This is an important article about cream cheese shelf life, here you will know a few things including how long does cream cheese last, does cream cheese go bad, how to store it, how to freeze it, and how to tell if it has gone bad? read on.
Cream cheese is a dairy product that can last for several weeks after the stated date. If you have opened it, it will last a week or 10 days.
This means that the container of cream cheese that you open in your home will last up to 10 days, and for 4 days of course you can still use it.
But before you get down to business with cream cheese, you have to do a few important things, you have to know how to tell if cream cheese is bad, and it’s no longer fit to eat. If it’s moldy, of course we know it’s rotten, but there are a few other things you should know about cream cheese.
How to Store Cream Cheese for Last Long
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To be stored longer, of course you have to know how to store cream cheese properly.
Actually, it’s the same as other dairy products, like yogurt, buttermilk, you have to store it in a cold place or your refrigerator.
When you have opened the package, then make sure you close it properly. If the original package doesn’t seal anymore, then transfer it to a freezer bag and store it in the fridge, or you can just transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
If you don’t have a freezer bag or airtight container, then just take plastic and/or aluminum foil and tie it tightly with a rubber band.
When using cream cheese for polishing, use a clean tool such as a clean knife and work carefully. Do not mix the knife with a lot of food.
cream cheese on the bread
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
Regarding whether cream cheese can be frozen, there are many opinions, some agree and some say not to freeze it.
Confused? Actually the best is up to each of you. Do you have to save the rest or want to spend immediately.
But you should know that all cream cheese will be brittle if frozen or after thawing. To soften it, you can stir it with a spoon or a blender, but the texture will still not be the same as the fresh one.
This change in consistency in some recipes is not a bad thing. This means that for certain recipes you can use frozen cheese because it doesn’t affect the cake you make.
Dairy products when thawed depends on their quality, consistency and ingredients.
Do you want to know more about how to freeze cream cheese, read this guide on how to freeze cream cheese.
To freeze cream cheese there are several options, if you haven’t opened the package, then you can immediately put it in the freezer.
If the cream cheese container is open, then to freeze it you must put the container in a freezer bag or wrap it in aluminum foil.
Tip: If you need a small amount of cream cheese, then freeze it in small pieces such as freezing in an ice tray or using a muffin tin if you prefer smaller ones.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?
It is the important part of article, we will see about cream cheese shelf life. Any cream cheese you buy will be labeled with a use-by date, and you can usually use it even after that date.
Many cream cheese also uses preservatives or stabilizers. Usually, after the label date, cream cheese can still last for 3 – 4 weeks or a month.
But you need to note that preservative-free dairy products usually don’t last long. This product is not known for its longevity, meaning it doesn’t last long, sometimes it can go bad one week after the date or even before that date.
If we are wrong in handling it, this case happens very often, even before it expires it is no longer good to use.
If you’ve opened the package of cream cheese, then you should finish it in one week, it doesn’t last long. Regular cream cheese may last a little longer than cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, if you’ve opened it.
Everything we have described applies to mascarpone cheese as well. Both are different but in terms of shelf life not much different. If you already know the information about the shelf life and how to store cream cheese, then you will also know how to treat it with mascarpone cheese.
| Fridge | |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (unopened) | Sell-by + 3 – 4 weeks |
| Cream cheese (opened) | 7 – 10 days |
It should be noted that the shelf life table above is only an estimate to still be able to enjoy in fresh condition.
Check out more:
– How Long Does Banana Bread Last? Does It Goes Bad?
– Can You Freeze Hawaiian Rolls? Here’s An Easy Guide to Freezing It
– How long does coconut milk last
How to Tell If Cream Cheese Is Bad
Philadelphia cream cheese
How to recognize bad cream cheese? This is important so that you don’t use it wrong and don’t spoil your food. Look for the following indications to determine whether the cream cheese has gone bad or not.
His appearance changed. If you find mold, yellow, or green specks, or you find the top of the cheese is slimy, throw it away.
Smells bad. Try to smell it, if you find a bad smell then just throw away your cream cheese, the stench is sour, bad.
Sour taste. To find out, of course you have to taste it. So, before you spread it on bread or sandwiches, try to taste it a little. This way you will know whether the cream cheese is still standing or not.
However, if you find the taste is mediocre, then you can still eat it even though the usage label has passed, but eat in small quantities.
Liquid on top of the cheese sometimes also forms due to the separation effect and this is not dangerous as long as it doesn’t smell bad.
