How Long Can You Keep Dough in the Fridge?

Dough in the Fridge

Many people keep their dough in the fridge for varreasons, such as enhancing its flavor and texture and slowing down its rise. But how long can you keep your dough in the fridge? (1)

Generally, you can refrigerate dough for 3 to 5 days, given that you check on and knead it occasionally. This is important because cold temperatures slow down the dough rise, but they do not stop it completely.  (1)

Remember: Refrigerated dough can be used normally after warming it up to room temperature.

(1)

Best Time to Refrigerate Your Dough

Typically, there are two fermentation stages in any bread or dough recipe: (2)

  • The first rise (bulk fermentation)
  • Second or final rise

You can refrigerate your dough at either stage of fermentation. However, the yeast is not as effective if both stages are done in the fridge, so it is better to do one or the other at room temperature for optimum results. (2)

How to Store Your Dough in the Fridge

If you want to store your dough in the fridge, here are some instructions to follow: (3)

  • Use a large container for the dough. This will allow it to rise.
  • Oil or flour the container before adding the dough to prevent sticking.
  • Use a lid or a cling film to cover the dough tightly.
  • Store the dough in the fridge for up to 5 days, depending on the ingredients.

How to Tell if Your Refrigerated Dough Has Spoiled

Dough can’t be refrigerated forever; at some point, it will no longer be safe to eat. Here are some signs to check if your dough has gone bad in the fridge: (4)

  1. Having a lot of gasses
  2. Lack of elasticity
  3. Dried out
  4. Gray spots
  5. Mold
  6. Bad smell

How to Make Your Refrigerated Dough Last Longer

  1. Here are a few ways to make your dough last longer in the fridge: (4)
  2. Don’t put too much yeast
  3. Maintain a clean, sanitized cooking area.
  4. Use salt in your dough
  5. Don’t use short-life ingredients, such as eggs, milk, etc.

References:

(1)  How Long Does Dough Last In the Fridge, Freezer & On Counter? – Food To Impress

(2)  kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2021/09/28/how-to-refrigerate-bread-dough-to-bake-later

(3)  How Long Does Dough Last in the Fridge?  (chefspick.co.uk)

(4)  Does Dough Go Bad In The Fridge? – Busby’s (busbysbakery.com)