Cottage cheese is a very different variety of cheese from the other cheeses that are available. The texture alone is enough to set it apart, but there are other things that make it unique as well. Cottage cheese is not something you would typically buy to eat by itself, but many people use it as an addition to their salads or sandwiches for added flavor.
After buying cottage cheese, you may wonder if cottage cheese goes bad and how long it will last.
Does Cottage Cheese Go Bad?
Cottage cheese is a dairy product, so it can go bad as time passes. It should be eaten as soon as possible after the expiration date to avoid this issue.
The life span of cottage cheese depends on the quality and how it was stored. Cottage cheese doesn’t usually go bad because it is pasteurized and has a long shelf life.
If it is no longer safe to eat, cottage cheese will have a sour smell and curds that are soft or mushy. If your cottage cheese does not meet these standards, then it should not be eaten even if the date has passed.
How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last?
Cottage cheese lasts for about two weeks after the date on the package, but it can last up to three weeks if stored properly. It should always be refrigerated because it contains milk, which spoils quickly at room temperature.
If you are not sure about its expiration date or if you want to find out how long cottage cheese lasts after opening, note that unopened packages of cottage cheese can typically last up to three weeks past its printed date before needing to be thrown away.
Once opened, the same applies to cottage cheese as with any other food – so use your best judgment and store it in a sealed container until ready to eat it.
How to Store Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a dairy product that needs to be stored properly in order to maintain its quality. There are two ways of storing cottage cheese: it can either be refrigerated or frozen.
The best way of storing it depends on how often the cottage cheese will be consumed, the expiration date, and personal preference.
Refrigerating Cottage Cheese
If you’re planning on eating your cottage cheese within the next few weeks, then refrigeration is the best option for storage.
Place your container of cottage cheese in the fridge and wait about six hours for it to cool sufficiently before placing it in the refrigerator drawer where it belongs.
It’s important not to let your cottage cheese sit out at room temperature as it could get contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Freezing Cottage Cheese
Freezing cottage cheese is easy and convenient, especially if you want to store it for a long time.
Below are the steps to freezing cottage cheese:
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 2: Place the cottage cheese on the baking sheet in a single layer, then cover it with another piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil to form a second layer.
Step 3: Freeze for at least four hours until solid.
Step 4: Once completely frozen, remove them from the freezer.
Step 5: Immediately transfer the frozen cheese to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Step 6: Press on the bag to remove any excess air and seal the bag
Step 7: Label the bag or container with the date of freezing
Step 8: Place the cottage cheese into the freezer until needed again.
How to Tell If Cottage Cheese Is Bad?
Cottage cheese is unappealing when it is bad. But there are some telltale signs you can use to determine if the cottage cheese in your refrigerator has gone bad.
Below are some of the signs that cottage cheese is bad:
- Discoloration on the curd or whey
- Liquid has a sour smell
- The texture of cottage cheese becomes lumpy and hard
- The cheese is mushy and watery
- Milky liquid separates from the curd or whey
How To Keep Cottage Cheese Fresh Longer
Cottage cheese is a popular dairy product that has been around for a long time. It is a cheese that is made from the curds of milk and is made in a variety of flavors. Over time, the cheese will start to go bad, especially if it’s not stored properly.
Below are some of the ways in which you can keep the cottage cheese fresh longer:
1. Store cottage cheese in the fridge immediately after purchase to maintain its freshness.
2. Keep it in the original packaging and place the package on an elevated shelf. This will assure that air stays away from the cottage cheese and prevents it from drying out.
3. When you open a new package of cottage cheese, make sure to use it within a few days and keep it tightly sealed when not in use to prevent bacteria from growing and causing spoilage.
4. Covering your cottage cheese with a cloche or plastic wrap will also help prevent bacteria from growing on it and also protect other foods in your fridge from absorbing its odors while still allowing for enough oxygen flow to prevent spoilage.
Related Questions
Is it OK to eat expired cottage cheese?
The first thing to remember when you want to know if it’s OK to eat expired cottage cheese is that they are most likely expired because they were past their “best by” date.
Most food becomes stale or loses some flavor after the date on the package, but cottage cheese will become unsafe – especially if there are any moldy patches on the surface. So if you open up your cottage cheese and find anything like that, throw it out!
On the other hand, if it’s only been a couple of days after the cheese expired and there’s no sign of mold or spoilage, you can eat it.