Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheese? - Which ones do and which ones don't?

Do you have plenty of cheese at home but don’t have enough space to store it in the fridge?

If you’ve ever wondered if you can store cheese outside, we’re here to tell you that you can, but only under certain conditions!

There are many different cheeses, and they are all made differently! Some last longer in cold temperatures, while others can be stored on the counter.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheese?

Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and some processed cheeses can survive at room temperature for up to a few days, but soft cheeses, such as cream cheese and cottage cheese, should always be kept refrigerated. 

Cheese that does not need refrigeration

All dairy products go bad, and cheese is no different! But there are some ingenious ways in which humans have been able to extend the shelf life of milk.

Back in the days when refrigeration was not on anyone’s mind, we used alternative ways of storing food for preservation.

Cheese is believed to have been invented in part to increase the shelf life of milk and to promote the use of different dairy products in our diet.

Milk contains fats and sugars, making it a target for bacterial growth. On average, milk can go bad in 3 hours at room temperature - this time is cut in half if you live in a warmer climate!

But thanks to generations of storage experience and experimentation, mankind devised a way not only to preserve cheese, but also to “age” it to develop its flavor.

As a general rule, hard cheese can survive a few days at room temperature due to its low moisture content.

These types of cheese are very dense and can also be considered “dry.” However, since cheese making is not an exact science, the moisture content can vary with each block or wheel of cheese.

This means that while you can keep your hard cheese wheels or blocks outdoors, you should always keep them refrigerated if you want to keep them longer.

Remember that hard cheese is not invincible. It is subject to spoilage and mold like any other dairy product. They just can last longer in cold temperatures.

In some cases, even if the block does develop mold, the top layer is trimmed off and reused when necessary. But don’t try it at home. Moldy cheese is only handled by experts who know what they are doing.

Therefore, if you have hard cheese at home that has developed mold, the safest option is to throw away the block, unless you have specific instructions from the manufacturer on what to do.

Here are some famous cheeses that can survive without refrigeration:

Parmigiano Reggiano

This cheese is famous for its hard, grainy texture and delicious flavor.  Parmigiano Reggiano is purposely aged in a temperature controlled environment for up to 12 months. 

This gives it an incredible flavor and also allows it to lose much of its natural moisture, thus increasing its shelf life.

Typically, this cheese is made under strict conditions and contains no additives or preservatives, making it an all-natural option for cheese lovers.

Block cheese is usually sold cold, but once you bring it home, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

If you live in a very hot climate, we recommend that you keep the cheese outside for no more than 1 day. If you live in a colder climate, you can keep the cheese for up to 3 days.

However, it is always best to follow the storage instructions on the cheese packaging. Manufacturers print the best before date on each block of cheese along with information on how to store it.

Hard cheese should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place if it is to survive outdoors. If these conditions are not met, the cheese can start to spoil!

Roman Pecorino

Pecorino Romano is another great Italian cheese that has a smooth surface but a hard texture.

It is much saltier than other types of cheese and is aged in a similar way to develop an earthy, herbaceous flavor.

This cheese can also survive up to 2-3 days at room temperature, provided it is stored correctly.

If the cheese is subjected to large temperature differences and if it is cut or stored near damp, then it is bound to spoil within 2 days.

That’s why you should follow the “dry-chill-dark” storage protocol when it comes to hard, aged cheese. 

Keep in mind that aged cheese is stored just below room temperature, so it’s safe to say that it can easily withstand normal room temperature for a few days.

However, if you want to get the most out of your cheese, we highly recommend keeping it refrigerated.

Again, it’s better to follow the manufacturer’s storage information than to experiment on your own.

This cheese should only be stored outside in special circumstances or in an emergency; otherwise, the best option is to store it in the refrigerator.

Cured cheeses

Aged gouda and cheddar can still survive outdoors for 2-3 days. But some varieties may not be suitable for more than one day.

This depends on the moisture content of the cheese. For example, aged cheddar with a hard texture can survive longer than some varieties of gouda and vice versa.

Processed cheese

Here we fall into the categories of “artificially preserved” and “pasteurized” dairy products.

Mass-produced cheese products that are kept on the shelf without refrigeration may last longer because they are kept sealed and/or mixed with preservatives and pasteurized. 

A perfect example of this is American cheese. This cheese is designed to withstand room temperature as long as it is not opened.

Once the cheese is opened and exposed to air and moisture, it is best kept frozen or refrigerated.

These products can be kept at room temperature for up to one year (unless otherwise specified), but once opened, they must be consumed within the written period.

Remember that, at most, the storage time of each cheese at room temperature should not exceed 3 days.

Cheese that needs to be refrigerated

On the other side of the spectrum, some types of cheese always need refrigeration.

They are called “soft cheeses” and include the following

Cream cheese

Cream cheese products already contain stabilizers and preservatives, especially in the case of mass-produced industrial products.

These types of cheese are predominantly kept on the shelf without refrigeration, but as soon as they are opened, they should be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F. Once opened, cream cheese can go bad in 2-3 hours.

This is because it has much more moisture than any other cheese and is more susceptible to mold and bacterial growth.

You should avoid freezing the cream cheese, as it can ruin its texture. If in doubt, always check the back of the pack for more information on storage.

Goat cheese

Goat cheese is available in several varieties, but it will always be found in the refrigerated aisle of supermarkets.

It is another example of a soft cheese that is sold in hard plastic packaging. This type of cheese requires 24-hour refrigeration, and is ideally stored at 40°F. 

Goat cheese is very susceptible to the proliferation of bacteria, so it should not be kept outdoors for more than 1 or 2 hours, depending on the weather conditions.

In some cases, freezing this cheese may also apply, but check the back of the pack for proper storage conditions.

Cottage cheese

Technically, cottage cheese is considered semi-solid. It is neither too soft nor too hard. It is considered to be in the “fair” category when it comes to its texture.

This cheese is found in abundance in supermarkets and is available in several varieties. Ideally, the cottage cheese should be kept refrigerated at all times. 

Cottage cheese can survive a few hours on the counter, but this depends a lot on where you live and what type of cheese you bought.

Check the back of the packaging and use the cheese within the best before date for the best experience.

Grated cheese

Grated cheese is a generic name given to any cheese that has been grated for use on pizzas, sandwiches, and more.

For example, you can find several varieties of grated mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, etc.

Grated cheese is mostly very convenient, but being grated also makes the cheese more susceptible to spoilage, even more so than regular cheese!

The reason is that shredded cheese chunks are more prone to oxidation than solid or hard cheese. Smaller chunks can go bad quickly, and if enough chunks are compromised, the whole package is.

That is why grated cheese can be kept both frozen and refrigerated.  To preserve any generic shredded cheese, simply store the packet in the freezer or refrigerator at 40°F until the expiration or best-before date.

Here’s a quick look at the types of cheese and their shelf life:

Tips for Storing Different Types of Cheese

• Always store soft cheese in the back of the fridge to avoid any temperature difference. Most people don’t realize what a big effect subtle temperature discrepancies have on soft cheeses.
• Never freeze soft cheese, as it can lose its moisture and become crumbly and less flavorful.
• Store all types of cheese in an airtight, food-safe container to prevent spoilage. You can also wrap it with food plastic to stop oxidation. This is especially important for cheese that has been sliced.
• Always inspect cheese before using it . Some people believe that it is okay to remove the mold and eat hard cheese, but this should only be done in the presence of a cheese expert.

Signs of deterioration

For hard cheese, always check for mold, fuzzy growth, and discoloration. These signs indicate that the cheese has gone bad.

On the other hand, there are other subtle signs such as grease. This occurs when the hard cheese has been left out for too long.

The cheese will develop a gloss which would mean the cheese has gone bad or needs refrigeration.

If the cheese develops an unpleasant odor or taste, it is best to throw the entire block away. Don’t try to remove the mold, as bacteria may have compromised the entire block, not just the surface.

You should also look for the same signs of spoilage in soft cheese. The main difference is that soft cheese must be kept refrigerated at all times.

Related questions

Now that you know all about the types of cheese that do and do not require refrigeration, here are some related questions!

Can hard cheese be cut into smaller portions for storage?

Hard cheese is available in large blocks or on wheels.

If you want to store your cheese in the fridge, it may be acceptable to cut it into smaller portions, as long as you store each portion in a separate airtight container (we recommend these if you need a container).

Hard cheese can be refrigerated or stored in the freezer. Thaw only the portion you want to eat, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cutting and thawing. 

What kind of cheese can not be frozen?

In most cases, cottage cheese, cream and cottage cheese should not be frozen. This is due to its moisture content.

Freezing them can dry them out and also cause a loss of flavor and texture. The best way to preserve them for the short term is to keep them in the fridge at 40°F. 

Should mozzarella and queso fresco be served cold or at room temperature?

All types of cheese are best enjoyed at room temperature. Frozen or refrigerated cheese is acceptable when it comes to cooking, such as when using frozen shredded mozzarella as a topping on pizzas.

Ideally, you should thaw frozen cheese in the fridge overnight or at least 4-8 hours before serving.