How Long Does Mozzarella Last?
Fresh mozzarella lasts about 1 week in the fridge once opened, and is best within 3–5 days. Low-moisture block mozzarella keeps 3–4 weeks opened. Both freeze for up to 6 months for cooking.
Mozzarella — opened
shelf life- Unopened: 1–2 weeks in the fridge
- Opened, low-moisture block: 3–4 weeks in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Mozzarella comes in two very different forms. Fresh mozzarella is a soft, high-moisture cheese packed in water or whey, and it spoils within days of opening. Low-moisture mozzarella, the firm block or shredded kind used on pizza, is drier and saltier and keeps for weeks.
How to store mozzarella
- Keep fresh mozzarella submerged in its original liquid in a sealed container; if you poured the liquid away, cover it with fresh cold water and a pinch of salt and change it daily.
- Lift mozzarella balls out with a clean fork or spoon, not fingers, so the brine does not get contaminated and turn cloudy.
- Wrap low-moisture block mozzarella tightly after each use, as its cut face dries out and then molds.
- Freeze mozzarella only for cooked dishes: drain and pat fresh mozzarella dry, slice or shred it, and bag it flat with the air pressed out.
How to tell if mozzarella has gone bad
- A sour, yeasty or spoiled-milk smell; fresh mozzarella should smell only faintly of fresh milk.
- A slimy, slippery surface or a yellowish color instead of clean porcelain white.
- Brine that has turned cloudy, thick or stringy, or a bitter, sour taste.
- Any mold at all on fresh mozzarella, which means the whole piece should be discarded.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Mozzarella shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened | 1 week | 6 months | Not safe |
| Fresh mozzarella in liquid. Flavor and texture are best in the first 3–5 days. | |||
| Unopened | 1–2 weeks | 6 months | Not safe |
| Fresh mozzarella: follow the use-by date on the tub or vacuum pack. | |||
| Opened, low-moisture block | 3–4 weeks | 6 months | Not safe |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How long does fresh mozzarella last after opening?
Fresh mozzarella lasts up to about 1 week after opening if it stays submerged in liquid at 40°F (4°C) or colder, but it tastes best within 3–5 days. After that it turns sour and slimy quickly. Low-moisture block mozzarella is far more forgiving, at 3–4 weeks.
Can you cut mold off mozzarella?
Not off fresh mozzarella. It is a soft, wet cheese, so mold threads and any bacteria growing alongside them spread below the surface where you cannot see them, and USDA advises discarding moldy soft cheese. On a firm low-moisture block you can cut away at least 1 inch around a small mold spot.
Can you freeze mozzarella cheese?
Yes, for about 6 months, but only for melting. Low-moisture and shredded mozzarella freeze well. Fresh mozzarella loses its soft, milky texture and turns crumbly and watery after thawing, so use it on pizza, in lasagna or in baked pasta rather than in a caprese salad.
Should I keep fresh mozzarella in water?
Yes. Keeping fresh mozzarella covered in its original whey or brine stops it drying out and forming a rubbery skin. If the original liquid is gone, use cold water with a little salt and change it every day. Water does not extend the safe storage time beyond about a week.
How long can mozzarella sit out at room temperature?
No more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (32°C). Fresh mozzarella is moist and low in acid, which lets bacteria grow quickly once it warms up. Put out only what you expect to eat on a caprese platter or cheese board and keep the rest chilled.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ricotta Opened |
1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Feta Cheese Opened |
1 week | 6 months | Not safe |
| Shredded Cheese Opened |
1 month | 3–4 months | Not safe |
| Parmesan Opened |
3–4 weeks | 6 months | Not recommended |
| Pizza Cooked |
3–4 days | 1–2 months | Not safe |
| Lasagna Cooked |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
More fresh & soft cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese.
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.