How Long Can You Keep Dough In The Fridge? Answered

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Ever curious **why dough chills in the fridge**? Turns out, **refrigerating dough** makes it perfect!

But how long can you keep dough in the fridge?

As a seasoned home baker, let me give you some tips about dough storage, discovering the best practices to maintain its freshness and deliciousness. Keep reading. 

How Long Does Dough Last In The Fridge?

As a home baker, I learned that dough can be refrigerated for around three days if properly covered and stored. If stored properly, it can last up to a month if frozen. 

But drawing from my experience, not all doughs can be refrigerated without spoiling. The shelf life of dough depends on its ingredients.

Dough made with salt, flour, yeast, and oil can last longer. But dough made with dairy products and eggs can go bad more quickly because bacteria can grow easily.

Read:

• What To Use Instead Of Plastic Wrap For Dough?
• How Long Will Stuffing Last In The Fridge?

Factors To Consider 

Without Yeast

Dough without yeast can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if wrapped in plastic to prevent drying. You can also freeze dough without yeast for up to 3 weeks and use it as needed.

Read: What Does Dead Yeast Look Like In Water?

With Yeast

Dough with yeast can last in the fridge for three days, but it is best to use it within 48 hours.

After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill. Punch the dough down after 1 hour in the refrigerator, then once every 24 hours. 

Read: How Long Does Brie Last in The Fridge Unopened?

Properly Stored 

When properly stored in an airtight container, the dough can last three days without losing quality or taste.

With yeast, it may double in size in a day, but you can flatten it. If you can’t use the dough within 24 hours, seal it to slow yeast activity.

Read: How Long Can Creme Brulee Last In The Fridge?

Temperature 

The fresh dough can stay up to three months in the freezer if you store it properly at 20° F at a core temperature of 0° F. [1] 

First, you must incorporate the yeast and give it time to rise. Take the dough as you plan to freeze and roll it into a ball. If you’re freezing the entire batch, divide it into at least two balls. 

Read: How Long Does Pie Dough Last In The Fridge?

Will The Dough Get Bad If Not Stored In The Fridge?

Yes. The dough proofs faster in a warm room, so after preparing the dough, I make sure to place it in the fridge. I attended a baker’s seminar two years ago and learned that heat increases yeast activity and gas production.

The amount of yeast and room temperature in the dough affect its shelf life. The basic dough can be baked and eaten 12 hours after proofing. [2] 

“There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”

– Mahatma Gandhi, Political Ethicist

If you can’t keep your bread in the fridge, store it somewhere cold to slow the fermentation.

Read: How To Make Store-Bought Cookie Dough Better?

Why Should You Not Keep It Longer?

If you keep the refrigerated dough [3] longer, it will go bad. Dough containing eggs or dairy products spoils faster than made with flour, salt, and yeast. It’s best to use the dough within three days.

“Dough in fridge: Freshness extended, flavors enriched, baking freedom embraced.”

–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Dough left at room temperature takes 2-4 hours to double in size. If the dough is left overnight, it may deflate under its weight.

Always keep it in the refrigerator for the best results.

How To Tell If The Dough Has Gone Bad

Texture

If the texture of the dough is wetter than usual or feels slimy, it has gone bad. If you notice any dry and cracked spots on the dough’s surface, this is another sign that it spoiled.

Bad Odor

If the dough smells rancid, it could indicate spoilage. If it smells more like spoiled cheese or something is rotting, it has gone bad and should be discarded. 

Molds

If there’s mold on the surface, don’t eat it. If there’s ANY mold on the dough, it’s a big NO.

Mold grows quickly on room-temperature bread dough. If you live in a hotter climate, you must be careful with dough.

Can You Put The Dough In The Fridge After It Rises?

Yes, you can refrigerate the bread dough after it has risen. This allows the dough to rise, slowly producing a more flavorful bread.

However, before putting it in the fridge, place it in a bowl. Use a pan if you don’t want to shape it before baking.

To prevent the outer parts of the dough from drying out, wrap the bowl or pan in plastic wrap.

The dough can be refrigerated for 48 hours. However, it is best to use it after 12 hours.

Tips When Storing Dough in the Fridge

• Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container [4].
• Label and date the dough to track its freshness.
• Store the dough in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the back or bottom shelf.
• Discard the dough if it shows any signs of mold, unusual odor, or discoloration.
• Follow specific recipe guidelines for recommended storage durations to ensure optimal quality and taste.

FAQs

Let’s Wrap It Up

Drawing from my experience as a home baker, storing dough in the fridge is best if you use it within three days. 

You can freeze the dough for up to one week, but the dough might not rise well because the yeast will die in the cold.

It is recommended to store your dough in an airtight container to avoid spoilage, and better use it within 48 hours because molds grow quickly.

The shelf-life of dough depends on where it is made. Always keep the ingredients in mind to avoid any storage complications.

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643809001509
2. https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/bread/bread_science.html
3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/dough
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-food-storage-containers