How long does it take unrefrigerated cheese to spoil?

Unrefrigerated cheese can spoil quickly, depending on the type of cheese and the temperature of the environment. Cheeses with naturally low moisture content, such as Parmesan or Romano cheese, can last for several weeks or months at room temperature, while softer, higher-moisture cheeses, like ricotta or mozzarella, can become dangerous to consume after just a few hours.

It is generally best to assume that unrefrigerated cheese can become spoiled after 2 hours, and to discard any cheese that has been left at room temperature for longer.