How to Store Mozzarella Cheese After Opening?

Mozzarella cheese comes from buffalo milk, and it tastes like fresh milk. Also, it’s a lot different from the cheese found in our grocery stores. The taste of this mozzarella cheese can easily be ruined and turn bitter if not stored properly. The question here is how to store mozzarella cheese after opening it.

How to store mozzarella cheese after opening?

Once opened, mozzarella cheese can stay fresh for 28 days in the fridge. However, it would be best to keep the mozzarella cheese in the freezer, where it will remain fresh for up to 3 months. While in the fridge, it needs to be discarded after 1 to 2 weeks.

People think that the date of the cheese will decide if it is fresh or not, while the date will only tell you how long the cheese can maintain its quality. However, the smell is one of the best indicators to see whether the cheese is OK or not.

Keep reading the following article to find out the facts about mozzarella cheese. In this guide, we’ll explain in detail how to store mozzarella cheese properly and how long it will last.

How Do You Store Mozzarella After Opening?

Once opened, the mozzarella cheese is submerged in brine or water to keep it fresh and extend its shelf life. Since cheese in the grocery stores is always vacuum-packed and submerged, you can easily keep it for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, but after opening, its taste gets bitter, so try to keep it in an airtight container freezer to keep it fresh for months.

Unfortunately, mozzarella cheese is a soft cheese compared to other cheeses, and its taste gets bitter after opening in 2-3 days if not kept properly. The brine solution or water is considered best to keep fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, so keep it submerged in the cheese properly. Let’s look at the methods for storing mozzarella cheese after opening.

Store Mozzarella in the Container in Which It Comes:

In grocery stores, mozzarella usually comes in a plastic airtight container with a liquid byproduct when the mozzarella is prepared. Try to keep the mozzarella in it after using it. It will keep it fresh and moist for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Store It in the Refrigerator for 2-3 Days.

It would be best to use mozzarella as soon as possible due to its low shelf life after opening, but you can keep it fresh for a few days. You can put it in the middle rack of your refrigerator once it’s opened.

• You could ruin the texture of the fresh cheese if you directly freeze it. So never freeze the fresh mozzarella.

• Keep the temperature of your refrigerator between 30 and 40 °F.

The unopened cheese can stay fresh for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. 

Keep Vacuum-Packed Mozzarella in a Bowl of Water:

If the mozzarella comes vacuum packed, remove the covering and place it into a bowl of cold water. Change the freshwater daily until you use it. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge.

• The cold water mimics how mozzarella sits down and keeps it from drying out.

• Fresh mozzarella is a round ball shape rather than a block.

Storing Mozzarella or a Loaf of Shredded Cheese

Mozzarella usually comes in an airtight container or plastic wrap to keep it away from direct air contact. Once you open the seal and want to store it again, make sure to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or an airtight plastic bag.

Sealed the Shredded Mozzarella Store It.

Shredded mozzarella usually comes in a resealable tub or bag; make sure to release it as soon as possible after usage. Try to keep it in the packaging or use another sealed bag.

If you do not have a sealed plastic bag, store it in an airtight plastic container.

How to Store Store-Bought Mozzarella Cheese?

Store-bought mozzarella cheese can stay fresh for more than 2-3 days if kept in the refrigerator. Store mozzarella cheese in an airtight container, covered with olive oil or cold water to keep it fresh for 4-5 days. Another way is to remove all the water that comes with the cheese and seal it in an airtight plastic bag, ensuring all the bubbles are removed.

Since mozzarella is a short-lived cheese compared to other types of cheese, it has a high moisture content, so it needs special care in storage. Shredded mozzarella has low moisture content and longer shelf life than simple mozzarella.

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Can You Freeze Packaged Mozzarella Cheese?

The blocks of mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella are fine to freeze, but the crystals form due to the high moisture content. Still, you can keep the mozzarella cheese fresh and usable for up to 9 months in the freezer. But it is better to avoid freezing and use the fresh cheese because no one wants to use the crumbly texture of the cheese after freezing.

Freezing cheese is not a tricky task to do until you have some good airtight bags for it. However, if you want to freeze it for a shorter time, you can use the bags in which it comes, but for freezing and the best result, use the airtight zip lock bags and keep it fresh for up to 9 months.

See Also: Does Cheese Make You Poop and Cause Diarrhea

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How Long Can You Keep Packaged Mozzarella Cheese?

Because bacteria overgrow at that temperature, the shelf life of package mozzarella cheese is very low at 40–140 F. Most bacteria grow fast at a low temperature, so you must discard cheese. It is better to store the cheese in the refrigerator by following the previously mentioned procedure.

The best thing to do is place the mozzarella cheese in the freezer. However, it may lose some of its texture due to its higher moisture content. However, the freezing time shown on the package is just for maintaining quality. The cheese constantly frozen at a low temperature of around 0 F is safe.

For more information about cheese, make sure to check our guide on how to defrost cheese.

How Long Does Fresh Mozzarella Last After Opening?

After opening, fresh mozzarella can stay fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator, only if stored properly. However, the shelf life of shredded mozzarella is 21 days. If properly stored, smoked mozzarella can stay fresh for up to 28 days after opening the refrigerator.

Once the cheese is opened, it becomes more attractive to bacteria, so it is best to store it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Be sure to replace the plastic bag every time you cut the cheese before re-chilling it. Also, make sure that the cheese has enough water. If not, add 1-2 spoons of water to avoid drying out.

Also, check out our detailed guide about how to tell if cheddar cheese has gone bad.

Storing Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

If you make fresh mozzarella cheese or buy it from the grocery store, then the best way to store the fresh mozzarella cheese is by storing it in the refrigerator. However, proper care is needed while storing the cheese. Use an airtight container once it opens, or keeps it in the airtight plastic bags.

Mozzarella cheese has a high moisture level, and to keep it fresh, you need to maintain that level. Keep an eye on the water level to keep it away from cracking, and keep it in a liquid bath in the refrigerator. Also, make sure to place the cheese in the middle rack, and if it’s set in the dried-out airtight plastic bags, change them after every use. Following these steps, you can easily keep the cheese fresh for 5-7 days.

Let’s have a look at how long fresh cheese can be stored and kept fresh:

Cheese	Refrigerator (shelf life)
Unopened Mozzarella cheese	5-7 days
Opened Mozzarella cheese(Plastic bag)	2-3 days
Opened Mozzarella cheese(Brine)	One-week
Open Mozzarella cheese(water or olive oil)	5-7 days

Should Fresh Mozzarella Be Stored in Water? 

Since mozzarella cheese has high water content, it is best to store it in water to maintain its shape and water content. It may lose shape and flatten if it is not stored in water, so store it in an airtight container with cold water to keep it fresh for 4-5 days.

The mozzarella cheese is made in Italy from the milk of a water buffalo, which means it is very high in water content. The water contained in the jar is whey, a byproduct of making cheese. Follow these steps if you prepare the mozzarella at home to keep it moist.

• Keep the cheese in the refrigerator in a liquid bath to keep it fresh for 4-5 days.

• Replace the liquid or whey with the brine solution, water, or olive oil.

Pro Tip:

• Brine is a simple salt solution, and you can prepare it by adding one or two tablespoons of salt to warm water.

• You can also use a ceramic bowl to place the cheese and wrap it properly with plastic wrap.

Can You Store Mozzarella Cheese in Salt Water?

If mozzarella cheese is unsalted, you can place it in salted water, but if the cheese already comes in the salty water, only use salted water and not put it in the simple water. Because if you store the salted water cheese in freshwater, all the salt draws out from the cheese resulting in a change in taste.

The fresh mozzarella comes in a liquid or byproduct for storing, but once you open it, you may have to waste the liquid and replace it with the fresh one. However, the important thing is some cheese needs to be stored in brine (Salt + Water); others may be easily stored in freshwater.

In such a situation, the most sensible thing is to follow the proper storage instructions for cheese if you want to use it again. The fresh liquid or brine keeps the cheese away from bacteria attacks because the oxygen in the air reacts with the cheese and water once it opens. So it’s better to replace the water to keep it moist and usable.

If you wish to purchase this Mozzarella Shred, you can do so on Amazon here.

How Long Does Fresh Mozzarella Last in Water?

Fresh mozzarella can be stored in the water for 2-3 days and is quickly refrigerated in an airtight container. In most cases, when you buy mozzarella cheese from the grocery store, it comes with a byproduct of whey. If it does not come with the liquid, store it in the tub of the liquid after use and try to use it within 2-3 days.

The best way to keep it fresh is to store it in the refrigerator and change the water daily. Keep the temperature of the fridge between 34- 40 F, and do not freeze it. Freezing the cheese may change the texture and form crystals in it. Remove the mozzarella cheese 1 hour before use or serving to make it stable.

How to Store Fresh Mozzarella Overnight?

You can leave it overnight if the fresh cheese is submerged adequately in a solution, sealed in an airtight container, and cool in your kitchen. To store mozzarella longer, you always need a refrigerator since it has a high amount of water and not that much acid to leave at a high temperature overnight.

However, whether opened or unopened, you can find the best store the mozzarella cheese overnight in the refrigerator. Still, the experts suggest not storing the cheese and trying to eat it fresh, but if you want to store and then, do follow the below-mentioned tips:

Tips:

• Change the mozzarella byproduct or whey daily with the fresh cold water or brine

• Make sure to replace the fresh mozzarella cheese water daily

• Change the liquid with the same liquid only if it smells funky.

• You can store the unsalted cheese in fresh or salted water, but the salted cheese is only stored in salted water.

Storing Mozzarella Cheese in Freezer

You can store the cheese by wrapping it in plastic wrap or wax paper, aluminum foil and then placing it in a ziplock bag. If you’re storing it longer than two weeks, make sure it doesn’t touch any other food in your fridge because the smell of the cheese will transfer to it. Label anything with a date before you head home for winter break next week so you won’t forget about anything when you get back.

Can You Freeze Packaged Mozzarella Cheese?

You can freeze packaged mozzarella cheese. It’s a great way to keep the cheese fresh and extend its shelf life. Just pop the package in the freezer, and it will be good for several months. Thaw it in the fridge and enjoy it when you’re ready to use it.

Read Also: 15 Best Substitutes for Fontina Cheese

How Long Does Mozzarella Cheese Last in Fridge?

You can store mozzarella in the freezer for up to two months. If you buy in bulk or make your fresh mozzarella at home, you can save some later. Just wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or a baggie, and squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Does Mozzarella Cheese Go Bad in the Freezer?

No, mozzarella cheese does not go wrong in the freezer. It’s best to store mozzarella cheese in the freezer, as this will help to extend its shelf life. 

When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use the frozen mozzarella. You may find that it’s a little softer than when originally purchased, but it will still taste delicious on your next homemade pizza.

Mozzarella Cheese Storage Temperature

The most suitable temperature for the storage of mozzarella cheese is between 34-40 degrees F. Freezing cheese is not recommended as you know that mozzarella cheese has high water content in it. On a freezing, the water molecules change into crystals that spoil mozzarella’s cheese texture. Hence it is better to store it at an accurate temperature.

You can also store the mozzarella cheese in your kitchen only if it is cool and has a recommended temperature. But experts suggest it is better to store it in the refrigerator to avoid bacterial interaction. Make Sure to remove the cheese before one horse when you visit the palace to serve it.

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Can You Store Mozzarella at Room Temperature?

If your kitchen is cool and the cheese you bought comes in a brine solution, then you can leave the cheese out overnight in the kitchen. Still, experts suggest that cheese should not be left out for more than 2 hours without a refrigerator because bacteria overgrow in the cheese at high temperatures.

In actuality, the mozzarella cheese comes with a low amount of brine or water, and it does not have any acid to keep it safe from bacteria attacks. The only way to keep it safe for 2-3 days is to store it in the refrigerator. However, it is still recommended not to refrigerate the cheese and use it at once while you buy it.

What Temperature Is Best for Storing Mozzarella Cheese?

The best-recommended temperature to store the mozzarella cheese is 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and you must not exceed this range. The temperature must remain constant while refrigerating the cheese, and make sure to replace the water daily to make the cheese moist and fresh for 2-3 days.

The mozzarella cheese comes with brine or water and very few amounts of acid, which, if not stored correctly, creates a hostile environment for bacterial growth. Therefore, it is recommended to properly follow the storing procedure and regularly change the water with fresh water to keep it fresh and usable for a few days.

Read Also: How Long Can Sliced Deli Cheese Be In Refrigerator

Final Thoughts

The moisture content of mozzarella cheese is high, and you must store it properly after opening. The cheese usually comes with brine solution or water, or it is vacuum packed, but after opening, a new solution is needed for storage. Moreover, an accurate temperature is also necessary to store it in the refrigerator and prevent it from freezing. 

However, experts recommend that mozzarella cheese not be stored in the fridge. You must consume it immediately due to its high moisture content, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. If you want to use it again, keep it in a refrigerator at the right temperature and change the liquid regularly.

If you are interested in the best kitchen products and accessories, be sure to visit my Recommended Products Page (click to see my page), Which includes all of my top picks by category.

Sources

• WEBMD: Cheese benefits

• Wikihow: How to Store Mozzarella