These times assume your refrigerator stays at 40°F or below, the USDA's limit for safe cold storage. Above that, bacteria multiply quickly, so a fridge thermometer is worth having if yours doesn't show its temperature.
How long cream cheese and similar foods last
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 2 weeks from purchase | Not recommended | — |
| Soft cheese (brie, goat cheese) | 1–2 weeks from purchase | 6 months | — |
| Cottage cheese | 2 weeks from purchase1 week after opening | Not recommended | — |
| Hard cheese (cheddar, Swiss) | 6 months from purchase3–4 weeks after opening | 6 months | — |
"From purchase" times count from the day you buy it. Times for cooked food count from when it was cooked.
How long does cream cheese last in the freezer?
The USDA doesn't recommend freezing cream cheese. Plan to use it within 2 weeks.
How to store cream cheese
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking or buying (1 hour if it's above 90°F).
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
- Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly and don't pick up odors.
- USDA does not recommend freezing cream cheese.
Check your fridge is at 40°F
Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer (2-Pack)
Dial thermometers for the fridge and freezer, marked with safe zones. Over 32,000 Amazon ratings.
Shallow, airtight leftover storage
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Containers (12-Pack)
Glass containers from 1 to 4 cups with lids that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
How long can cream cheese sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
Can you tell if cream cheese has gone bad?
Not reliably. The bacteria that cause food poisoning generally don't change how food looks, smells, or tastes, according to the USDA. Go by how long it's been in the fridge, not the sniff test, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cream cheese last in the fridge?
2 weeks from the day you buy it, according to USDA FoodKeeper data. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
USDA does not recommend freezing cream cheese.
How long can cream cheese sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F. After that, throw it out.
How long other foods last
- Butter: 1 to 2 months in the fridge
- Cheesecake: 5 to 7 days in the fridge
- Eggs: 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge
- Bread: 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge
See the full food storage chart for more than 600 foods. Shopping for a new fridge? Our guide to the best refrigerators and the refrigerator size chart can help, and how long refrigerators last covers when to replace an old one.
Sources
Storage times are from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's FoodKeeper data, version 128. Food safety rules are from FSIS guidance.
- USDA FSIS, FoodKeeper data (version 128) www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app
- USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- USDA FSIS, Refrigeration and Food Safety www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration