Let me guess, you bought some blue cheese a little while back, forgot about it and now you’re not sure if it’s okay to eat? No worries! It happens to the best of us.
Well, when stored in the fridge and adequately wrapped either in plastic or aluminum foil, blue cheese generally lasts 3-4 weeks.
After this point, blue cheese will start to lose its signature taste and texture, and the signs of spoilage will begin to appear. You should always check the expiration date shown on the packaging to be sure.
Blue cheese can also last indefinitely in the freezer, but this can impact its flavor and texture, so it’s best to use it within a few months. However, if it’s been a bit longer than that, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Does Blue Cheese Go Bad After Opening?
Don’t worry, blue cheese won’t turn rancid as soon as you open it, though, you should keep it as covered as possible to keep it fresh and long-lasting.
Blue cheese should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours at temperatures between 40°F-140°F (4°C-60°C). This is what the USDA calls the ‘Danger Zone,’ and is when dangerous bacteria multiply the fastest.
So, if you’ve served blue cheese on a platter for a get-together, and some of it’s been leftover on the table (especially if it’s a hot day), you should probably throw it away.
How Long Does Blue Cheese Last After the Expiration Date?
Blue cheese can last up to 1-2 weeks after the expiration date. However, at this point, you should be more cautious of the signs of spoilage.
Does Blue Cheese Get Better With Age?
Blue cheese is typically aged at 50°F (10°C) for 60 days to enhance taste and texture, although that may vary depending on where you buy it from.
The clearest sign that blue cheese is aged is blue-greenish veins. Be sure not to confuse the signs of aged blue cheese with spoilt blue cheese!
Should I Put Blue Cheese in the Refrigerator?
Blue cheese is best stored wrapped in the crisper drawer (typically the coolest part of the fridge) at below 40°F (4°C) away from harmful bacteria. You can also put blue cheese in the freezer (though don’t forget about it!).
If you have left blue cheese out of the fridge for a couple of days or more, it is best to throw it away.
To Sum Up, Blue Cheese Lasts How Long?
Blue cheese will usually last you about 3-4 weeks after opening and storing in the fridge, but you also need to consider if it’s aged, the brand, the variety, and the expiry date.
Keeping blue cheese cooler will help it last longer and it can last up to 2 weeks after the expiry date, but it won’t last forever—aged blue cheese can become bad if you lose track of time.
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