How long does Cheese last?
In the fridge: 14 days
In the freezer: 180 days
Hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, gouda) last 3–4 weeks in the fridge once opened. Semi-soft cheeses (mozzarella, brie) keep 1–2 weeks. Fresh cheeses (ricotta, cottage cheese) are the shortest-lived at 5–7 days. A small bit of mold on hard cheese can be cut away (1cm around the spot); on soft cheese the whole thing goes. Stored properly, even an opened block of parmesan can last a couple of months.
How to store it
- Wrap in wax paper, then loose plastic
- Keep in the cheese drawer or warmest fridge spot (4–8°C)
- Change wrapping every few uses
- Cut away mold on hard cheese with 1cm margin
- Bring to room temp 30–60 min before serving
Signs it has gone bad
- Wide-spreading or fuzzy mold on soft cheese
- Ammonia-like or rotten smell
- Slimy surface
- Bitter or sharply off taste
Signs it has gone bad
Can you eat cheese with mold on it?
On hard cheese, cut away the mold with a 1cm margin and eat the rest. On soft or fresh cheese, throw the whole piece away — mold spreads through soft texture invisibly.
How do you store cheese in the fridge?
Wrap in wax or cheese paper, then loose plastic, and keep in the cheese drawer (4–8°C). Replace the wrap every few uses.
Can cheese be frozen?
Hard cheeses freeze acceptably (best for cooking after thawing). Soft and fresh cheeses don't freeze well — texture breaks down badly.