How Long Can You Keep Bread Dough In The Fridge? Solved

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Lori Walker

Bread dough is a true treasure in your kitchen. **Perfect** for baking fresh loaves, it also shines when making pizzas and other tasty treats.

But how long can you keep bread dough in the fridge?

This article will answer that question and provide tips and tricks for storing bread dough in the fridge and ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.

Table of Contents

How Long Is Bread Dough Good For In The Fridge?

Bread dough can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly.

It is important to store the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag to ensure the best possible results. This will help keep the dough from drying out and fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the dough should be discarded.

When storing the dough, it is important to keep in mind that the temperature should not be too cold, as this can cause the dough to become hard and difficult to work with.

It is also important to keep the dough away from strong-smelling foods, as the odor can transfer to the dough and affect the taste.

As long as you keep the dough stored in the right environment, it should last up to 3 days in the fridge. But how long does the wheat bread last in the fridge?

Can It Be Left Out At Room Temperature?

Yes, bread dough can be left out at room temperature, but it should not be left out for more than four hours. If left out for too long, the dough can become over-risen and will not produce a good quality product.

Additionally, leaving the dough out can allow bacteria and other contaminants to grow in the dough, making it unsafe to eat.

“How can a nation be called great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?”
― Julia Child, American Cook

Therefore, it is important to follow the directions in the recipe to ensure the dough is left out for the appropriate amount of time.

But how long does it take for a KitchenAid mixer to knead bread dough?

Can You Freeze Bread Dough?

Yes, you can freeze bread dough [1]. Freezing bread dough can be a great way to save time and money. When the dough is frozen, it will stay fresh for up to three months.

When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This will give you freshly baked bread whenever you need it.

Read: Causes & Solutions For No-Knead Bread Dough That Is Too Wet

How Long Can Bread Dough Proof In The Fridge?

Bread dough can be proofed in the fridge for up to five days, depending on the recipe. This will slow down the fermentation process of the dough, allowing it to rise slowly and evenly.

The cold environment also helps to prevent the dough from over-proofing, resulting in a better-tasting finished loaf.

It’s important to store the dough in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

If the dough is left for longer than five days, it should be checked for signs of spoilage before baking. But how long does buttercream last in the refrigerator?

How To Know If It Has Gone Bad

Unpleasant Smell: If the bread dough has an unpleasant smell, this is a sign that it has gone bad.
Change in Color: If the bread dough has changed color, it has likely gone bad.
Slimy Texture: If the bread dough has a slimy texture, this is also a sign that it has gone bad.
Mold Growth: If mold grows on the bread dough, it is a sure sign that it has gone bad.

Read:

Tips On How To Properly Store Bread Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in a plastic container or large zipper-top bag.
Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you plan to use the dough within 24 hours, place the dough in the refrigerator uncovered.
If you plan to use the dough within 48 hours, place the dough in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
If you plan to use the dough within three days, place the dough in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap and in a plastic container or large zipper-top bag.
If you plan to store the dough for over three days, place the dough in the freezer in a plastic container or large zipper-top bag.
Let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Read: 5 Quick Ways To Fix Over-Kneaded Dough

FAQs

Can you refrigerate the dough after it rises?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after it rises. This can help slow down the rising process and give you more time to work with the dough.

Find out if you can knead the dough after it rises here.

Why is your refrigerated dough not rising?

There are several potential reasons why your refrigerated dough is not rising.

These include: not using enough yeast, not allowing the dough to warm up to room temperature before baking, using too much salt, not kneading the dough properly, or not proofing the dough for long enough.

Find out why your sourdough is not holding shape here.

Can you refrigerate bread dough after it has risen?

Yes, you can refrigerate bread dough after it has risen. It is best to refrigerate the dough in an airtight container and slowly rise it in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours.

This will give the dough time to develop more flavor and improve the texture of the finished bread

But how long do brownies last when left out?

How long can sourdough stay in the fridge?

The sourdough can stay in the fridge for up to 10 days as long as it is properly stored and covered.

Check out the signs that your sourdough starter is dead here.

What happens if you leave bread dough in the fridge for too long?

If you leave bread dough in the fridge for too long, it can cause an unpleasant sour taste to the dough. It may also have a gummy texture.

Check out these effective tips to keep your bread from molding so fast here.

In Conclusion

Bread dough [2] can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days, but after that, it should be used or discarded to avoid any potential health risks.

However, if you plan on keeping the dough longer than five days, it is best to freeze it to ensure a longer shelf life.

Properly stored bread dough can last up to three months in the freezer.

References:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/basic-homemade-bread/
https://www.food.com/recipe/simple-yeast-bread-dough-517006

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].