How long can you keep the cheese out of refrigerator?

It depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese and cream cheese, should be kept refrigerated at all times. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, can be kept out of the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. However, it is best to keep all cheese refrigerated to maintain its quality and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

For specific types of cheese, here are some guidelines:

- Fresh cheese: such as mozzarella, ricotta and goat cheese, should be kept refrigerated at all times and consumed within a few days.

- Semi-soft cheese: such as brie, camembert and provolone, can be left out at room temperature for a few hours, but should be returned to the refrigerator after use.

- Hard cheese: such as cheddar, Parmesan and asiago, can be left out at room temperature for longer periods, but should still be refrigerated after a few days.

It is also important to consider the temperature and humidity of your environment when storing cheese out of the refrigerator. In warmer or more humid climates, cheese may spoil more quickly, so it is best to err on the side of caution and keep it refrigerated.

If you are unsure about whether a particular cheese should be refrigerated or not, it is always best to consult the product label or the manufacturer's website for specific storage instructions.