Expiration & Storage Tips
When does whole milk mozzarella cheese expire?
A commercially packaged, unopened block or ball of whole milk mozzarella cheese generally lasts 1-3 months past its 'sell by' date in the refrigerator. Once opened, it's best to consume it within 1-2 weeks stored in the refrigerator. However, if you decide to freeze your mozzarella cheese, it can last in the freezer for up to 6 months. After freezing, it's best to use the cheese within 1-2 months for the best quality.
How do you tell if whole milk mozzarella cheese is bad?
If your whole milk mozzarella cheese presents a sour or off smell, or you see visible mold (not to be confused with the natural presence of harmless cheese 'blooms' or 'rinds'), it's likely the cheese has gone bad. Apart from that, if the cheese feels slimy or its color has darkened, it's an indicator that it has spoiled.
Tips for storing whole milk mozzarella cheese to extend shelf life
• Always store your mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator when not in use.
• After opening, keep the cheese wrapped tightly in cheese paper, parchment paper, or loose plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Avoid tin foil as it can impart a metallic taste.
• Try to store it in the least cool part of your refrigerator, like the cheese drawer or a low shelf, as over-chilling can affect the texture.
• If you choose to freeze your mozzarella cheese, shred or slice it first. This will make thawing easier and prevent the texture from becoming too crumbly.
• Never refreeze thawed cheese, as it can significantly impact the texture and flavor.