Dairy Products & Eggs
How long does cream cheese last in the fridge?
Cream cheese keeps 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it — and while it can go in the freezer, plan on baking with what comes back.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 2 weeks |
|---|---|
| Freezer | Not recommended |
Can you freeze cream cheese? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Cream cheese is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if cream cheese has gone bad
- A sour, yeasty smell
- Yellowing edges or a dried, cracked surface
- Any mold — soft cheese doesn’t get the cut-around-it allowance
When in doubt, throw it out.
Quick answers
How long does cream cheese last in the fridge?
Cream cheese keeps 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it — and while it can go in the freezer, plan on baking with what comes back.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
Cream cheese freezes safely, but it thaws crumbly — plan on baking with it.
How long can cream cheese sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to cream cheese. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).