All About Cheddar cheese
Your complete guide to cheddar cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cheddar cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cheddar cheese in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
in freezer6-8 months for best quality, up to 1 year for safety
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large, dry, discolored patches) indicating significant dehydration. A strong, off-putting smell after thawing (though texture changes are more common than spoilage).
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing slowly in the refrigerator, check for mold or unusual odors. The texture will likely be more crumbly or mealy, which is a quality change, not necessarily spoilage.
Storage Tips
Freezing can alter the texture of cheddar, making it more crumbly. It's best suited for shredded cheese or blocks that will be used in cooked dishes (e.g., casseroles, sauces) rather than for slicing or eating plain. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
unopened in fridge1-2 months past 'best by' date, or as indicated on packaging
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy blue, green, white, or black spots), slimy or sticky texture on the cheese or inside the packaging, strong unpleasant odor (ammonia, sour, rancid).
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire package for mold or discoloration. Smell the cheese through the packaging (if possible) for any off-odors. If the packaging is transparent, check for any sliminess.
Storage Tips
Hard cheeses like cheddar tend to last longer than softer cheeses. The 'best by' date primarily indicates peak quality, and the cheese may remain safe to eat for some time after if properly stored and showing no signs of spoilage.
at room temperature (serving)2-4 hours
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive 'sweating' (oily/greasy surface from fat separation), an overly sour or rancid smell that develops rapidly.
How to Check
Observe the surface for excessive oiliness. Take a quick sniff; if it smells distinctly bad or unusually strong after a short time, it's best not to consume. While some softening is desired for flavor, any signs of spoilage indicate it's been out too long.
Storage Tips
For optimal flavor and texture, bring cheddar cheese to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes) before serving. Do not leave cheese out for more than 4 hours total (including preparation time) to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality, especially in warm environments. Promptly re-refrigerate any uneaten portions.
opened in fridge3-4 weeks for block cheddar, 1-2 weeks for shredded cheddar
Signs of Spoilage
Fuzzy mold (blue, green, white, or black spots) on the surface; a slick, greasy, or sticky film (sliminess); strong, sour, ammonia-like, yeasty, or rancid smell; significant discoloration (darkened or unusually yellow/orange spots not characteristic of cheddar); excessively hard and dry texture beyond just the edges.
How to Check
Visually inspect all surfaces for mold growth. For hard cheeses, small, isolated spots of mold can often be cut off (remove at least 1 inch around and below the mold), and the remaining cheese may be safe to eat. However, if mold is widespread or penetrates deeply, or if it's shredded cheese, discard it. Smell the cheese carefully; any distinct 'off' odor is a sign to discard. Touch the surface; if it feels slimy or unusually sticky, it's spoiled.
Storage Tips
Re-wrap block cheddar tightly after each use. Use parchment or wax paper first, then plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container to prevent drying out and slow mold growth. Shredded cheddar has more surface area exposed to air, making it more prone to spoilage and mold, so its shelf life is shorter.