Wrinkles

Does Monterey Jack cheese go bad?

Yes —the unopened Monterey Jack cheese will typically remain safe to use for about 6 months, even if the "sell-by" or "best by date on the package expires.

How can you tell if Monterey Jack cheese is bad?

How can you tell if an opened chunk of Monterey Jack cheese is bad or spoiled? Monterey Jack cheese that is going bad typically will develop a very hard texture, will darken in color, will develop a strong smell and mold may appear; see instructions above for how to handle mold on a chunk of Monterey Jack cheese.

How long does Monterey Jack cheese last?

3 to 4 weeks After sliced Monterey Jack deli cheese is purchased from the deli, it may be refrigerated for 3 to 4 weeks — the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the cheese will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored.

Does Monterey Jack cheese need to be refrigerated?

Processed Pepper Jack Cheese is Monterey Jack cheese that includes spicy hot peppers for a zesty flavor. It is completely shelf stable and does not require any refrigeration.

How long does cheese last in the fridge once opened?

Know when to say when: Shelf lives vary from cheese to cheese. Once opened, hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss will stay fresh three to four weeks in your fridge, while softer varieties like ricotta, Brie and Bel Paese will hold up for about one to two weeks.

Can you get sick from eating old cheese?

Best-case scenario: Nothing. It could taste bad or you might get an upset stomach. In-between scenario: You could have a moderate allergic reaction, contract a foodborne illness, or have respiratory issues. Worst-case scenario: You could be hospitalized, put on dialysis, or even die.

Can I eat expired cheese?

Cheese. If you think about how cheese is made and aged, you might be more apt to believe it's the kind of food that doesn't always go bad after its expiration date. Even if there is a little mold growing, consuming "expired" cheese can be safe — as long as you cut off the mold and it still smells alright.

Can you eat moldy pepper jack?

However: You may add some of Monterey Jack for extra “Zing” to the pizza. You shouldn't eat the moldy part. Cut it off and eat what is left after trimming the mold off.