Get the most out of that rich, decadent goodness.

Hands down, the worst thing about cream cheese is that it's perishable—because everything else about it is delicious, whether on its own or folded into a sweet like a batch of cream cheese whipped cream or savory like Ree Drummond's creamy mashed potatoes. From bagel toppings to cheesecake recipes, this versatile ingredient elevates any ho-hum dish into something rich, creamy, and amazing.

But here's the thing: you can freeze cream cheese! You're not bound to an expiration date—and sure, the texture may become grainy once defrosted like freezing milk or freezing cheese, so it's not ideal to defrost and then use as a spread. However, as an ingredient for cooking in a recipe, you won't know the difference. Here's how to safely freeze and thaw cream cheese for later use.

Like many dairy products, cream cheese has an end date, whether it's the one listed on the package or the roughly 10 days it should last once opened. (Bonus tip: An unopened package of cream cheese will last about a month past the printed sell-by date.)

Ideally, freeze an unopened package, as the exposure to air is what speeds up cream cheese's perishable nature. If freezing an opened package, first wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Be sure to label the frozen package with the date, as you should plan to use frozen cream cheese within two months of freezing it.

It's best to leave enough time for an overnight thaw of any frozen package or container of cream cheese. Whisk or stir it up to revive its consistency—and beyond that, check out these tips on how to soften cream cheese on the countertop, in warm water, or in the microwave.

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