Peggy Woodward, RDN has insight for a reader who asks, "How long does cream cheese last?"
How Long After Opening Is it Safe to Eat Cream Cheese?
Updated on Oct. 19, 2018
PEGGY: How long after opening is it safe to consume (reduced-fat) cream cheese? —J.F., Erie, Pennsylvania
It’s often tough to know how long cream cheese will last because the “expiration” dates on the packaging can be confusing.
According to Philadelphia Cream Cheese, under normal refrigerator conditions of 40° at all times, an unopened package of cream cheese is good 1 month past the “Best When Purchased By” date on the carton. Once opened, cream cheese should be used within 10 days.
To learn more about cream cheese, including how it’s made and where it’s from, check out this cream cheese FAQ.
How to Use Up Leftover Cream Cheese
Obatzda (German Beer Cheese Dip)Obatzda, otherwise known as German beer cheese dip, is so delicious and creamy. It's the perfect dip to make the night before at get-together. —Beate Trinkl, Einsbach, Germany
Red Velvet Pound CakeThis delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it, and for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
Cheese DanishesA cheese Danish is the ultimate sweet-meets-savory breakfast pastry. Make Danishes at home with an enriched dough and a dreamy cream cheese filling.
Stuffed Pasta ShellsThese savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way.
—Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Key Lime Blondie BarsHere’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas
Strawberry Pretzel PieThis cool no-bake strawberry pretzel pie is the perfect antidote for your sweet tooth this summer. Made with pantry staples, and well, as easy as pie to make, it’s become one of my family’s most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Apples ‘n’ Cream PancakeThis cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Apricot SaladColorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Mini Cherry CheesecakesThese little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
Pumpkin Cream Cheese BreadTender, plush and generously fall-spiced, our pumpkin cream cheese bread is an elevated fall bake thanks to its cheesecake-like filling, fun mix-ins and sweet vanilla icing.
Spinach TurnoversThe flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Pineapple Sheet CakeThis sheet cake is perfect for serving to a crowd. It keeps so well that you can easily prepare it a day ahead and it will stay moist. I often bring it to church potlucks, and I have yet to take much of it home. —Kim Miller Spiek, Sarasota, Florida
Duo Tater BakeI made this creamy and comforting potato dish for Thanksgiving and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. It's a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingAs a mother of three sons, sweets are a staple in my kitchen! I buy ripe fruit on sale and freeze it to make this cake. My banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a favorite among loved ones at my family picnics and dinners. —Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania
Meatball StroganoffA quick and delicious twist on the classic, our meatball stroganoff uses frozen meatballs to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Red Velvet Thumbprint CookiesThese festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They're just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Shrimp Appetizer SpreadThere's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Pecan Pumpkin DessertI always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
Easy Cheese-Stuffed JalapenosA few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag full of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and he shared this recipe for stuffed jalapenos with me right there in the store! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
Potato ChowderOne of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana. If you like this, then you must try these cream cheese appetizers.
Red Velvet Jar CakeI love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use your favorite cake and frosting flavors. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama
Spinach-Beef Spaghetti PieWith its angel hair pasta crust, this cheesy ground beef, tomato and spinach pie is always a hit when I serve it. Each neat slice has layers of pasta, cream cheese filling and spinach topping. —Carol Hicks
Pensacola, Florida
Fruit-Topped BlintzesMy mother is a wonderful cook who always likes to prepare (and improve on!) dishes she's sampled at restaurants. That's what I did with these blintzes, and my family loves my fruity version even more than the original.
Chicken in Puff PastryFlaky puff pastry envelops tender chicken and a creamy spinach-artichoke filling, creating a fancy-feeling dish that’s deceptively easy to pull together.
Reuben DipThis simple and delicious Reuben dip is prepared in the slow cooker and makes the perfect party appetizer. All the classic sandwich flavors are there, just creamier and more dippable.
Cool Strawberry CreamThis fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Cherry Cheese WindmillsThese pretty cookies look fancy, but they are really not much work. They're perfect for any occasion. —Helen McGibbon, Downers Grove, Illinois
Creamy Strawberry CrepesCreamy strawberry crepes are stuffed with a citrusy, fruity cream cheese filling and garnished with fresh berries. It's enough to make you say "ooh-la-la!"
Italian Cream Cheese CakeButtermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round.—Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Baked Chicken BurritosOur baked chicken burritos recipe is wonderfully delicious thanks to loads of cheese, a delightful blend of spices and chicken broth that keeps the filling perfectly moist.
Broccoli Potato SupremeMy family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey
Berry-Cream Cookie SnapsMy mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you'd like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois
CheesecakeWant to learn how to make the best ever cheesecake recipe? Our Test Kitchen offers all the tips you'll need.
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
Peanut Butter Pudding DessertHere's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Hash Brown Broccoli BakeHere's a perfect dish for a potluck or holiday buffet. It goes well with fish, poultry, pork or beef. Cheddar cheese can be substituted for Swiss. Often, I double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska
Creamed Corn with Cream CheeseCreamed corn with cream cheese is a side dish recipe that goes with any meal and almost any occasion. Our five-ingredient recipe is made in the slow cooker for a mostly hands-off cooking experience.
Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
Baked Onion DipSome people like this cheesy dip so much that they can't tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream PieThis recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
Pina Colada Fruit DipA taste of the tropics will be welcomed by your holiday guests. The cool and creamy dip can be served as an appetizer or a dessert.
—Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Chewy Gingerbread CookiesThese chewy gingerbread cookies are packed with warm spices and rich molasses, delivering a perfect balance of soft and chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat anytime, they're sure to become a family favorite.
Vanilla Bean CupcakesMy son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Flecks of vanilla bean in the moist, tender cupcakes give them special-occasion status. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Crab & Artichoke DipNearly every time my girlfriends and I get together, we dip into this rich and creamy snack and our favorite bottle of wine. It’s so convenient to use the slow cooker to make this recipe—it’s a perfect fit for our relaxed friends nights. —Connie McKinney, Marshall, Missouri
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesWith five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Lemon-Blueberry Pound CakeLovely, lemony pound cake studded with blueberries is a stunning bake that's actually a snap to make. The velvety cake gets its rich flavor from a trifecta of cream cheese, butter and lemon yogurt.
Artichoke Phyllo CupsI wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois
Cream Cheese SpritzA hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles before baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s...and I still have the press! —Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas
Garlic-Herb Bagel SpreadThis creamy spread is loaded with oregano, basil, garlic and feta. The flavorful, savory combination is perfect slathered on a toasted bagel. But don’t stop there. Try it as a dip for crunchy breadsticks, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pink Lemonade Stand CakeIf you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Carrot Cake with Pecan FrostingMy husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Mediterranean Pastry PinwheelsThese quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Pineapple Upside-Down CheesecakeMake this pineapple upside-down cheesecake and learn how simple ingredients like cream cheese, brown sugar and canned pineapple can create a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
Fontina Rolled ChickenGood food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My chicken with fontina and cream cheese is like a blissful trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Cream Cheese French ToastMy friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri
Heirloom Tomato PieMy green-thumbed neighbors like to share produce with me. I return the delicious favor by baking tomato pies for all. —Angela Benedict, Dunbar, West Virginia
7-Layer Bean DipTo make this zesty 7-layer bean dip, you simply layer the ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a "walking dip," because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you walk and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California
Creme de Menthe SquaresThis layered bar hits all the sweet spots: It’s airy, creamy, crunchy and the perfect mix of cool mint and rich chocolate. It has a vintage dessert appeal that no one in our family can resist. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Cool and Creamy Fruit SaladMy mom found this recipe in a magazine 25 years ago, and my family has been enjoying it ever since. I refrigerate it overnight before serving. It looks especially pretty in a trifle dish. —Susan Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Creamed SpinachCreamed spinach is rich and luxurious, making it an ideal side dish for family dinners or holidays.
Bagel with a Veggie SchmearI got this recipe from my favorite bagel shop in New York City. Now I make this every time I'm craving a quick and healthy breakfast. I like to add chopped pitted green olives to the schmear. — Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeAlthough my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
Dilly Cheese BallMy whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario
PinwheelsTortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!
