Do you love making homemade pizza? If so, then you are definitely aware of the importance of having fresh pizza dough. Whether you buy it from the grocery store or prefer to make it on your own, this aspect is very important because it determines whether your beloved food will taste good or not.
The best way you can keep it fresh is by putting it in the fridge. But how long does pizza dough last in the fridge? That’s a great question. If you are curious about it and want to find the answer, you will be happy to know that you came to the right place.
From the following article, we will talk all about it. Plus, you will get other information that can also benefit you. Without further ado, let’s get started.
The Effect of the Ingredients Inside the Pizza Dough
Before we jump right into the main answer, we have to look at the ingredients inside the dough and its effect when it is exposed to cold and room temperature.
The basic ingredients for this food are yeast, salt, flour, and water. You can keep all of them outside for some time without any hassle. But you have to keep in mind that you must use the dough immediately or refrigerate it when the yeast is activated.
If you plan to use it, you are on the safe side because you will bake and eat it afterward. So, there is no issue regarding the yeast. When you put it in the fridge, the yeast will be inactive for the time period.
Don’t think that it became inactive for life because when you take the dough out and expose it to room temperature, you will notice that the dough will rise because the yeast became active once again.
How Long Does Pizza Dough Last in the Fridge?
When you put it inside the fridge, the dough will last up to 3 to 5 days. It mainly depends on its condition, temperature, and the way it adapts inside the fridge.
If you use warm water and then leave the dough outside for one hour before inserting it in the fridge, you will find that it will survive up to a maximum of 3 days. On the other hand, if it is cold and you immediately put it inside the fridge, it will last for 5 days or more.
The dough will taste good if you maintain this time period. There are some cases where it tasted a bit strong when taken out from the fridge.
This is because it releases alcohol and gases when it ferments, but don’t panic due to that. Though it might smell or taste a bit different, you won’t be disappointed after eating the pizza.
How to Store It Properly?
It is best that you should know the proper way to store the dough so that you can reap the rewards when you bake it.
Here are the ways you can get the job done. Check them out.
i. Homemade Pizza Dough
After you are done making the dough, you should use an airtight container to store it. These containers are very powerful and will keep the ingredients fresh inside the fridge.
If you store it with its lid open, the dough will start to get dry, and then, it will generate a hard skin on its outer portion. So, make sure you keep this aspect in mind.
You can put the dough into individual small balls or in a single giant piece. Most professionals prefer to keep it in a single portion because it allows them to make medium to large pizzas with ease. They do it by cutting off the pieces according to their preference.
Besides, making separate balls is also a hassle because they might not fit inside the container. Indeed, these smaller balls cool down very quickly than the larger ones, but using the latter one gives you the opportunity to store it for a longer period. So, choose any of the above options that fit your requirement.
ii. Pizza Dough Bought from the Store
There can be a situation where you don’t want to make it, and instead, you prefer to buy it from the store. After you have purchased it, you should put it inside the fridge when you reach home. In this way, you will be able to control its lifespan.
Once you take it out, you should leave it for at least an hour so that it can adjust with the room temperature. Then, you can start stretching it according to your size and cook it afterward.
If the dough was made fresh on the day you bought it, it would last between 3 and 5 days inside the fridge. Ensure you consult with the supplier in advance about this issue to get a clear idea of its longevity.
Other Beneficial Information
- At room temperature, the dough can last between 4 and 8 hours (maximum).
- If you put it inside the freezer, it will last up to 3 months. After this time, the dough starts to change its color, and the flavor won’t be good at all.
- At high temperatures, the yeast becomes more active, and this reduces the dough’s longevity because it starts to ferment at a quick pace.
- For your pizza, you should use the kind of bread flour with high protein content because it develops a huge amount of gluten in the dough and increases its lifespan.
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Conclusion
Now, you can confidently answer the question, ‘How long does pizza dough last in the fridge ?’ Read this article a couple of times and take notes wherever you find something important.
Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. If you still have some confusion, consult with a professional chef. They will definitely clear out your queries and might give you some bonus advice as well.
Enjoy working with the pizza dough. Have a good day.