I eat cream cheese, bake with cream cheese, and bathe in cream cheese. OK, maybe I don’t bathe with cream cheese – but I have to tell you, it does sound tempting. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of cream cheese, so I know a thing or two about how long opened cream cheese lasts.
Opened cream cheese lasts up to ten days in the refrigerator when properly stored. If stashed in the freezer, it can last up to two months. Keep the cream cheese in its original packaging if it is a sealed container. Otherwise, place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Hey, there! How’s it going? My name’s Michelle, and I am a self-taught baker with over ten years of experience. If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you have one goal in mind – to find out how long opened cream cheese lasts. And that’s precisely what you’ll find out below.
Let’s discuss how long opened cream cheese lasts (plus tips on how to make it last longer).
Contents
How Long Does Opened Cream Cheese Last? The Real Answer
Like many other food items, once cream cheese is opened, the shelf life shortens. That said, an unopened package of cream cheese can easily last a few weeks beyond the “best by” date. Opened, on the other hand? Not as long.
Let’s take a closer look at the shelf life of opened cream cheese.
1. In the Fridge – Up to Ten Days
Cream cheese is a dairy product. Therefore, it cannot be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. At this point, it enters the “danger zone,” in which bacteria multiply at a rapid pace. With that said, the best place to store your cream cheese is in the refrigerator.
An opened container or package of cream cheese will last up to ten days in the fridge – as long as it is properly stored. (Don’t worry – we will discuss cream cheese storage later in this article!)
2. In the Freezer – Up to Two Months
Some people might not think that cream cheese can be frozen. They may think it will ruin the texture, which can be the case for specific ingredients, like mayonnaise. However, cream cheese can be stored in the freezer without adverse repercussions.
An opened container or package of cream cheese will last up to two months in the freezer. Again, proper storage is absolutely essential to reach the two-month mark.
Note: The cream cheese may last longer than two months. However, the quality will deteriorate after the initial two months. I always recommend using it as soon as possible.
How to Store Cream Cheese
Yes, it’s true that cream cheese needs to be stored correctly for the most extended shelf life once opened. But don’t overthink it. Storing cream cheese isn’t exactly rocket science, so don’t stress yourself out. Instead, follow these simple tips for cream cheese storage.
1. Use the Original Container or Move to a Sealed Container/Bag
Some cream cheese comes in handy tubs that are 100% resealable. If you purchased one of these kinds of cream cheeses, you can simply seal the lid shut and store it in your refrigerator or freezer.
On the other hand, some cream cheese is sold in blocks. It’s not enough to re-wrap the cream cheese in the original aluminum foil it came in. You’ll need to store it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious.
2. Store in the Back of the Fridge or Freezer
When storing cream cheese in the fridge or freezer, it’s best to keep it away from areas that undergo the most temperature fluctuations – for instance, the side drawers of the appliance.
The better option? Place your cream cheese toward the back of the refrigerator or freezer. That way, it will stay at a constant temperature, ensuring it doesn’t spoil prematurely.
FAQs
There you go, folks! Now you know all there is to know about how long opened cream cheese lasts. But wait! I’ve added a few frequently asked questions you might want to take a look at. After all, there’s nothing wrong with learning more about a topic, right?
How do you know if cream cheese has gone bad?
Not sure if your opened cream cheese is still safe to consume? Check for signs of spoilage, including an off-putting and unpleasant odor, discoloration (such as yellow spots), moldy patches (may be blue, black, or green), and a slimy or dried-out texture. If you see these signs of rancidness, toss the cream cheese and buy fresh.
How do you store cream cheese after opening?
If the cream cheese comes in a sealable container, you can continue to use it for storage. If it came in an aluminum foil block, you would need to transfer it to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Can you eat 2-week-old cream cheese?
If the cream cheese is not opened yet, you can eat two-week-old cream cheese. However, if the cream cheese is opened, I don’t recommend eating it. While you might be OK to consume it, you run the risk of developing food poisoning. It’s best to toss it and buy a fresh block or tub.
Cream Cheese Lasts Up to Ten Days After Opening!
Once the cream cheese is opened, its shelf life is reduced considerably. When storing in the refrigerator, use the opened cream cheese within ten days. If stored in the freezer, consume within two months. Ensure the cream cheese is correctly stored.
How long do you store your opened cream cheese?
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