Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Cheese Ball expire?
An unopened, store-bought cheese ball typically has a long shelf life and can easily last 1-2 weeks past the printed date on the package if it is stored correctly. Once opened, the lifespan drops to about 8-14 days. If bought freshly made from a deli, the cheese ball will usually only last about 7 days. For homemade cheese balls, they typically last 1 week if properly stored. When frozen, a cheese ball can last for up to 6 months.
How do you tell if Cheese Ball is bad?
To check if a cheese ball is still good to consume, look for visible signs of mold, particularly blue, green, black, or white fuzz. The presence of such mold strongly suggests that the cheese ball has gone bad. Additionally, notice the smell. If it smells off, somewhat sour, or very different from when you first made or bought it, it should not be eaten. Lastly, if the texture becomes very hard or if it's overly wet, soft, or slimy, these are definite signs that the cheese ball should not be consumed.
Tips for storing Cheese Ball to extend shelf life
• Always store your cheese ball in the refrigerator.
• For everyday use, store the cheese ball in an airtight plastic bag or container to maintain freshness.
• If you're planning to devour it slowly, consider dividing it into smaller, portion-sized balls and wrap each in plastic wrap, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Freezing a cheese ball is fine but may affect its texture once thawed. To freeze, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, then put in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
• When thawing a frozen cheese ball, do it in the fridge overnight to ensure a slow, even thaw and prevent texture changes