All About Biscuit dough
Your complete guide to biscuit dough - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Biscuit dough Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for biscuit dough in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unopened Refrigerator (Store-bought)Refer to 'Best By' date, typically 2-4 weeks past purchase, or up to 2 weeks after the 'Best By' date if stored continuously cold.
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging or leaking can, sour or off-putting smell immediately upon opening, visible mold, dough feels excessively slimy or sticky.
How to Check
Visually inspect the can for any damage or bulging. Upon opening, perform a smell test; it should have a fresh, slightly yeasty aroma. If it smells sour, rancid, or alcoholic, discard it. Check for any discoloration or mold on the dough itself.
Storage Tips
Always store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not consume if the can is bulging, as this indicates significant bacterial activity and gas production.
Opened Refrigerator (Store-bought or Homemade)1-2 days for opened store-bought dough; 2-3 days for homemade dough.
Signs of Spoilage
Strong sour, alcoholic, or unpleasant odor; visible mold (green, black, or white fuzzy spots); significant discoloration (gray, green, or pink patches); excessively sticky or slimy texture; dough does not rise properly when baked.
How to Check
Perform a smell test first; any strong, off-putting odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Touch the dough; if it feels slimy or unusually sticky and wet, it's likely spoiled. If in doubt, discard.
Storage Tips
Store opened dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorption of refrigerator odors. For homemade dough, ensure it's well-sealed.
Unbaked Freezer (Store-bought or Homemade)1-2 months for best quality; up to 3 months.
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches); strong rancid smell after thawing (due to fat oxidation); dough does not rise or results in a very poor texture after baking.
How to Check
Visually check for excessive freezer burn, which can affect texture and flavor. After thawing in the refrigerator, perform a smell test for any off odors before baking. If the dough appears dry, crumbly, or has an unpleasant smell, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
To freeze, shape dough into individual biscuits or logs, then flash freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Baked Freezer2-3 months.
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, hard spots); dry or crumbly texture after thawing; loss of flavor.
How to Check
Visually check for freezer burn. While not a safety issue, it affects quality. After thawing, check texture and taste.
Storage Tips
To freeze baked biscuits, ensure they are completely cooled. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab one at a time. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in an oven or microwave.
Baked Refrigerator2-3 days.
Signs of Spoilage
Hard, dry, or crumbly texture; stale or sour smell; visible mold growth (green, white, or black spots).
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold. Perform a smell test; fresh biscuits should have a pleasant baked aroma. Touch and taste a small piece; if it's excessively hard, dry, or tastes stale/off, discard.
Storage Tips
Store baked biscuits in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster to restore some freshness.