Whether store-bought or homemade, unbaked biscuits often need to be refrigerated for a period of time before being baked. But how long can unbaked biscuits be kept in the refrigerator before baking? And what’s the best way to store them? Here’s a detailed look at refrigerating unbaked biscuits.
Quick Answer
Most unbaked biscuits, including canned, frozen, and homemade dough, can be refrigerated safely for 1-2 weeks. For best quality, bake refrigerated biscuits within that time frame. Store unbaked biscuits in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
How Long Do Unbaked Biscuits Last Refrigerated?
The shelf life of refrigerated unbaked biscuits depends on the preparation method:
- Canned biscuits: 1 week
- Frozen biscuits: 1-2 weeks
- Homemade biscuits: 1 week
Canned biscuit dough is designed to have a longer shelf life. Unopened cans can be stored at room temperature for several months. Once opened, the dough should be used within 1 week if refrigerated in an airtight container.
Frozen raw biscuits may come in a tube or with individually wrapped biscuits. They can typically last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator as long as they remain well sealed. Allow frozen biscuits to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
For homemade biscuit dough, most recipes recommend baking within 1 week when stored in the fridge. The quality of homemade dough diminishes faster than commercial dough.
How to Tell if Refrigerated Biscuit Dough Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that refrigerated biscuit dough has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Odd odor
- Change in color
- Dry, cracked appearance
- Deflated look
Mold is one of the most definite signs biscuit dough has spoiled. You may also notice an off or sour smell. The dough may oxidize and become grayish in color.
As biscuit dough dries out in the fridge, it can take on a cracked, deflated appearance. Stale dough may not rise well during baking. If the dough seems dry, tough, or gives any indication it’s past its prime, it’s best to discard it.
Storing Unbaked Biscuits in the Refrigerator
To maximize the shelf life of unbaked biscuits in the fridge, store them properly:
- Place in airtight container or resealable plastic bag
- Remove as much air from container as possible
- Use within recommended time frame (1 week for homemade, 1-2 weeks for commercial dough)
The main goal is preventing unwanted air from contacting the dough, which can lead to drying and spoilage. An airtight container or plastic bag with a tight seal helps block air.
When refrigerating cans of biscuit dough, remove the number of biscuits needed then reseal the can. Don’t remove the plastic seal surrounding commercial tubes of biscuits. Keep frozen biscuits in original packaging until ready to use.
Label biscuits with date opened or prepared. Use oldest first within the suggested 1-2 week period. Keeping refrigerated dough too long can result in dry, lackluster biscuits once baked.
Thawing Frozen Biscuits
For best results, thaw frozen raw biscuits overnight in the refrigerator. This helps maintain texture and rise. To speed thawing, leave biscuits sealed and place the package in a bowl of cool water for 2-3 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes. Or thaw in the microwave, heated at 30% power for 2-3 minutes. Baked frozen biscuits can thaw at room temperature in about 1 hour.
Freezing Unbaked Biscuits
Both store-bought and homemade dough can be frozen for longer storage. Here are some freezing tips:
- Freeze unbaked biscuits within 1-2 days of purchase or preparation
- Place in air-tight plastic freezer bag or container
- Exclude as much air as possible
- Lay flat in single layer if freezing biscuits individually
- Once frozen, store up to 3 months at 0°F or below
Freezing prevents yeast activation and bacterial growth in unbaked dough for safe long-term storage. Thaw dough properly in the refrigerator before use.
Baking Refrigerated Biscuits
For best results, bake chilled biscuits directly from the refrigerator. Allowing the dough to warm too much on the counter can decrease oven rise. Some tips for baking refrigerated biscuits:
- Preheat oven to temperature stated in recipe, often 400°F-450°F
- Arrange biscuits touching each other on baking sheet or pan
- Brush tops with milk or melted butter if desired
- Bake until golden brown, 15-20 minutes usually
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer, ensure reaching at least 180°F
Baking refrigerated biscuits at the proper temperature helps set the shape before oven rise occurs. Placing dough pieces touching encourages even rising. Brushing tops with milk or butter adds flavor and enhances browning.
Troubleshooting Problems
Here are some common problems that can occur with refrigerated biscuit dough and how to avoid them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits don’t rise well | Dough overproofed | Refrigerate dough; use within recommended timeframe |
| Biscuits are dense | Incorrect baking temperature | Ensure oven is fully preheated; use oven thermometer to check |
| Biscuits are tough | Dough dried out | Store in airtight container; use dough sooner |
Refrigerated biscuit dough needs to be baked at the proper point of proofing. Leaving dough in the fridge too long can lead to poor rise and flattened biscuits. Check your oven temperature and use an oven-safe thermometer when baking. Place thawed biscuits directly in oven for baking without letting them warm on the counter.
Best Biscuit Recipes Using Refrigerated Dough
Beyond just baking plain biscuits, consider these tasty ways to use refrigerated dough:
Cheddar Chive Biscuits
For these savory biscuits, work 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese into refrigerated biscuit dough. Shape and bake as directed. Brush warm biscuit tops with melted butter.
Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Mix 2 tablespoons sugar into refrigerated dough. Shape into flattened rounds versus biscuit shapes. Bake as directed. Cool slightly, then slice to make shortcakes. Top with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Bake refrigerated biscuit dough as directed. When done, slice biscuits in half. Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, ham or bacon, and sausage patty. A tasty hand-held breakfast!
Chicken Pot Pie
Use refrigerated biscuit dough to top chicken pot pies. Roll out dough and cut into shapes using a small round cutter. Place shapes on filling and bake pot pie as directed. The custom dough shapes add flair versus a standard baked crust.
Key Takeaways
When storing unbaked biscuits in the refrigerator, keep these key tips in mind:
- Refrigerate opened canned biscuits, frozen biscuits, and homemade dough up to 1-2 weeks
- Store in airtight container or sealed plastic bag
- Check for mold, odd smells, or other signs of spoilage
- Maximize shelf life by minimizing air exposure
- Thaw frozen biscuits properly before baking
- Bake chilled biscuits directly from refrigerator
With proper refrigeration methods, biscuit dough can be stored safely for use in a variety of baked goods. From plain biscuits to breakfast sandwiches, the possibilities are endless!
