How Long Does Parmesan Cheese Last?
Hard Parmesan cheese, block or pre-grated.
The Short Answer
Parmesan Cheese lasts 28–60 days in the refrigerator when stored properly at 40°F or below. For longer storage, parmesan cheese can be frozen for 12–18 months while maintaining good quality. These times are based on USDA food safety guidelines and assume proper storage conditions.
Storage Times at a Glance
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology
Those crunchy white spots in aged Parmesan are tyrosine crystals, a sign of quality aging. They are not mold or salt. They are actually desirable and mean your Parmesan is well-aged.
How to Store Parmesan Cheese
Wrap block Parmesan in wax paper, then loosely in plastic wrap. Do not wrap tightly in plastic alone. Pre-grated Parmesan in a shaker can last months in the fridge.
How to Tell if Parmesan Cheese Has Gone Bad
Look for these signs that parmesan cheese has spoiled: white crystalline spots are normal (amino acid crystals, a sign of aging). actual spoilage: mold beyond the rind, ammonia smell, excessively dry or cracked.
The Professor's rule: When in doubt, throw it out. No meal is worth food poisoning.
The Bottom Line
Properly stored parmesan cheese stays safe for 28–60 days in the fridge. Always store in airtight containers, refrigerate within 2 hours of purchase or preparation, and trust your senses. If something looks, smells, or feels off, discard it regardless of how many days it has been. Freezing is always an option if you will not use it within the refrigerator window.
Frequently Asked Questions
A properly wrapped block of Parmesan lasts 1-2 months in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 18 months, though the texture becomes crumblier after thawing.