Stilton cheese usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge once it’s been opened. If it’s still sealed in its original packaging, it can stay fresh for up to 3 weeks past the sell-by date, as long as it’s kept cold.
To make it last, wrap it in wax paper first, then cover it with foil. This helps the cheese breathe without drying out or getting too wet. Don’t use plastic wrap by itself—it traps moisture and can cause mold. Keep the cheese in the coldest part of your fridge, like the bottom shelf or cheese drawer.
If your Stilton smells like ammonia, feels slimy, or has pink or black spots, it’s gone bad and should be tossed. A bit of blue mold is normal, but fuzzy or colorful mold isn’t safe.
You can freeze Stilton if you won’t eat it in time. Just know the texture may change after thawing, so it’s best for cooking instead of snacking.
With a little care, you can enjoy every last bit of your Stilton without wasting it.
How long does Stilton cheese last in the fridge?
If you have a block of unopened Stilton cheese sitting in your fridge, it can actually last a good while. Most unopened Stilton stays fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks after the “best by” date printed on the package, as long as it’s been stored properly in the fridge. That means it needs to stay cold, ideally in a spot where the temperature stays steady.
Stilton often comes in vacuum-sealed plastic or wax paper with a label. This wrapping helps protect the cheese from air and bacteria. If you keep it in its original package and don’t open it, the cheese is safe to eat for longer than you might think. Just make sure the fridge stays cold, around 4°C or 40°F.
One tip that helps is to keep the cheese in the drawer or shelf near the back of the fridge. That area usually stays the coldest. Don’t put it near the door where the temperature goes up and down every time someone opens it.
If the cheese starts to puff up in the packaging or smells really strong before you even open it, it’s probably gone bad. When in doubt, it’s better to throw it out than take a risk.
How Long Does Opened Stilton Cheese Last?
Once you open a block of Stilton cheese, the clock starts ticking. It usually stays good for about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. That might not sound like a long time, but with the right storage, you can get the most out of it. After it’s opened, air and moisture start to change the cheese’s texture and flavor. If you leave it uncovered or wrap it the wrong way, it can spoil even faster.
You’ll notice the cheese might dry out, get too wet, or develop smells that weren’t there before. Blue veins in Stilton are normal, but if you see fuzzy mold or anything pink, green, or black, that’s a bad sign. And even if it looks okay, a sharp ammonia smell usually means it’s time to toss it.
It’s a good idea to check the cheese every time you open the fridge. If you’re unsure, take a small sniff or cut off a tiny piece to taste. If it seems off, don’t risk it. Cheese can carry bacteria once it starts going bad, and that’s not something you want to mess with.
How to Tell If Stilton Cheese Has Gone Bad
Stilton has a strong smell on its own, but when it goes bad, the smell gets worse. If it starts to smell like ammonia or something sour and sharp, that’s a clear warning. Good Stilton smells funky in a good way, but spoiled Stilton makes your nose pull back.
Another sign is the texture. If it feels slimy or too wet, that’s not normal. It should be crumbly and a little creamy, not sticky or soggy. And while blue veins are supposed to be there, look out for other colors. Pink, black, or fuzzy green mold is not part of the cheese—it means it’s spoiled.
Sometimes the taste is the final test. If it tastes sharp but still creamy and pleasant, it’s probably fine. But if it burns your tongue or tastes bitter, spit it out and throw it away. Eating spoiled cheese can upset your stomach or worse.
If you ever feel unsure, it’s better to toss it. Stilton isn’t cheap, but getting sick over bad cheese isn’t worth it.
How to Store Stilton Cheese Properly in the Fridge
Storing Stilton the right way makes a big difference. The best method is to wrap it in wax paper first, then cover that with foil. This lets the cheese breathe a little while still staying protected from air and moisture. Don’t wrap it in plastic wrap alone, because that traps too much moisture and can make the cheese spoil faster.
Keep the cheese in the vegetable drawer or the bottom shelf of your fridge. That’s usually the coldest, most stable spot. If your fridge has a cheese drawer, even better. Just don’t leave it near the door—that’s where the temperature changes the most.
Try not to handle the cheese too much. Cut off just what you need and rewrap the rest right away. The more you open and close the wrapping, the more chances you give bacteria to get in.
If the cheese is crumbly and starts to dry out, don’t panic. That’s normal. But if it gets too dry or cracks completely, it might be time to use it up in a sauce or soup instead of serving it on a cheese board.
Can You Freeze Stilton to Make It Last Longer?
Yes, you can freeze Stilton cheese, but it’s not perfect. Freezing changes the texture. After thawing, it won’t be as creamy or crumbly. Instead, it might turn a little grainy. Still, the flavor stays strong, so it works fine in cooked dishes like pasta, soups, or melted on burgers.
To freeze Stilton, cut it into smaller pieces first. Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment, then add a layer of foil or put it in an airtight freezer bag. Label it with the date so you don’t forget how long it’s been in there. It’s best to use frozen Stilton within three months.
When you’re ready to use it, move it to the fridge and let it thaw slowly overnight. Don’t microwave it or leave it on the counter. That can mess up the flavor and make it go bad faster.
Once thawed, don’t refreeze it. Use it up in cooking where the texture doesn’t matter too much. You won’t notice the difference once it’s melted into a dish.
Tips to Make Stilton Cheese Last Longer
If you want your Stilton to last, the little things really help. First, only cut off what you’re going to eat. Don’t unwrap the whole block every time. The more you expose the cheese to air, the faster it dries out or picks up bad bacteria.
Use proper wrapping materials. Wax paper and foil work great. Avoid plastic wrap unless it’s the outer layer. And don’t just toss the cheese into the fridge uncovered—that’s a recipe for dried-out, smelly Stilton.
Put the cheese in the coldest part of your fridge, like the veggie drawer or bottom shelf. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions or fish. Stilton can absorb odors, which mess with the taste.
One helpful trick is to write the date on the wrapping when you open it. That way, you’ll know how long it’s been sitting there. If you have different cheeses in the fridge, keep the older ones toward the front so you use them first.
You can also store Stilton in a special cheese container or box to protect it from fridge air. That helps keep it moist but not too wet. Small things like this can keep your cheese fresher and save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
Stilton cheese is rich, bold, and worth every bite—but only if it’s fresh. Unopened, it can last a few weeks in the fridge past its sell-by date. Once opened, you usually have about 1 to 2 weeks to enjoy it at its best. Trust your nose, eyes, and taste. If it smells like ammonia, feels slimy, or has odd-colored mold, it’s time to let it go.
Proper storage makes a big difference. Wrap it well, keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, and handle it with care. And if you’re not going to finish it soon, freezing is an option for cooking use later.
So next time you bring home a piece of Stilton, you’ll know exactly how to keep it fresh, safe, and delicious. Don’t let good cheese go to waste—treat it right, and it’ll treat your taste buds even better.