Dairy Products & Eggs
How long does pimento cheese last in the fridge?
Unopened packaged pimento cheese runs to the package use-by date; once it’s open USDA gives it 4 weeks in the fridge.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | Package use-by date |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 4 weeks |
Can it sit out?
Pimento 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 pimento cheese has gone bad
- A sour, sharp smell past the usual cheddar tang
- Fuzzy or blue-green mold on the spread — no cutting around it on a soft one
- Liquid separating out under a dried, crusted top
When in doubt, throw it out.
It spreads better warm but keeps better cold — take out a scoop and put the tub straight back rather than letting it sit out through lunch.
Quick answers
How long does pimento cheese last in the fridge?
Unopened packaged pimento cheese runs to the package use-by date; once it’s open USDA gives it 4 weeks in the fridge.
How long can pimento cheese sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to pimento 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).