Unlock the Secret to Perfect Cream Cheese Storage with Tips from Philadelphia!

From my daily everything bagel to the countless creamy dishes I experiment with, my refrigerator nearly always contains several blocks of cream cheese. This blend of rich creaminess and subtle tang adds a special touch to many beloved dishes, including delicious hot crab dip and soft Japanese cheesecake.

Similar to butter, cream cheese is often easier to use when it’s softened. Usually, I take a brick out of the fridge before I start baking and hope it softens by the time I’m ready to use it.

It’s not exactly a scientific approach, and it doesn’t always work. This made me curious about how long I can safely leave cream cheese out, and how I should store it once it’s opened.

Fortunately, Megumi Takahashi, the Associate Manager for Kraft Heinz Culinary (which owns Philadelphia), had all the information I needed.

How Long Can Cream Cheese Safely Stay Out?

Takahashi explains, “Before opening the inner foil package, Philadelphia cream cheese can be left at room temperature for up to an hour.” As a baker, this is great to know because cream cheese usually reaches room temperature in about 30 minutes in a moderately warm kitchen. I occasionally press it gently with a finger to test its softness; it should slightly indent under light pressure.

Once you open the foil, the situation changes slightly.

According to Takahashi, given the different environmental conditions in people’s homes, it’s best to use opened cream cheese within a few minutes.

If you need to soften an already opened block quickly, the microwave is your best option. Remove all the foil, put the cream cheese on a microwave-safe plate, and heat it at 30-40% power in 20-second bursts until it’s soft. Cutting it into smaller, equal-sized pieces can speed up the process.

Optimal Storage for Opened Cream Cheese

Takahashi recommends keeping partially used cream cheese in its foil and wrapping it further in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure.

For enhanced freshness, store the double-wrapped cream cheese in an airtight container. This method will keep it fresh for up to 10 days. For unopened packages, simply follow the expiration date on the packaging.

Extend Shelf Life by Freezing Cream Cheese

Freezing cream cheese is a viable option if you won’t use it before its expiration date.

Tests by America’s Test Kitchen show that while previously frozen cream cheese changes texture, becoming gritty and crumbly when thawed, it’s still usable for certain recipes. It may not be ideal for spreading on bagels or for use in recipes like cheesecake or cream cheese frosting where its consistency is crucial.

However, in baked goods like pound cake or biscuits, where the texture of the cheese blends into the dish, frozen cream cheese performs well. I recommend trying it in recipes such as cream cheese pecan cookies.