Done with preparing pizza but still wondering about the leftover mozzarella cheese? Some people have no idea how long mozzarella cheese lasts. Well, your hustle for storing the cheese ends with this blog post. So keep scrolling down to know about the shelf life of cheese!
When stored in a refrigerator, an open pack of mozzarella cheese can stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, whereas an unopened pack of cheese can sustain up to the best-by date.
An open pack of mozzarella cheese can last for about 3 months when kept in the freezer, and an unopened pack of mozzarella cheese can be used for about 5 to 6 months.
An extra slice of mozzarella cheese works wonders on pizza and bread. You can add this to sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and many more. The addition of mozzarella cheese just elevates the flavors of the meal.
Let’s move ahead and know how to store mozzarella cheese and signs of spoilage. So next time, whenever you have leftovers of cheese, you don’t have to think twice about its lifespan.
How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last?
This table shows the lifespan of the mozzarella cheese when kept in the refrigerator and freezer. Have a look and get an idea of its shelf life.
| Types Of Mozzarella Cheese | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Cheese, unopened | Best by date | 5 to 6 months |
| Mozzarella Cheese opened | 3 to 8 days | 3 months |
The shelf life of mozzarella cheese depends on the way it is stored. So, if you want your cheese to stay fresh for a longer period, you must keep the focus on its storage.
When stored in a refrigerator, an open pack of cheese can stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, whereas an unopened pack of cheese can sustain up to the best-by date.
An open pack of mozzarella cheese can last for about 3 months when kept in the freezer, and an unopened pack of mozzarella cheese can be used for about 5 to 6 months.
Moreover, storing the cheese in the pantry is not a good idea. In addition to this, you can use it for a week after its expiry date.
But make sure you check it properly. If you find any signs of spoilage, then throw it away. Use air-tight containers to store the cheese properly. Proper storage ensures the keeping of the best flavors and quality of the cheese.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad Or Spoil Easily?
Dairy products get easily spoiled after some time, and mozzarella cheese is no exception. It gets spoiled easily if not stored properly. Make sure you store it in the fridge to avoid its spoilage.
So, whenever you notice any black spots, molds, bloated packages, or changes in color and taste, discard it as it is unfit for further use.
How To Tell If Mozzarella Cheese Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
Wondering how to find out whether mozzarella cheese is good for use or not? Look out for these below-mentioned signs of spoilage whenever you are in doubt!
1. Presence of molds
The visible sign of the mozzarella cheese’s spoilage is molds. If you notice any kind of black spots or bacterial growth, it’s time to say goodbye. These all are the signs that must not be neglected, and you must discard it away.
2. Discoloration
Another visible sign of spoilage is an alteration in the color of the cheese. The original color of the mozzarella cheese is white, and if it turns yellow or gray, you must not consume it as it is unfit for health.
3. Stored for a long time
Even though you store cheese with the utmost care, it eventually loses its flavor and quality after a certain period. Keep it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
4. Bloated packaging
If you notice that an unopened pack of mozzarella cheese is bloated, then it is time to discard it. This indicates that the cheese is done for you and is not fit for further consumption.
5. Change in taste
When it comes to the taste of mozzarella cheese, it is a perfect balance of milky, grassy, and floral taste. It is not good for further use if it has a sour or bitter taste. It’s time to toss it away.
6. Sour smell
Mozzarella cheese does not have much aroma and has a hint of salt. But once it is spoiled, it has a sour smell. If you experience any kind of rancidity, it is time to discard it away.
How Long Is Mozzarella Cheese Good After The Expiration Date?
Once mozzarella cheese surpasses its best-by date, you can still use it but only for up to 1 week. But this extended period only applies to an unopened package of mozzarella cheese.
But before using it for cooking purposes, make sure you look out for the signs of spoilage just to be extra sure.
An open pack of mozzarella cheese can’t be consumed after its expiry date as it may get affected by bacteria. If you find any mold, black spots, discoloration, foul smell, or bacterial growth, just discard it away.
How To Store Mozzarella Cheese To Extend Its Shelf Life?
Storing mozzarella cheese is not a big task. You just need to keep it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Let’s dive in and learn how to store it.
1. Refrigerate the mozzarella cheese
Well, it is an essential rule to place mozzarella cheese in the fridge, and you must not neglect it. Whether you are living in a humid or cool area, you must place it in the refrigerator to save it from getting spoiled.
2. Store it in the same packaging
Whether the pack of mozzarella cheese is opened or not, storing it in its original packaging is better. It has come in packaging that can be sealed properly, and it is best to save cheese in an air-tight container. Avoid it from getting in contact with air.
3. Submerged in water or brine
If you find any liquid at the bottom of your mozzarella cheese, you don’t have to worry about it. Make sure you don’t discard the liquid.
This liquid is there to keep the cheese moist. It is kept in water or brine to make sure the cheese does not dry out. Moreover, remember to keep the air-tight packed mozzarella cheese in water and place the container in the refrigerator.
4. Grate the cheese
You also have the option to grate the mozzarella cheese and store it in the fridge. Grate the cheese and make sure you place it in the air-tight packaging. This is also another way to store the cheese.
Wrap it with a plastic cover
Well, you can also wrap the mozzarella cheese in a plastic cover to extend its life. Ensure you wrap it properly to keep it away from the air, then place it in the fridge. This will help to keep it moist for 3 to 4 days.
Tips to extend the shelf life of Mozzarella Cheese
- Do not keep mozzarella cheese at room temperature.
- Always keep it in the fridge.
- Do not throw the water present in the cheese.
- Do not use cheese with bloated packaging.
- aKeep it in an airtight container to keep it away from the air.
- Do not use mozzarella cheese if you find any kind of sour smell or change in color.
- Toss it away if you find any kind of bacterial growth.
Conclusion
This is all about how long mozzarella lasts. I hope this article helps you to get all your answers. Storing in the pantry is not a good option to extend the shelf life of the mozzarella cheese.
Always keep it in the fridge and properly store it to keep it safe from bacterial attack. So prepare a delicious and cheesy pizza for your loved ones and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad Or Spoiled?
Dairy products get easily spoiled after some time, and mozzarella cheese is no exception. It gets spoiled easily if not stored properly. Make sure you store it in the fridge to avoid its spoilage.
How To Tell If Mozzarella Cheese Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
If you notice any black spots, molds, bloated packages, or changes in color and taste, discard it as it is unfit for further use.
How Long Is Mozzarella Cheese Good After The Expiration Date?
Once mozzarella cheese surpasses its best-by date, you can still use it but only for up to 1 week. But this extended period only applies to an unopened package of mozzarella cheese.
But before using it for cooking purposes, make sure you look out for the signs of spoilage just to be extra sure.
How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last?
When stored in a refrigerator, an open pack of cheese can stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, whereas an unopened pack of cheese can sustain up to the best-by date.
An open pack of mozzarella cheese can last for about 3 months when kept in the freezer, and an unopened pack of mozzarella cheese can be used for about 5 to 6 months.
