In case you’ve ever wondered about the expiration of string cheese, rest assured, you’re not alone.
It seems like everyone wants to know this answer, but there isn’t one definitive answer.
The short answer is that it depends on what kind of string cheese you buy and where you put it.
There are different types of string cheese, each with their own shelf life.
When it comes to freezing, there are also different rules for each type of string cheese.
For instance, you should never freeze string cheese that contains nuts or seeds because they will become mushy.
You should also avoid freezing string cheese made from dairy products that contain cream cheese, butter, sour cream, or milk solids.
Below we discuss how long string cheese lasts in the fridge, freezer, and open packages.
How long does string cheese last in the fridge?
When it comes to refrigerator storage, it really depends on the type of string cheese you have.
Some types of string cheese last longer than others.
The most common types of string cheese include:
- Strawberry string cheese
- Feta-style string cheese
- Parmesan-style string cheese
- Bacon string cheese
- Pepperoni string cheese
Storage tips for string cheese
As mentioned earlier, string cheese usually falls into four categories: strawberry, feta, parmesan, and bacon.
Here is an overview of the recommended storage times for each category:
Strawberry string cheese: Store at room temperature for up to three days.
Feta-style string cheese: Keep in the fridge for up to five days.
Do not refrigerate after opening.
Parmesan-style string cheese: Store in the fridge for up to seven days.
Bacon string cheese: Keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.
You should always use string cheese within three days of purchase and discard any leftovers.
Also note that string cheese begins to deteriorate quickly once it exits the fridge, so don’t plan to save it for later.
How long does string cheese last in the freezer?
It’s important to note that the storage time for string cheese differs depending on whether you freeze it or refrigerate it.
As you may expect, freezing string cheese extends its lifespan considerably.
However, freezing doesn’t mean that you can toss out your string cheese after a few months.
Instead, freezing simply slows down the deterioration process.
This means that you can freeze string cheese for up to 12 months before discarding it.
Remember to thaw frozen string cheese before using it.
How long does string cheese last unopened?
Like many food items, string cheese loses its nutritional value over time due to exposure to light, air, and moisture.
This means that the longer you leave it, the less nutritious it becomes.
According to the USDA, string cheese loses about 20% of its nutrients per month.
While this might seem discouraging, the fact that string cheese still tastes delicious makes it worth eating!
How long does string cheese last opened?
Once you open a package of string cheese, you need to consume it within three days.
Once you open a string cheese container, you cannot reclose it and place it back in the fridge.
This is because the string cheese has been exposed to air and will lose all of its freshness.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your string cheese, you should either refrigerate it or freeze it immediately.
How long does string cheese last after its expiration date?
This is another question that gets asked frequently by consumers.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give a specific answer since different companies use different dates for their string cheeses.
In general, string cheese tends to be safe to eat until the expiry date listed on the packaging.
After that point, the string cheese may no longer be safe to eat.
Can you freeze string cheese?
Yes, you can freeze string cheese.
Just make sure that you follow these guidelines:
- Never freeze string cheese that contains nuts or seeds.
- Don’t freeze string cheese made from dairy products that contain cream cheese, butter, sour cream, or milk solids.
- Freeze string cheese in portions that are small enough to fit inside a single Ziploc bag.
- Thaw string cheese prior to consuming.
What is the best way to store string cheese?
There are several ways to store string cheese, such as:
- Wrapped in foil or plastic wrap
- In a Ziploc bag
- In a Tupperware container
- On its side
However, wrapping it in paper towels is not ideal since the outer layer can absorb moisture and cause mold growth.
So, just make sure that you store it in the same manner as the manufacturer recommends.
How do you know when string cheese has gone bad?
The best way to tell if your string cheese has gone bad is to look for signs of spoilage.
Signs of spoilage include:
- Discoloration
- A strong odor
- Greenish white spots on the surface
- Leaking liquid
- Browning
If you notice any of these signs, throw away your string cheese immediately.
Another thing to remember is that if you see mold growing on your string cheese, you should discard it right away.
What are some creative ways to eat string cheese?
One of the best things about string cheese is that it’s an inexpensive snack option.
This means that you can easily incorporate it into your meal plans without breaking the bank.
Below are some ideas for creative ways to enjoy string cheese:
- Use string cheese as a topping for pizza (like this recipe)
- Make a dip with string cheese and crackers (this recipe uses jalapeños)
- Put string cheese inside a burrito or taco
- Mix it with yogurt and granola for breakfast
- Serve it as a topping for salads
- Add it to pasta dishes
- Combine it with avocado and salsa for guacamole dips
- Use it as a condiment for sandwiches
- Make a cheese ball with string cheese
Why does string cheese taste so good?
Because string cheese is made from natural ingredients—including real cheese—it has a unique flavor.
The ingredients in string cheese are often described as “cheesy,” which is why it has gained popularity among foodies.
For more information about string cheese, read our article on the history of string cheese and learn how to make homemade string cheese at home.
Gooey String Cheese Stick
Equipment
- 1 Pan
- 3 small bowls
Ingredients
- 16 Mozzarella string cheese sticks
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup corn starch
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the cheese strings in half and set aside. Place the covered dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until completely frozen.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Italian and Panko bread crumbs. In a third small bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil.
- Dip half of each cheese stick into the egg mixture, then roll gently in the flour mixture.
- Roll in the egg mixture until completely coated. Finally, press the bread crumbs into each piece of cheese to ensure it is coated all around and the cheese does not leak out.
- Put in the freezer while the oil heats up. Heat the oil to 350°F. It should be hot enough for a few crumbs to bubble in the oil.
- Place the breaded cheese sticks in the hot oil in small batches for about 2 minutes, or until browned. If you overcook the cheese, it will leak out.
- Serve immediately with warm pasta sauce.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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