In the freezer
6 months
Yes, for cooking — 6 months
Quality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Texture changes, so use it in cooked dishes.
Quick answer
Yes, with a texture trade-off: soft cheese keeps 6 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
How to freeze soft cheese
- Cut or portion into blocks of ½ lb or less, or freeze shredded cheese in its bag.
- Wrap in plastic, then a freezer bag, pressing out air.
- Thaw in the fridge; it will be crumblier, so use it melted or cooked.
How to thaw soft cheese
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes, for cooking — 6 monthsQuality holds for about 6 months at 0°F / -18°C. Texture changes, so use it in cooked dishes.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Soft cheese Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
1–2 weeks
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
6 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about soft cheese
FAQ
How long can you freeze soft cheese?
About 6 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen soft cheese?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze soft cheese?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in soft cheese?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number