A kitchen essential, cream cheese is perfectly smooth and tangy. Whether you spread it over bagels, whip it into frosting, or bake it into a delicious cheesecake, it’s a favourite option for breakfast and dessert. Savoury uses for cream cheese are also appropriate because it adds extra creaminess to soups and sauces.
Cream cheese should not be consumed or used after it has been left out for a specific period of time. It tastes and spreads best after a little period of time at room temperature. See how long you can resist touching it!
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What is Cream Cheese?
Soft cheeses with a high fat content are called cream cheeses. This popular cheese, which is made from unskimmed milk enhanced with extra cream, is available in a variety of forms.
Cream cheese comes in a wide variety of delectable types. Regular, whipped, reduced-fat, and even flavoured cream cheese are available for purchase. It is incredibly adaptable and is frequently used with vegetables, fish, or even nuts. And incredibly tasty.
Contemporary methods of packing and processing enable cream cheese to maintain its beloved smooth and spreadable texture for an extended duration. However, it is not as durable as hard cheeses.
But there are a number of variables that affect this. Therefore, it may not be as long as you might assume to keep cream cheese out. To find out more about such factors, continue reading.
How Long Can Cream Cheese Last?
Cream cheese that has not been opened should keep for two to three weeks in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer. However, it’s preferable to utilise the cheese within two weeks of opening it. And you should consume the entire block of cream cheese within ten days for the ultimate creamy satisfaction!
1. In An Unopened Package
Typically, cream cheese has a use-by or best-by date stamped on it. After that date, it can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks and in the freezer for two months.
To my pleasantly surprised surprise, though, it frequently lasts much longer. Thus, it’s wise to have a fast look if you notice your cream cheese in the refrigerator a week after the expiration date on the label. You can usually still enjoy your cheese!
The truth is that dairy products like cream cheese aren’t exactly renowned for their unwavering durability. Even worse, the cheese may go bad before it reaches its expiration date if it wasn’t handled carefully before it was placed in the store’s chilled area.
To cut a long tale short, you need to be on the lookout for any early warning signs that something has gone wrong!
2. After Opened
In such cases, their lifespans frequently differ. While some brands advise using it for a maximum of two weeks, others play it cautious and only recommend a seven-day span.
As usual, the taste of cream cheese improves with immediate consumption. Once my cheese is cracked open, I often consume it in ten days or less! And if you leave it longer than that, bacteria will start to grow on the cream cheese block.
Signs Show That Your Cream Cheese is Spoiled
It will probably have an overpowering, rancid, and sour smell.
Noticeable Changes
Throw aside your cream cheese if you see any changes in its appearance. Not good indicators are green or yellowish spots, a slimy surface, or symptoms of mould. Likewise with dried cream cheese. It’s most likely to spoil if the cream cheese has lost its creamy texture.
The Smell is Slightly off
In this case, the sniff test is very useful. Throw away your cream cheese if it smells nasty, odd, or sour. It’s probably spoilt and will ruin your meal or give you stomach issues.
Tastes Sour
Generally speaking, if cream cheese looks and smells good, it tastes well too. But before spreading it over your favourite slices of bread, make sure—it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Taste the product makes perfect sense if it looks and smells okay. Take a smaller piece and see how it goes. I assure you that it won’t cause stomach pain.
How to Store Cream Cheese Properly?
Cream cheese must be stored properly to keep its freshness and avoid spoiling. To properly store cream cheese, follow these steps:
- Cream cheese should always be kept chilled, preferably between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Store the cream cheese in its original container until you’re ready to use it if it hasn’t been opened.
- After opening, store any unused cream cheese in an airtight container or securely wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
- To avoid introducing bacteria, always handle cream cheese with clean equipment.
The shelf life of the cream cheese can be greatly extended by using the right storage techniques.
Is Cream Cheese Good 6 Months After Expiration Date?
Cream cheeses that have not been opened normally keep for two to three weeks after they expire. Cream cheese containers are heat-processed so they can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to six months. Before opening, some cream cheeses in packages can even last for months at a time.
How to Soften Your Cream Cheese
You know, it can take anywhere from one to one and a half hours for a block of cream cheese to soften on its own at room temperature! When you’re desiring a quick lunch, who has that much patience? So, when I’m in a hurry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve:
1. Using Microwave
Remove the wrapper from your cream cheese slices or blocks and place them on a plate that can be heated in the microwave. After that, give it a minute or two in the microwave.
Don’t forget to assess its softness following each 10-second interval. Because of how quickly microwaves heat up food, you don’t want your cheese to go all gooey and messy!
2. Using Warm Water
- Squeeze all the air out of the cream cheese by sliding it into a ziplock bag, then close the bag tightly.
- Pour some warm water into a big bowl or sink, and drop the cheese package into the tub.
- Let it soak for five minutes or so, or until everything is quite tender.
The finest aspect? You’re able to multitask! Most of the time, I prepare other basic ingredients while my cream cheese softens in warm water.
Read also: Can You Freeze Heavy Cream?
Wrap Up
Cream cheese is a dairy product that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from rich desserts to morning bagels. The type of cream cheese, how it is stored, and whether it is opened or not all affect how long it will last on the shelf.
The shelf life of cream cheese can be extended by handling and storing it properly. But in order to make sure it’s safe to eat, you must constantly look out for signs of spoiling.