If you have left your cream cheese outside the refrigerator, either intentionally to soften it for a recipe or accidentally after purchasing it from the supermarket, and it has been sitting at room temperature for an extended period, it may have spoiled, and you should consider discarding it and buying a fresh container.
Leaving cream cheese at room temperature is safe for a maximum of two hours, beyond which it can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can pose health risks if consumed or used in baking.
After leaving cream cheese out, it is possible to inspect it visually before returning it to the refrigerator; if it still feels cool, there is a low chance that it has been exposed to harmful temperatures and can be used as intended.
How Long Can You Leave Cream Cheese Out at Room Temperature?
If you are preparing a recipe that requires softened cream cheese, you might be curious about the safe duration to leave it out. As per the standards of food experts, it is recommended not to leave the cream cheese out for more than two hours.
Leaving cream cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours can increase the risk of harmful bacteria, but allowing it to soften for 1-2 hours is sufficient for use in recipes or frosting.
If you happen to leave your cream cheese on the countertop overnight, it is advisable to discard any remaining portion as it may have already gone bad and could pose a risk to your health if ingested, regardless of whether you mix it with other ingredients.
If you are leaving cream cheese out to soften, it is important to set a reminder on your phone or microwave to check on it, so that you do not forget about it and leave it out for too long.
Cream cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, whether it is opened or unopened. The packaging, such as plastic containers or foil wrapping, does not prevent spoilage.
Like milk, cream cheese can go bad regardless of whether it’s been opened or not due to the temperature it reaches, which can occur even if it’s sealed and unopened.
Once the temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit is exceeded, the two-hour countdown for leaving cream cheese out begins, but if you store it in a cooler where the temperature remains below this threshold, you may be able to leave it out for a longer period.
Cream cheese typically contains milk and can spoil rapidly, resulting in a sour and rancid taste if left out on the counter. Consuming such cream cheese would ruin any dessert recipe, even if sugar is added.
What Happens If You Eat Cream Cheese That’s Gone Bad?
Consuming a small quantity of cream cheese that has gone bad is not likely to cause significant harm, but if you unintentionally eat a larger amount, it could result in food poisoning.
Although cream cheese is a form of soured milk, it undergoes pasteurization, making it safe for consumption; however, it should be avoided once it spoils.
Lactose in cream cheese creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and reproduce, leading to the growth of mold on the surface of the cheese, which indicates that it should be discarded.
If you use spoiled cream cheese to make a cheesecake, you might get sick because it is the primary ingredient. Ingesting a greater quantity of it could result in symptoms like queasiness, diarrhea, and possibly even a fever.
In order to avoid dehydration, it is important to consume ample amounts of water and possibly incorporate additional electrolytes into your regimen. The body will strive to eliminate harmful bacteria, but this process may lead to vomiting.
How Can You Tell If Cream Cheese Has Gone Bad?
It is easy to tell when cream cheese has gone bad as it will have a sour and unappealing smell, visible mold spots, and a noticeable contrast between the white cheese and the mold.
It is possible that the cream cheese may develop a slimy layer on top or become dry and crumbly, which can be problematic for certain recipes.
If your cream cheese has a sour smell, it’s best to discard the container and buy a fresh one as it should have a smooth texture with a slightly sweet taste and possibly a hint of tanginess. A sour odor could indicate that the milk content has gone bad, making it unsuitable for consumption.
Even if the cream cheese has exceeded its expiration date, it may still be consumable if there are no visible indications of spoilage. It is advisable to inspect the product before consuming it and conduct a taste test to ensure that it tastes normal.
If you notice a transparent liquid layer on top of your cream cheese, don’t worry, it’s a natural process called syneresis and doesn’t indicate spoilage. You can easily incorporate it back into the cheese by stirring.
How Should Cream Cheese Be Stored?
Ideally, it is recommended to store cream cheese in the refrigerator and it can remain fresh for about two weeks after opening.
Cream cheese can last for 1-2 months in the refrigerator if left unopened, but it’s difficult to determine its freshness until you open it because mold growth won’t be visible until the airtight seal is removed.
Typically, individuals opt for refrigeration as it is the simplest way to utilize cream cheese on their breakfast bagel. The cool temperature of the fridge maintains the spreadable and smooth consistency of the cream cheese, whereas freezing necessitates defrosting before use.
If you freeze cream cheese, it is important to label it with the purchase date. After defrosting, there may be some separation, but this is normal and can be remedied by mixing it.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?
For those who like to have a bagel daily, purchasing a bigger container of cream cheese may be more cost-effective. To make sure it doesn’t go to waste, it’s important to ensure that it lasts long enough for you to consume.
To maintain the freshness of your tub of cream cheese, it is advisable to put it in the fridge as soon as you get home from the store and keep the seal intact until you are ready to use it.
Once the airtight seal is broken, it is recommended to consume the cream cheese within two weeks and perform a visual check and smell test to ensure it has not spoiled.
If the cream cheese is not exhibiting any mold growth or unpleasant odor, it can be used without any concerns. The longevity of cream cheese in the refrigerator may vary depending on the amount of preservatives present in different brands.
Cream cheese can be frozen for a few months, but this may not be the best way to store it as it could potentially change its smooth and spreadable consistency.
You can also check this video about “Can You Leave Cream Cheese Out?”
