The type of dough, the ingredients used, and the storage conditions all affect how long the dough lasts in the refrigerator.
Most doughs, including pizza dough, biscuit dough, and bread dough, can be kept in a fridge for 3-5 days. Remember, though, that the longer the dough is stored, the more the yeast activity will decrease, and the less the bread will rise.
You can refrigerate the dough for up to several months to increase its shelf life. Before use, the frozen dough needs to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
It’s crucial to remember that you should throw away the dough right away if you spot any indications of spoilage, including an unpleasant odour, mold growth, or sliminess.
Does fridge dough go bad?
Yes, fridge dough can go wrong if it is not stored correctly. If the dough is contaminated with bacteria or other dangerous microorganisms, it can go wrong if kept in the freezer for too long.
The type of dough and its storage affect how long dough can be kept in the fridge. Generally speaking, the dough can be stored in a fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the dough might smell or taste bad, indicating it has gone wrong.
How Do You Know When Dough Is Bad?
The first sign that the dough has gone bad is a bad sour scent, a diminished dry texture, and spots of mold that have formed on the surface.
That indicates that since the bread cannot be eaten, you should discard it. Don’t attempt to use the remaining dough after cutting off the pieces where mold has formed. It is dangerous to use.
Which dough lasts longer in the refrigerator?
In general, dough with lower moisture lasts longer in the refrigerator than dough with higher moisture. This is because moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, which can spoil the dough faster.
Examples of dough that can be kept longer in the refrigerator:
Bread dough: Bread dough with little moisture and salt can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Pizza dough: Pizza dough with low moisture and salt content can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Pie dough: Low moisture and the fat dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Cookie Dough: Low moisture, high sugar cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How long will bread rise in the refrigerator at various temperatures?
The amount of time it takes for dough to rise in the fridge will vary depending on the type of dough, the quantity of yeast used, and the fridge’s temperature. The dough will rise more slowly in the fridge than at room temperature.
Depending on the temperature, a standard yeast dough that includes 1-2 teaspoons of active dry yeast per pound of flour will rise in the refrigerator in 8 to 24 hours. The dough will take closer to 24 hours to rise at the lower end of the temperature range (around 35°F/2°C), while it may rise in as little as 8 hours at the higher end (around 40°F/4°C).
For a sourdough dough, which depends on bacteria and wild yeast for fermentation, the dough will usually rise in the refrigerator for anywhere between 12 and 48 hours. Once more, the precise time will rely on the fridge’s temperature and the potency of the sourdough starter.
It is worth knowing that the dough will continue to rise in the refrigerator even after it has reached its optimal size. Therefore, if you are not yet ready to bake the dough, it is recommended to leave it in the refrigerator longer than the recommended rising time. However, if you leave it too long, the dough can rise and lose some of its texture and flavor.
Can I refrigerate my dough and bake it later?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough and bake it later. If you’re planning to bake bread in the morning but don’t have time to prepare the dough, retarding the dough can be a great option. By refrigerating the dough, you can slow the fermentation process, leading to a more complex flavor and better texture.
It’s important to note that not all doughs are suitable for retarding. Generally, bread doughs with higher hydration are better suited for retarding. You should also be careful not to over-ferment the dough as this can cause it to collapse when baked.
When you’re ready to bake the dough, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for an hour or two before baking. This will help the dough to rise properly and result in a better texture. Remember to cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Retarding dough can be a great way to save time and improve the flavor and texture of your baking. Give it a try next time you’re baking!
How long can you keep the homemade dough in the fridge?
The homemade dough can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate. It’s best to use the dough immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
If you plan to store your homemade dough for a longer period, it’s best to freeze it.
Freezing dough can extend its shelf life up to 3 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date so you can track how long it’s been frozen. Thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before using it. Keep in mind that some types of dough, such as pizza dough, may require a longer thawing time.
By freezing your dough, you can always have fresh dough on hand whenever you need it without worrying about it going bad.
Why did my dough not rise in the fridge?
The cold temperature of the fridge slows down the yeast activity, which can result in slower or no rising of the dough. Next time, consider letting the dough rise at room temperature before refrigerating it. Alternatively, you can use more yeast when making the dough that will be refrigerated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dough can typically be kept in the fridge for 1-3 days before it loses its quality. It is important to store the dough properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors. If you need to keep the dough for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
