Does Cheese Go Bad? How to Store Cheese in Fridge?

There’s no shortage of cheese lovers in the world. It is the main ingredient in pizzas, lasagnas, burgers, tacos, and whatnot.

Almost all modern recipes are incomplete without cheese. People love to add it to get the unique cheesy flavor.

It is one of the frequently asked questions, does cheese go bad? And, how long can you store it in the refrigerator? Well, let’s find out!

Does Cheese Go Bad?

Yes, cheese can go bad if stored for too long. Generally, most hard cheeses can survive for up to 4 weeks in the fridge.

You can easily tell if a block of cheese has gone bad by simply looking at it.

It develops a darker color with a slimy texture. If the color has faded, it is another sign of rancid cheese.

The first thing to do is to check the expiry date. It is best to utilize cheese before the best-by date nears. You can check it when buying cheese.

How Long Does Cheese Last in the Fridge?

The lifespan of cheese in the fridge depends on its type.

As mentioned, hard cheese blocks can survive up to 3-4 weeks in the fridge. On the other hand, soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life of 1 week.

That said, soft cheeses can survive longer than a week if you provide them with the right conditions. Mozzarella cheese is one of the most popular types.

It can last up to 10 days after opening. So, a packed block can survive for even longer.

Looking to preserve cheese for longer? The safest bet is to use a freezer. It can extend the lifespan up to 8 months.

How Do You Know if Cheese is Bad?

The easiest way to know if cheese is bad is to look at its color. Pale and dark shades identify that the cheese has gone rotten.

Other than that, rancid cheese also develops unusual properties. That includes a slimy and sticky texture.

You will also feel that the smell has become stronger and more unpleasant.

Generally, rotten cheese shows signs of mold. That is one of the properties developed due to bacterial growth.

You can use an airtight container to prevent it and store cheese in the freezer.

Does Cheese Expire in Freezer?

Generally, cheese does not expire in the freezer.

Most types can be frozen indefinitely. But it is recommended to eat it within 6-9 months. Cheese can be frozen easily. Simply use the original packaging.

If you lose or damage it, go for an airtight container or a plastic bag.

Opened and unopened, both kinds of cheese can be frozen without any side effects.

That said, you will lose the freshness after 6 months. Hence, it is best to utilize it within this time period.

How Long Does Shredded Cheese Last in the Fridge?

Shredded cheese can survive up to 2 weeks in the fridge if it is not opened.

A pack of shredded cheese shortens its lifespan after being opened. Now, its shelf life falls between 3-5 days.

Usually, packaged shredded cheese can survive a couple of weeks beyond its best-by date.

It is better to inspect it before cooking. You can also freeze it to preserve it for longer. This way, you can extend its shelf life to 8 months.

How Long Does American Cheese Last in the Fridge?

American cheese has a shelf life of 2-3 weeks with refrigeration.

It will maintain its freshness even a couple of weeks after its sell-by date.

American cheese is one of the few types in the fridge that can survive for a long time. It can be refrigerated as well as frozen.

Additionally, you can easily identify if it has gone rancid. It develops an unusual odor.

How Long Does Cheese Last Unrefrigerated?

Usually, most cheese types can only survive up to two hours without a fridge.

If the room temperature is colder, the lifespan can be extended to 8 hours. But that’s it! After that, it will become stinky and inedible.

According to USDA, all soft cheese needs to be refrigerated. It is a MUST for goat, shredded, cottage, and cream cheeses.

On the other hand, hard cheeses can survive for longer at room temperature.

How to Store Cheese in Fridge?

It is recommended to store cheese in the vegetable crisper section in the fridge. This method works for all cheese types.

Here is how to store cheese in the fridge:

• Put the cheese in an airtight container. You can use plastic wrap, wax paper, or a zip-top bag.
• Double-wrap your cheese for extra protection.
• Now, put it in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper.
• Make sure it gets a consistent temperature.

If your cheese is unopened, that’s excellent. You can use the original packaging as well as another additional layer.

This way, you can maximize protection against bacterial growth. You may also like to know how to store Cheesecake in the Fridge.

Can You Store Cheese in Aluminum Foil?

You can store cheese in the aluminum wrap if you wish to eat it within a few days.

Keeping cheese wrapped in aluminum foil for too long can cause it to lose its flavor.

Moreover, the cheese will also lose its moisture, which is essential. Foil works the best for hard and processed cheese.

Conclusion

And that’s all you need to know about storing cheese in your refrigerator. While it does work, the superior option is still a freezer.

It can extend the lifespan to months, while a fridge can only hold cheese for a few weeks. At most, the refrigerator can hold cheese for up to a month.

The best practice is to use an appropriate container and wrapping. You can use the original packaging, aluminum foil, wax paper, and more.

But note that each wrapper will also have some side effects on your cheese.

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.