Made Velveeta cheese mac and cheese, but still wondering about the leftover Velveeta cheese. If you want to know how long it lasts and stop it from getting rancid, then keep scrolling down!
The shelf life of unopened Velveeta cheese in the refrigerator is six months and two to three weeks in the pantry. In the fridge, Velveeta cheese lasts eight weeks after opening.
As you already know, Velveeta cheese is not real cheese. It is a “pasteurized process cheese product” with more shelf life than regular cheese.
Velveeta cheese resembles regular cheese in its texture, appearance, and flavor. You can use it in cheese dips, casseroles, Brussels sprouts, and stuffed Crawfish Bread.
Let’s move ahead and know how to store Velveeta cheese and signs of spoilage. So next time, whenever you have leftovers of Velveeta cheese, you don’t have to think twice about its lifespan.
How Long Does Velveeta Cheese Last?
This table shows the lifespan of the Velveeta cheese when kept in the pantry and refrigerator. Have a look, get an idea of its shelf life, and store your leftover Velveeta cheese.
| Types Of Velveeta Cheese | Pantry | Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened | Use-by Date + 2 – 3 weeks | 6 months |
| Opened | – | 8 weeks |
Due to the preservatives added to Velveeta cheese, it has a longer shelf life than regular cheese. If we talk about the packaging date of Velveeta cheese, it is usually six months.
By looking at the table, it is clear that the shelf life of Velveeta cheese depends on how it is stored.
Velveeta cheese in the fridge can survive for eight weeks. While Velveeta cheese can last 2-3 weeks in the pantry, unopened cheese can be used for six months if kept in the refrigerator.
Keep it away from direct sunlight and store it in a cool and dry place. You can check the next heading if you have Velveeta cheese and want to know if it is spoiled.
Can We Freeze Velveeta Cheese?
The answer to your question is yes, you can freeze Velveeta cheese. Remember that after freezing, it won’t be the same.
According to Kraft, freezing is not advised. As this process makes the cheese texture grainy, and the cheese crystallizes.
But it is better to keep it in the fridge and try to keep it away from being rotten or spoiled.
How To Tell If Velveeta Cheese Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
Do you want to know how to determine whether Velveeta cheese is safe to consume? Look out for these below-mentioned signs if you are in doubt!
1. Appearance
You can tell whether Velveeta cheese is gone bad from the way it looks. Velveeta cheese is yellow with a soft and creamy texture.
If its color changes or becomes dull, it is spoiled and not okay for use. You must throw it away and buy a new one if it is hard, dry, and covered in mold.
Note: If it dries from certain parts, you can cut it and see if it is okay. Sometimes discoloration happens due to poor storage conditions.
2. Smell
If you don’t understand by looking at the appearance of the cheese, sniff it. It is easy to tell if it is spoiled because fresh Velveeta cheese has a subtle smell.
It must be thrown away and replaced if it gives off a strong odor, indicating that it has become spoiled.
3. Taste
If the appearance and smell of Velveeta cheese are okay, then go ahead and taste it. As you already know, Velveeta cheese has a mild flavor with hints of creaminess and sweetness.
But if it doesn’t taste like it, it is time to get a new Velveeta cheese.
Can Velveeta Cheese Be Used Past Its Expiration Date?
The answer to this question is yes, you can use Velveeta cheese after its expiration date. You can use Velveeta cheese by cutting and removing the bad parts and checking its taste, smell, and color.
If Velveeta cheese’s texture changes from soft and creamy to hard and dry or begins to smell rancid, you must toss it.
How To Store Velveeta Cheese To Extend Its Shelf Life?
You can increase Velveeta cheese’s shelf life by properly storing it. I am diving into some tips so you cannot waste your cheese and use it more efficiently.
1. Store It In The Same Packaging
You can store unopened Velveeta cheese in the pantry as it is shelf-stable. You need to seal it properly, and it is best to save cheese in an airtight container. Avoid letting it get in contact with sunlight.
2. Refrigerate it
You can store Velveeta cheese in the fridge. If you live in a hot and humid place, you must place it in the refrigerator to save it from spoiling.
It is best to refrigerate and wrap it each time you open it. Keep it from drying out to preserve its top-notch quality.
Conclusion
We have covered Velveeta cheese in great detail, and I hope this article will help you find all the answers you need. Storing in the fridge is an excellent option to extend the shelf life of the Velveeta cheese.
You can browse our website if you’d like to see more articles like that. Till Then, Happy cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does Velveeta cheese last in the pantry?
Velveeta cheese lasts in the pantry for eight weeks.
How long does Velveeta cheese last unopened?
Unopened Velvetta cheese lasts up to six months.
What is the refrigerator life of Velveeta cheese?
Once opened, Velveeta cheese was kept well in the refrigerator for eight weeks.
How long does Velveeta cheese last after cooking?
Velveeta cheese can last up to four days after being cooked if stored in an airtight container.
