How Long Does Ricotta Last?
Ricotta lasts about 1 week in the fridge after opening. Unopened, use it by the date on the tub. Freezing is not recommended for eating fresh, though it works for baked dishes.
Ricotta — opened
shelf life- Unopened: 1–2 weeks in the fridge
- Cooked: 3–4 days 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.
Ricotta is a fresh, soft Italian cheese made by reheating whey or milk until fine, fluffy curds form. It is unaged, very moist, low in salt and barely acidic, which makes it one of the most perishable cheeses. Most recipes use only part of a tub, so leftover ricotta is a common sight and a common source of waste.
How to store ricotta
- Drain off any watery whey sitting on top, smooth the surface and press plastic wrap directly onto it before putting the lid back on.
- Use a clean spoon each time, and do not return ricotta that has been mixed with egg, herbs or sauce to the tub.
- Plan a second use when you open a tub: leftover ricotta goes into pancakes, toast, pasta sauce or stuffed shells within the week.
- If you have a surplus, assemble and freeze a lasagna or stuffed shells instead of freezing plain ricotta, which turns grainy.
How to tell if ricotta has gone bad
- A sour, fermented or yeasty smell; fresh ricotta smells sweet and milky.
- A yellow or pinkish tint to the normally bright white curd.
- Mold spots of any color, which mean the whole container goes in the trash.
- A sour or bitter taste, or a slimy rather than fluffy texture.
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.
Ricotta shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened | 1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Unopened | 1–2 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Use the printed date; fresh deli ricotta with no date should be eaten within 3–5 days. | |||
| Cooked | 3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Baked into lasagna, stuffed shells or manicotti, where it freezes well. | |||
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 ricotta last after opening?
Ricotta lasts about 1 week after opening in a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder. It has very little salt or acid to slow spoilage, so do not stretch it. If the tub has been open for a week and you are unsure, throw it out rather than relying on smell.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese?
Freezing plain ricotta is safe but not recommended, because the curds separate and turn dry, grainy and watery once thawed. For cooked recipes this matters much less. Stir thawed ricotta well and use it within 2 months in lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells or cheesecake-style baking.
Is ricotta good after the expiration date?
Only briefly, and only if unopened and consistently refrigerated. Ricotta is among the least forgiving dairy foods, so a few days past the date is the sensible limit. Open it and check for yellowing, sour smell and mold, keeping in mind that dangerous bacteria cannot be seen or smelled.
Why is there water in my ricotta?
The liquid is whey draining out of the curds, which is normal and harmless. Pour it off, or strain the ricotta in a sieve for a firmer texture in cannoli filling or ravioli. Watery ricotta is only a concern if it also smells sour, looks yellow or tastes off.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Cheese Opened |
1 week | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Mozzarella Opened |
1 week | 6 months | Not safe |
| Cream Cheese Opened |
2 weeks | Not recommended | Not safe |
| Lasagna Cooked |
3–4 days | 2–3 months | Not safe |
| Fresh Pasta Fresh |
1–2 days | 2 months | Not safe |
| Pasta Sauce Opened |
4–5 days | 3 months | Not safe |
More fresh & soft cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Feta 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.