Opened cream cheese keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge at 40°F or below. Freezing isn't recommended because it turns crumbly, though it can work in baking.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does cream cheese last in the fridge?
2 weeks at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
freezes poorly; becomes crumbly
- Freezing is not recommended; texture becomes grainy.
- If frozen, use only in baking or cooked dishes.
How long can cream cheese sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How to tell if cream cheese has gone bad
- Mold
- Sour or off smell
- Watery, slimy or discolored surface
Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions people ask
Can cream cheese frosting sit out?
Treat it as perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature, 1 hour above 90°F.
Can you freeze cream cheese?
Extension sources say it freezes poorly; thawed cream cheese is best used in cooked or baked recipes.