Can you freeze biscuit dumplings?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can freeze leftover biscuit dumplings for later use. Biscuit dumplings, sometimes called drop dumplings, are a simple dough made from flour, milk, baking powder, and seasonings that are dropped on top of stews or pot pies before baking. They can be frozen raw or cooked. To freeze raw dumplings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. They will keep for 2-3 months. To freeze cooked dumplings, let them cool completely, place in a freezer bag, press out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen raw or cooked dumplings in the refrigerator before using. Reheat cooked dumplings by steaming or microwaving until heated through.

Can You Freeze Biscuit Dough Before Baking?

Yes, unbaked biscuit dough can be frozen for later use. Here are some tips for freezing biscuit dough:

Make the biscuit dough as you normally would, through the point of forming the dough into balls or dropping spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
Place the unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching.
Freeze the pan of unbaked biscuits for 30-60 minutes until completely hard.

Transfer the frozen biscuits to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
Label the container with the contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, do not thaw. Place the frozen biscuits on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the recommended bake time.

Baked frozen biscuits directly from the freezer for best results. Letting them thaw first can cause them to overproof and flatten when baked.

Freezing unbaked biscuit dough lets you have fresh homemade biscuits ready in just minutes whenever you want them!

How to Freeze and Reheat Cooked Biscuit Dumplings

Follow these simple steps for freezing and reheating leftover cooked biscuit dumplings:

Allow the cooked biscuit dumplings to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Place dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Transfer frozen dumplings to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Label bag with contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place frozen dumplings in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam until heated through, about 5 minutes.
You can also reheat frozen dumplings wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved on HIGH for 30-60 seconds.

Do not thaw dumplings before reheating. Cook them frozen for best texture.

Freezing allows you to enjoy homemade biscuit dumplings long after they were originally prepared. Just remember to freeze them fully cooked and cooled.

What Happens When You Freeze Biscuit Dough?

Here is what happens when you freeze biscuit dough:

The cold temperature prevents the yeast or baking powder in the dough from activating and causing it to rise.
The moisture content becomes solid due to freezing.
The dough becomes slightly firmer in texture.

The flavor remains locked in.
If frozen long enough, some moisture loss can occur over time in the freezer.

Properly frozen biscuit dough keeps for months until ready to thaw and bake. However, freezing does create some changes in the structure and texture of the dough.

Texture Changes

The texture of biscuit dough becomes firmer when frozen. The moisture solidifies, which prevents spreading. This can result in biscuits that are thicker or more dense when baked.

Rising Issues

Frozen dough may rise unevenly or collapse somewhat during baking. Thawing slowly in the refrigerator before baking can help prevent this.

Flavor Loss

Minimal flavor loss occurs with short term frozen storage. But after prolonged freezing, the flavor can diminish slightly.

Overall, while freezing does alter biscuit dough somewhat, it still bakes up nicely with a little trial and error.

Tips for Freezing Biscuits Successfully

Follow these tips for the best results when freezing biscuits:

Freeze biscuits baked or unbaked on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer.

Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.
Label bags with contents and date frozen.
For unbaked biscuits, do not thaw before baking. Bake frozen.

For baked biscuits, reheat frozen in oven, microwave, or steamer basket.
Use frozen biscuits within 2-3 months for best quality.
Double wrap when freezing for longest preservation.

If reheating in microwave, use 50% power to prevent toughness.
Allow cooked biscuits to fully cool before freezing for faster reheating.

Following these freezing guidelines will help maintain the fluffy, tender texture of your fresh biscuits after thawing and reheating.

How Long Can You Freeze Biscuit Dough?

Here are the recommended timelines for freezing biscuit dough:

Unbaked dough: 2-3 months
Baked biscuits:
- Wrapped in foil or plastic: 1 month
- Wrapped in freezer bag: 2-3 months
- Vacuum sealed: 6 months

Freezing prevents yeast and baking powder activation, keeping biscuit dough dormant. But the dough texture can become less tender over time. For best quality stick to the recommended timelines.

Freezer Burn

Minimizing exposure to air prevents freezer burn. Use freezer bags pressed of excess air or a vacuum sealer for longer freezing. Freezer burned biscuits will have poor texture when baked.

Yeast and Leavening Viability

The viability of yeast and baking powder diminishes over time. Dough frozen too long may not rise well when baked. Stick to recommended timelines.

Moisture Loss

Frozen storage can dry out dough somewhat. Wrap dough well and minimize freezing time for best results.

Following proper biscuit freezing methods and timelines results in dough that bakes up with a tender, flaky texture.

Can You Freeze Baked Biscuits?

Yes, baking biscuits freeze beautifully for enjoying later. Here are some tips:

Allow baked biscuits to fully cool after baking, about 30 minutes.
Place cooled biscuits in freezer bags in quantities you will use at one time.
Remove as much air as possible and seal the bags.

Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat frozen biscuits wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
You can also wrap frozen biscuits in a damp paper towel and microwave in 30 second intervals until warm.

Freezing baked biscuits allows you to enjoy fresh tasting biscuits anytime without the work of making them from scratch.

Storage Containers for Baked Frozen Biscuits

Plastic freezer bags – Remove air, seal tightly, and wrap in foil for extra protection.
Rigid plastic containers – Ensure an airtight seal.

Aluminum foil – Wrap biscuits tightly in multiple layers of foil.
Vacuum seal bags – Best for long term freezing, up to 6 months.

Choose freezing containers that limit air exposure and moisture loss. This maintains biscuit texture best.

Common Questions About Freezing Biscuit Dumplings

Can you freeze raw dumplings?

Yes, raw dumpling dough can be frozen before cooking. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until hard. Transfer to an airtight bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Do not thaw before dropping into stew or broth. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Should dumplings be frozen separately?

For best results, freeze dumplings in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to bags rather than freezing in a clump. This prevents them from sticking together and allows them to freeze quickly and evenly for better texture.

How do you thaw frozen dumplings?

Thaw frozen cooked dumplings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also thaw in the microwave using 50% power. Do not thaw raw frozen dumplings before cooking or baking. Drop them frozen into the pot or pan.

Can you refreeze biscuits after thawing?

It is not recommended to refreeze biscuits after they have been thawed. The texture will become increasingly tough and dry with each freeze-thaw cycle. Refreezing also increases risk of bacterial growth. Cook thawed biscuits immediately and do not refreeze.

What is the best way to reheat frozen biscuits?

The best way to reheat frozen biscuits is in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for 8-10 minutes. This helps maintain their light, fluffy texture. Microwaving can make them chewy. Steaming leftover biscuits also works well for reheating without drying them out.

Conclusion

Freezing is an excellent way to enjoy fresh homemade biscuit dumplings whenever the craving strikes. Raw or cooked dumplings freeze well for 2-3 months when properly stored in airtight bags or containers. Freezing prevents yeast activation in the dough, while also firming the texture somewhat. Thaw frozen dumplings overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Follow proper freezing methods for biscuit dough or cooked biscuits, and you’ll have delicious dumplings ready anytime.