While the hot dog may be the star of the show, you can’t have a delicious hot dog without a soft, sturdy, and tasty hot dog bun, right?
However, unlike a lot of hot dogs, hot dog buns don’t have a very long shelf life. With every day that passes, they lose their freshness and become harder.
But how long are hot dog buns good for?
How long can you store them in the bread or freezer before they need to go into the garbage?
Read on to discover everything you need to know, including some tips on making your hot dog buns last longer.
How long will hot dog buns last?
If you buy a pack of hot dog buns from the grocery store and you don’t open them, they’ll typically last around five to seven days while stored at normal room temperature.
Of course, this will depend on how fresh the hot dog buns were when you purchased them. You can refer to the expiry date for some guidance in this regard.
If you want your hot dog buns to last longer, consider storing them in the fridge or freezing them. In the fridge, hot dog buns can last for a few weeks. Frozen at 0°F, they can last indefinitely, but we recommend consuming them within three months.
Needless to say, it’s always important to use a bit of common sense when deciding whether or not you should consume the hot dog buns you’ve stored in your home. If they feel or look stale or you’ve spotted any signs of mold, there’s only one place for them: the garbage bin!
Some of the signs a hot dog bun is spoiled
- Dull color
- Mold appearance
- Off smell
- Slimy texture
- Little dark spots
- Furry green stuff
Any signs like this indicate that your hot dog buns are well past their consumption date.
What happens if you eat a hot dog bun after its expiry date?
So long as there isn’t any mold on the bread, nothing will happen!
It’s important to remember that expiry dates act as guidance for grocery stores. When an expiry date is reached, the product will be removed from the shelves. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not safe for consumption.
You can make your own decision based on the appearance and smell of the product. It’s not uncommon for hot dog buns to last an extra five days or so than the expiry date provided, especially with proper storage.
Is it a good idea to store hot dog buns in the fridge?
Actually, storing hot dog buns in the fridge is the least recommended option out of all three, i.e., room temperature, freezer, or fridge.
Why?
Your refrigerator will dry out the hot dog bun. So, while it may stop it from getting moldy as quickly, it can actually make the buns staler.
How to freeze hot dog buns and thaw them properly
Freezing your hot dog buns is a great way to keep them fresh if you don’t intend on consuming them within the next few days. But how do you go about it?
- Wrap each individual hot dog bun in plastic wrap. You can use a sandwich bag or cling film, whichever you have available.
- Place this inside a freezer-safe bag, and squeeze out as much air as you can.
- Simply place the freezer bags in your freezer for up to three months.
Why is it important to wrap each hot dog bun individually?
Your hot dog buns won’t have sufficient protection if you don’t. This means they will break and split easily once you freeze them.
Thawing your frozen hot dog buns
There are a number of different approaches you can use to thaw your frozen hot dog buns. Of course, the most obvious option is to take them out of the fridge in the morning and allow them to rest on your counter until you’re ready to eat them in the evening. The hot dog buns should only take a few hours to thaw.
That’s the ideal option, but not everyone is that organized, right?
If you get in from work and realize you forgot to take your hot dog buns out of the freezer in the morning, don’t panic; you still have some options.
- One solution is to sprinkle a few drops of water inside of a zip lock type food bag, which can be microwaved. Add the bun to the bag and microwave it for five seconds. Once the microwave pings, check the bun and repeat the process as many times as needed until the bun has completely thawed and is ready to eat.
- Another option is to place a colander over a bowl of steaming water. Put the hot dog buns inside the colander, grab a clean cotton kitchen towel, and cover the colander. This will act as a steamer, and the hot dog buns won’t take long to thaw completely.
How to revive a stale hot dog bun
Firstly, let’s make one thing clear; there’s no saving a hot dog bun that’s gone moldy. If you notice even the tiniest speck of mold, put the hot dog bun in the trash!
However, if your hot dog buns have gotten a little bit stale, they can be revived. Here’s how:
- Start off by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F
- Once you’ve done this, either rub the hot dog buns with an ice cube or sprinkle a little bit of water on them
- Place the buns on a baking sheet
- Put the buns inside the oven for approximately five minutes
- Remove the hot dog buns from the oven and allow them to cool
This should make the hot dog buns feel and taste fresh!
Enjoy fresh, tasty hot dog buns
So there you have it: everything you need to know about hot dog buns and how long they last.
Although they may only last for a week or so when stored in a bread bin, there are many ways you can make your hot dog buns last longer, with freezing a possibility.
But with all of this hot dog talk, we’re sure you probably want to tuck into one right now!
More from Articles
Hot Dogs in Cinema: Iconic Hot Dog Movie Moments
Hot dogs, the classic street food we all adore, have had some pretty memorable moments in the world of cinema! Introduction …
Fun Hot Dog Serving Ideas At Children’s Parties
If you're looking to delight your little guests with something as fun to eat as it is tasty, look no …
The Best Hot Dog Sauces from Around the World
Embark on a global culinary journey as we explore the best hot dog sauces from around the world! Hot dogs vary …