Cream cheese
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Cream cheese, a soft, mild-tasting fresh cheese, is a versatile ingredient perfect for both sweet and savory culinary creations. Its rich, creamy texture makes it ideal for bagels, cheesecakes, dips, and frostings, but proper storage is key to maintaining its delightful quality and preventing spoilage.
Storage Time
Keep refrigerated and consume within 1-2 weeks of opening for optimal freshness. Unopened, it can last until the 'best by' date.
Temperature
Store in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature between 0°C and 4°C (32°F and 40°F).
Freezing
Yes, cream cheese can be frozen, though its texture may change slightly upon thawing, becoming more crumbly or watery. For best results, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Frozen cream cheese is best used in cooked dishes like cheesecakes or dips, where the texture change is less noticeable.
Signs of Spoilage
- A sour or off smell, distinct from its usual mild aroma.
- Visible mold growth, which can appear as fuzzy spots of various colors (green, pink, or black).
- A change in texture, becoming watery, slimy, or excessively lumpy.
