Expiration & Storage Tips
When does muenster cheese expire?
Unopened, Muenster cheese is good until the 'best by' date printed on the package. Once opened, however, this type of cheese usually stays good for about 3 to 4 weeks if properly kept in the refrigerator. If frozen, you can extend its life to about 2 to 3 months, though texture and flavor may be slightly altered once defrosted.
How do you tell if muenster cheese is bad?
If your Muenster cheese is bad, you'll most likely be able to tell by the smell first. The cheese may develop a strong, sour smell, different from its regular mild odor. Visually, if there's mold present that isn't part of the normal rind, it likely has gone bad. Wooziness (when the cheese turns slimy or spongy) is also a clear sign of spoiled cheese.
Tips for storing muenster cheese to extend shelf life
• Always wrap your cheese properly after opening. You can use cheese paper, or waxed or parchment paper, then loosely wrap that in plastic wrap.
• Do not store Muenster cheese in the door of your fridge as temperatures can fluctuate. The best section is the vegetable compartment or a bottom shelf, where temperature is most constant.
• If freezing Muenster cheese, try to portion it out first, as it's best to defrost only what you will use, and thaw it slowly in the fridge.
• Use a fresh piece of wrapping for your cheese after each use. Reused wrappers can potentially harbor bacteria that can affect both taste and safety.