ShelfLife
How long does ricotta last?
Ricotta keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it, and about 1 week once opened. The USDA doesn't recommend freezing it, though frozen ricotta still works in baked dishes.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Ricotta | 2 weeksfrom purchaseOpened: 1 week | Not recommended |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if ricotta has gone bad
- A sour or rancid smell. Fresh ricotta smells mild and milky.
- Mold of any color: throw out the whole container.
- A yellowish color, a slimy texture or a lot of watery liquid.
How to store ricotta
- Keep ricotta on a fridge shelf with the lid tightly closed.
- Use a clean spoon each time, and drain off excess liquid if a recipe needs firm ricotta.
- Once opened, use it within about a week.
Can you freeze ricotta?
The USDA doesn't recommend freezing it: thawed ricotta turns grainy and watery. If you'd rather not throw it away, freeze it in its container and use it thawed and drained in cooked dishes like lasagna, stuffed pasta or cheesecake, where the texture matters less.
Questions
How long does ricotta last once opened?
About 1 week in the fridge, and never past the date on the container.
Can you eat ricotta after the date?
Ricotta is a fresh cheese, so stay close to the date. If it smells sour or shows mold, throw it out.
How long does a dish made with ricotta last?
Lasagna and other cooked dishes keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, like other leftovers.
Add ricotta to ShelfLife when you open it, and get a reminder before the week is up.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.