How long can I store cheese?
Matthew Shields
Updated on April 03, 2026
How long can I store cheese?
Stored properly, an unopened packet of hard cheese like parmesan or cheddar can be kept in the fridge for between two and four months or eight months in the freezer, according to food website Tasting Table. Once opened, hard cheese is generally safe to eat for six weeks.
How long can cheese be kept refrigerated?
REFRIGERATOR: Approximate storage times are: (1) Hard cheeses (block): 6 months, unopened packages; 3 to 4 weeks after opening. Shredded hard cheeses: 1 month after opening. (2) Soft cheeses: 1 week; cream cheese, 2 weeks.
Can cheese be stored at room temperature?
According to Sarah Hill, Manager of Cheese Education and Training for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, cheese can be left at room temperature for up to two hours, as can all perishable foods.
Which cheese has long shelf life?
Hard Cheese Expiration Date
| (Unopened) | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Cheese (Parmesan, Asiago, Romano) lasts for | 2-4 Months | 6-8 Months |
| Shredded Hard Cheese lasts for | 1-2 Months | 6-8 Months |
| Semi-Hard Cheese Chunk (Cheddar, Swiss) lasts for | 1-2 Months | 6-8 Months |
| Sliced Semi-Hard Cheese lasts for | 1 Month | 6-8 Months |
Does vacuum sealed cheese need to be refrigerated?
A sealed vacuum pack will keep it safe but you should left it breathe for at least an hour at room temperature before eating it and don’t keep it in a warm environment. Yes it will be completely fine.
How long can you keep cheese out of the fridge?
Cheeses should be kept out for no longer than two hours at a time as it will quickly degrade as its temperature increases. The exception is containers of Kraft dry parmesan cheese which do not have to be refrigerated.
Is it safe to eat cheese that has been aged?
“Cheeses that have been aged a bit longer, such as Parmesan, will be better able to maintain their unique flavor [and] functionality characteristics and are less of a food safety risk even when held outside of ideal conditions,” notes Brock.
Is it OK to serve cheese at room temperature?
If anything, there’s a good chance you’re over -refrigerating your cheese. “All cheeses, besides fresh cheese, should be served at room temperature for optimum flavor,” says Brock. Fresh cheeses include burrata or fresh mozzarella, and they should be chilled until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store blue cheese?
Blue cheese, unlike most other cheeses, is best stored in tin foil. Its higher moisture and intentional blue mold make it a bit more finicky. If the texture seems to be disintegrating or drying up, toss it. How Does Milk Become Cheese?
How long can cheese be left at room temperature?
According to Sarah Hill, Manager of Cheese Education and Training for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, cheese can be left at room temperature for up to two hours, as can all perishable foods. However, leftover unrefrigerated cheese should be handled differently, depending on the type.
How long does a block of cheese last in the fridge?
In fact they last just as long in a pantry and actually better since it tends to form clumps if left in the fridge. For a long-term option, with the exception again of parmesan blocks, you can freeze your hard cheese for a few months while preserving its taste if you use a freezer safe container that is void of oxygen.
What kind of cheese does not need to be refrigerated?
As a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated. REFRIGERATOR: Approximate storage times are: (1) Hard cheeses (block): 6 months, unopened packages; 3 to 4 weeks after opening.
Which is the best way to preserve cheese?
Vacuum sealing is a suitable way to store and preserve many foods. You can keep cheese fresh for significantly longer in a refrigerator when there is no air available to disrupt the product. Is vacuum sealing a suitable method for aging your cheese?
