HOW LONG CAN SHREDDED CHEESE SIT OUT: How Long Does Unrefrigerated Shredded Cheese Last?

Shredded cheese is one of those foods that can be eaten on a whim, and it’s easy to accidentally overdo it. If you’re like most people, you probably reach for the shredded cheese box on repeat occasions. But how long does unrefrigerated shredded cheese last? And what happens if you do overindulge? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to these questions and more. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how long shredded cheese will lasts in the fridge and what to do if it goes bad.

What is Shredded Cheese?

This is a question that frequently arises with shredded cheese. How long can it stay out of the fridge before it starts to spoil? The answer varies depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored.

Cheeses that are made from milk, such as cheddar and Swiss, generally last 3-4 days in the fridge. This time frame is based on the assumption that they are stored in an airtight container and not exposed to oxygen. Cheeses that are made from cream, for example, feta, will last 5-7 days in the fridge. This is because they contain more milkfat which protects them from spoilage.

The length of time shredded cheese will stay fresh also depends on how it was prepared. If it was baked or grilled, for example, the cheese will be drier and will last longer than if it was melted or chilled.

How Does Shredded Cheese Work?

Shredded cheese, like any other type of cheese, contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The bacteria can grow at a rapid rate in the warm temperatures of an unrefrigerated environment.

How to Store Shredded Cheese

If you’re like most folks, you probably have a drawer in your kitchen dedicated to storing shredded cheese. And while it’s definitely convenient to have a stash of shredded cheese tucked away, you may not know exactly how long the cheese will last before it goes bad.

The good news is that shredded cheese generally lasts in the refrigerator for up to four days, though it will start to lose its flavor and consistency after two days. If you’re planning on storing the cheese for longer than four days, be sure to freeze it first so that it won’t spoil.

How to Store Shredded Cheese Properly

How to Store Shredded Cheese Properly

If you are storing shredded cheese for an extended period of time, it is best to follow these guidelines:

1. Wrap the cheese in a paper towel or a cloth napkin. This will help to absorb some of the moisture and keep the cheese from becoming crumbly.

2. Place the cheese in an airtight container.

3. Store the cheese at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The longer it is stored, the more moisture it will absorb, so be sure to check on it often!

What Happens to Shredded Cheese if It’s Left Unrefrigerated?

If you have shredded cheese that’s been left out of the refrigerator, it will most likely be safe to eat after 3-4 days. However, if the cheese has been in the refrigerator for more than four days, it will not be safe to eat and should be thrown away. The cheese will start to spoil and smell bad.

Is There a Time Limit on How Long Unrefrigerated Shredded Cheese Can Last?

There is no time limit on how long unrefrigerated shredded cheese can last. However, the cheese will start to lose its flavor and consistency after about a week if not refrigerated.

Conclusion

If you’re like most people, shredded cheese is something you eat on a regular basis. But did you know that it can actually go bad quite quickly? In fact, shredded cheese can only be stored for about four hours in the fridge once it has been refrigerated. After that, the cheese will start to spoil and develop odor. If this happens, it’s best to throw the cheese out and replace it with fresh shreddable cheese.