What’s The Best Way To Store Dairy Like Milk, Cheese And Butter?

“Hi there, I’ve finally started keeping more dairy products at home so I’m trying to figure out the best storage method. Milk seems to spoil quicker than expected, and my butter keeps getting too hard in the fridge. Plus, I’m not sure if I should be keeping some of my softer cheeses in the fridge or not. Do you have any tips for this? My fridge is usually packed, and I live in a relatively warm climate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!” Thanks, Michelle, Perth, Australia.

What’s The Best Way To Store Dairy Like Milk, Cheese, And Butter?

Hey Michelle, I hear you! Storing dairy can be a little tricky, especially in a warm climate like Perth. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some practical tips to keep your milk, cheese, and butter fresh for as long as possible – without taking up too much space in your fridge.

Let’s break it down into the three categories you mentioned and get your fridge and pantry sorted.

Storing Milk: How To Keep It Fresh Longer

Milk is probably the most challenging to store efficiently because it tends to spoil quickly, especially in the summer. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Importance of Temperature Consistency

Milk loves a cold and *consistent* temperature. The temperature inside your fridge should always be below 4°C (or 39°F for those in the Northern Hemisphere). But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about having the fridge set to the right temp; you’ll want to place the milk in the coldest part of the fridge (usually near the back, where there’s less fluctuation from the door opening). Keeping it in the fridge door is a common mistake because, even though it’s convenient, the temperature there changes more often.

Life Hack: Freeze Extra Milk

If you find your milk is going bad before you can get through it—especially on hot days—try freezing it. I know it sounds strange, but I often pop my milk in the freezer during the hotter months. Just leave about an inch of space in the container for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to go. It might be slightly grainy when thawed, but give it a shake—it’ll taste just fine.

Look At The Expiration Date But Also Use Your Nose

Expiration dates are a guideline but not a rule. Trust your senses. A quick smell or a slight taste will tell you if it’s gone off way faster than some arbitrary stamped date.

How To Store Butter: Keep It Spreadable And Fresh

Now, on to butter! I totally get your frustration about it being too hard in the fridge. No one wants to crush a piece of bread under a rock-solid slab of butter, right?

Counter Vs. Fridge

Here’s the good news: You don’t actually have to keep your butter in the fridge all the time. Butter has a relatively high fat content, which means it won’t spoil quickly at room temperature. In fact, I usually leave a small amount out on the counter. Just remember to keep it covered in a butter dish. This way it stays soft and spreadable, perfect for everyday use.

But, anything you’re not going to use in a week? Definitely keep that in the fridge. Salted butter can last about a month in there, while unsalted butter won’t last quite as long (about two weeks). If you’ve bought it in bulk—or if, like me, you love to make your own—you can also portion it out and freeze butter for about 6 months.

Pro Tip: Freezing Butter

Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep it from absorbing any odors from the freezer. When you need it? Just take out a portion and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Easy peasy.

Cheese: Should It Always Be In The Fridge?

Cheese storage gets a little more nuanced because there are *so many* varieties. I mean, the goopy Brie you grab for a fancy weekend platter needs different love than the block of cheddar you grate over your pasta. Let’s break it down.

Hard Cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, etc.)

For your cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, fridge storage is the way to go. These hard varieties can survive longer in a lower moisture environment. Wrap them loosely in wax or parchment paper and then pop them in a plastic bag but don’t seal it completely. This will keep it from sweating while allowing just a tiny bit of air to circulate, which prevents any mold from growing too fast.

Need to extend the life of your parmesan? You can even freeze hard cheeses like this! Grating first before freezing works best, so you only thaw what you need.

Soft Cheese (Brie, Feta, Goat Cheese)

Softer cheeses love moisture but hate airtight conditions. I know, they’re picky! For things like Brie, Camembert, or Feta, keep them in the fridge, wrapped snugly in wax paper. For Feta and some goat cheeses, storing them in their original brine or an airtight container with a bit of moisture will keep them fresh for about a week longer than just their packaging alone.

Tip: No Plastic Wrap!

One of the worst mistakes to make with cheese storage is wrapping it directly in plastic. It tends to trap moisture and can lead to moldy cheese far quicker than you’d like. Instead, use wax or parchment paper with a loose outer wrap of foil or a reusable container.

What About Freezing Soft Cheese?

It’s possible to freeze some soft cheeses, but the texture can get a bit crumbly once thawed. If you’re okay with the change in texture, feel free to give it a try! But honestly, I mostly rely on freezing for cooked dishes where texture matters a bit less. Goat cheese or shredded mozzarella are two exceptions—they freeze and thaw pretty nicely in my experience.

Troubleshooting Common Dairy Storage Issues

Let’s face it, dairy decides to go rogue sometimes, even when we try our best! Here are some common issues I’ve faced (you’re not alone!) and how to fix them easily.

Why Does My Milk Smell Before The Expiration Date?

If you’re finding milk spoiling *before* the actual expiration date, it could be due to temperature fluctuations in your fridge or cross-contamination from bacteria. Try storing it in the coldest part of the fridge, and make sure the cap is tightened properly—sometimes a loose lid can allow outside air in, speeding up the spoiling process.

My Butter Has A Weird Taste?

If your butter picks up odd flavors, it’s probably absorbing aromas from other foods in the fridge. Be sure to keep your butter tightly sealed, and store it away from anything particularly pungent. Also, keeping it wrapped in foil helps block out some of those wandering smells.

Can Cheese Be Stored With Other Foods?

Cheese and other strong-smelling foods shouldn’t mingle too closely, as cheese tends to soak up odors quickly. If you ever notice your Gouda tasting like, say, garlic? That’s exactly what happened. Separate containers are your best friend here!

Creating Extra Room In Your Packed Fridge

I hear you about the packed fridge too, Michelle. When space is tight, your placement matters even more. Try grouping dairy products together on one shelf and use fridge-friendly containers to help organize things. Get creative with vertical storage or sliding baskets that can attach to shelves. Honestly, sometimes just a small organisational tweak makes all the difference!

Moving Some Dairy Items To The Freezer

As I mentioned earlier, freezing butter and cheese (and sometimes milk!) can really free up your fridge space. Creating a separate dairy zone in your freezer ensures that these items are easily accessible when you need refills. Plus, it’ll decrease food waste – a win-win!

Final Thoughts…

Michelle, I hope these tips help keep your milk fresh, butter soft (but not too soft), and your cheeses in their happy place! Thanks for sending in your question, and remember, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to dairy storage. Your fridge doesn’t have to be a jumble of random containers—you’ve got this!