considered to be between 68 and 72°F. This is because the fat molecules in cheese contract in the cold, making it harder to determine the flavour. When cheese is allowed to reach room temperature, these molecules relax, releasing strong, flavourful aromas. The texture of the cheese also changes, becoming softer and more creamy. The amount of time it takes for cheese to reach room temperature depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room. For example, soft cheeses like Brie may need an hour or more, whereas harder cheddars benefit from around 30 minutes to an hour. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat's cheese only need around 30 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal temperature | 20–22 °C (68–72 °F) |
| Time to reach room temperature | 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of cheese |
| Flavour | Flavours are more easily perceived at temperatures closer to body temperature |
| Texture | Becomes softer and creamier at room temperature |
| Aroma | More volatile at warmer temperatures, enhancing taste |
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What You'll Learn
Why serve cheese at room temperature?
Cheese should be served at room temperature to unlock its full flavour and texture. According to experts, cheese at refrigerator temperatures can be dull and flavourless. This is because the fat molecules in cheese contract in colder temperatures, making it harder for the flavours to spread over your palate. When cheese is brought up to room temperature, these molecules relax, releasing strong and flavourful aromas.
The ideal room temperature for cheese is considered to be 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). Most cheeses need about 20-30 minutes to reach room temperature. However, the time varies depending on the type of cheese. For instance, soft cheeses like Brie may need an hour or more, while harder cheddars benefit from about an hour outside the fridge. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes.
It is also important to note that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for too long, as it can spoil. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90 °F (32 °C), this limit is reduced to one hour. Hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as Cheddar or Parmesan, can sit out longer without spoiling, while soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Brie or Camembert, are more perishable.
Therefore, it is recommended to remove the cheese from the fridge about an hour before serving, depending on the type of cheese. This will ensure that the cheese reaches its optimal temperature and flavour profile for the best tasting experience.
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How long should cheese be left out of the fridge?
Cheese is best served at room temperature, which is approximately 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). The ideal duration for leaving cheese out of the fridge depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature of the room, and how the cheese is stored when left out.
As a general rule, soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, are more perishable and should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, have a lower moisture content, making them less susceptible to bacterial growth. These cheeses can typically be left out for up to four to eight hours while still being safe to eat.
For optimal flavour, it is recommended to remove cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes to two hours before serving, depending on the type of cheese. This allows the cheese to reach room temperature, enhancing its flavour and texture. During this time, it is important to protect the cheese from drying out and to monitor the room temperature to ensure food safety.
Leaving cheese out at room temperature for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth, especially in softer cheeses. Signs of spoilage in hard cheeses include a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. Soft cheeses that have spoiled may exhibit a slimy texture, yellowing, mould, sourness, or an ammonia scent.
It is worth noting that some cheeses, such as feta in its original brine or certain cheeses stored in oil, can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without spoilage. However, even these cheeses carry a small risk of bacterial growth over time.
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How to temper cheese
Cheese is best served at room temperature, which is approximately 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). The process of bringing cheese to room temperature is called tempering. When cheese is cold, the fat molecules contract, making it harder to determine the flavour. Once brought to room temperature, the molecules relax, releasing strong, flavourful aromas. The texture of the cheese also changes, becoming softer and creamier.
To temper cheese, remove it from the fridge at least an hour before serving. This timing will vary depending on the type of cheese. For example, ripe and runny bries benefit from a longer warm-up time of up to two hours, while harder cheddars only need about an hour. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes. If your space is particularly cold, you may need to allow more time for tempering. Conversely, if you're setting up a picnic on a hot summer day, 30 minutes may be enough.
When tempering cheese, it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Place the cheese on a plate or a cheese board. You can cover it with a clean, lint-free cloth, invert a bowl over it, or use a cheese dome to protect it and prevent it from drying out. Keep an eye on the cheese, especially if it's hot in your space, as this can affect the tempering process.
It's worth noting that different types of cheese have different moisture contents, which can impact how long they can be left out at room temperature. Soft cheeses, like Brie, have a high moisture content and should not be left unrefrigerated for more than four hours. Hard cheeses, like cheddar and Parmigiana Reggiano, have a lower moisture content and can be safely left out for up to eight hours.
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The best cheeses to serve at room temperature
When it comes to serving cheese, it's best to bring it to room temperature to unlock its full flavour and texture. Cheese contains fat which holds most of its flavour, and when cold, the fat molecules contract, making it harder to taste. At room temperature, the fat molecules relax, releasing strong and flavourful aromas. The texture of the cheese also changes, becoming softer and creamier.
So, which cheeses should be served at room temperature? Well, all of them! From soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Humboldt Fog, to semi-firm and hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan—they're all best enjoyed when they're not served straight from the fridge.
The time it takes for a cheese to reach room temperature depends on the type of cheese and the temperature of the room. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes. Softer cheeses like Brie may need an hour or more, while harder cheddars benefit from around an hour outside the fridge. If you're in a colder climate, you may need to give your cheese more time to reach room temperature.
It's important to note that leaving cheese out at room temperature for too long can lead to spoilage, especially for soft cheeses with higher moisture content. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. So, remember to plan accordingly and always ensure your cheese is safely stored and consumed.
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How to store cheese at room temperature
While refrigeration is common, some cheeses can be stored at room temperature. Soft cheeses like Brie and Époisses PDO are best stored at temperatures between 35–45 °F (1.7–7.2 °C). However, for short periods, they can be kept at cool room temperatures of 60–70 °F (15–21 °C). Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar and Parmigiana Reggiano, have a much lower moisture content and can be stored at slightly higher temperatures of 4.4 °C to 7.2 °C (40 °F to 45 °F). They can be kept at room temperature for up to eight hours.
If you want to bring cheese to room temperature before serving, it is recommended to take it out of the fridge for at least an hour. Ripe and runny cheeses like Brie may benefit from a longer warm-up time of up to two hours. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes. The ideal room temperature for cheese is considered to be around 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).
Some traditional methods of storing cheese at room temperature include hanging dry cheese, such as Scamorza, from the rafters of the roof. In the past, people also maintained temperatures of around 13 °C in root cellars or small cheese/wine caves. In hot climates, cheeses were stored in brine, which is about 7% salt.
It is important to note that cheese does not have a specific temperature at which it instantly "goes bad." However, the risk of spoilage increases at higher temperatures. To prevent this, store cheese below 40 °F (4.4 °C) and minimise its time at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese should be served at room temperature because it improves flavour and texture. When cheese is cold, the fat molecules contract, making it harder to determine the flavour. When brought to room temperature, the molecules relax, releasing strong and flavourful aromas. The cheese also becomes softer and creamier.
All types of cheese should be served at room temperature. However, the time it takes for cheese to reach room temperature varies depending on the type of cheese. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and young goat cheese only need about 30 minutes. Harder cheddars benefit from an hour out of the fridge, while soft cheeses like Brie may need up to two hours.
According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit reduces to one hour. Hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as Cheddar or Parmesan, can sit out longer without spoiling, while soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Brie or Camembert, are more perishable.
