You’ve got a short window to soften your cream cheese safely.
Cream cheese is a delicious addition to recipeswho doesnt love afudgy brownieor a savorysausage ballmade better with cream cheese?
But when it comes to kitchen safety, its important to know the limits on cream cheese temperature.
8 Ounce Block of Cream Cheese.Credit:Diana Rattray
Just how long can cream cheese sit out?
Chelsea Edwardsis a registered dietician and the owner ofHuntsville Nutrition Collectivein Huntsville, Alabama.
Diana Rattray
How Long Can Cream Cheese Sit Out?
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Cream cheese is safe to sit out for two hours or less.
What Is Cream Cheese?
What Happens To Cream Cheese That Has Been Left Out?
While it will soften, it is not safe past the two-hour mark, Edwards says.
This is safer than leaving it at room temperature.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last In The Refrigerator?
Once opened, it’s best to use cream cheese within 10 days."
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?
I would not recommend freezing cream cheese due to the likely texture changes that occur with freezing.
Cream cheese in a tub can remain in its original container.
How Do You Know If Cream Cheese Has Gone Bad?
Cream cheese is made from dairy products, so it does go bad.
If your cream cheese has any of these signs, or if you’re in doubt, toss it.
How Long Can Cream Cheese Frosting Sit Out?
The same two-hour window of safety applies tocream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not safe to leave cream cheese out overnight.
It can take an hour for a block to soften.
Or microwave it for 15 seconds as Edwards suggests.
Unopened cream cheese packages can be used up to one month past the date on the package.
Opened cream cheese that’s stored in the fridge should be used within two weeks.
Frozen cream cheese is good for up to two months.
American Dairy Association.Keeping Dairy Foods Safe.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Code of Federal Regulations.
Title 21, Volume 2.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.AskUSDA: Does all cheese need to be refrigerated?
