How Long Different Cheeses Last When Stored Properly

• Hard cheeses (Parmesan, aged Gouda): 3–6 weeks
• Semi-hard cheeses (cheddar, Swiss): 2–3 weeks
• Soft cheeses (brie, camembert): 1–2 weeks
• Fresh cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta): should remain in their liquid or original packaging; use within 3–7 days

Bonus Tips to Prevent Mold

• Rewrap cheese every few days to keep the paper clean and dry.
• Keep cheeses separate—placing strong-smelling ones together can cause flavor transfer.
• If a hard cheese gets a small spot of mold, you can cut off at least 1 inch around and below it; the rest is safe.
• Avoid freezing cheese unless necessary—it alters texture and flavor.

Bottom Line

Plastic wrap may seem convenient, but it suffocates cheese and accelerates mold growth. Switching to cheese paper or parchment paper—and giving your cheese room to breathe—keeps it fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy for much longer.

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