Leftover rolls, like those leftover from a holiday meal or purchased from a bakery, are a tasty treat that no one wants to waste. However, rolls that are not stored properly can quickly go bad. So how long do leftover rolls last?
How long do leftover dinner rolls last?
The shelf life of leftover dinner rolls depends on the type of roll and how they are stored. Here are some general guidelines for how long leftover rolls will stay fresh:
- Artisan/bread rolls – 3-5 days
- Dinner rolls – 3-4 days
- Hamburger buns – 3-4 days
- Hot dog buns – 3-4 days
Proper storage is key for maximizing the shelf life of leftover rolls. The best way to store rolls is to place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Then store the rolls in the refrigerator. The cold temperature of the fridge will help slow down starch crystallization which causes rolls to go stale.
How to tell if leftover rolls are still good
Here are some signs that indicate your leftover rolls have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Mold growth – any fuzzy, greenish, or white growths means the rolls have spoiled.
- Stale texture – rolls that are very dry, crusty, or crumbly have gone stale.
- Sour smell – a sour or yeasty smell indicates spoilage.
- Odd colors – if the rolls turn grey, blue, green, or black throw them out.
Your senses are the best tools for determining freshness. If the rolls smell funny, look funky or feel stale, don’t eat them. When inspecting, make sure to check the underside and middle of rolls, not just the top. If any rolls show signs of spoilage, discard the entire package.
Ways to use up leftover rolls before they go bad
If you have a lot of leftover rolls that you won’t be able to eat in time, there are several ways you can use them up before they go stale:
- Freeze them – Freezing is ideal for long term storage. Rolls will last 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temp or pop in the oven or toaster oven to refresh.
- Make bread crumbs – Stale rolls can be turned into bread crumbs. Dice or pulse in a food processor then store in an airtight container.
- Make croutons – Cut rolls into cubes, toss with oil and spices and bake at 400°F until crispy.
- Use for stuffing/dressing – Stale rolls are perfect for making stuffing and dressing. The dried out texture absorbs flavors well.
- Make into bread pudding – Bread pudding is a delicious way to use up leftover breads and rolls.
Can you eat moldy rolls if you cut off the mold?
No, you should not eat rolls if there is any mold at all on them. Mold can send threadlike roots deep into the food that you can’t see. So even if you cut off the moldy part, the roots may still contaminate the rest of the roll.
Mold also gives an indication of how long the rolls have been sitting out. If mold has started growing, bacteria has likely also proliferated to dangerous levels. Inhaling mold spores can also cause respiratory issues for some people. Bottom line – don’t take chances on moldy rolls.
How to store fresh rolls for maximum freshness
To help your fresh rolls stay soft and delicious for as long as possible, store them properly from the start:
- Allow rolls to fully cool before storing.
- Place rolls in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal the container.
- Store in the refrigerator.
- Use within 3-5 days for optimum freshness.
- Avoid keeping rolls at room temperature.
- Freeze for longer storage.
With proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer, leftover rolls can last for several days or months. But keep an eye out for mold growth or other signs of spoilage. When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out!
FAQs
Can you refrigerate rolls twice?
It’s best not to refrigerate rolls twice. Refrigerating rolls causes them to go stale faster. The moisture in rolls migrates from the inside to the outside, causing the starch crystals to harden. Each time rolls are refrigerated, this process accelerates. So for optimal freshness and texture, avoid refrigerating rolls twice.
Should you keep bread in the fridge?
Bread actually stays fresh longer when stored at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. The cold, dry environment of the fridge will cause bread to stale and dry out much faster. Unless you plan to freeze bread for extended storage, keep it at room temp in a bread box or paper bag. But be sure to eat refrigerated bread within 3-5 days.
Can you freeze bakery bread?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to freeze bread purchased from a bakery. Allow the bread to fully cool first. Slice the loaf prior to freezing if desired. Seal bread in an airtight bag or container, squeezing out excess air. Bread can be kept frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temp or refresh in the oven before eating.
Can you freeze and reheat rolls?
Rolls freeze very well for later use. Allow rolls to completely cool before freezing in a plastic bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw rolls at room temp or place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh and crisp. Refreezing rolls is not recommended as it dries them out.
Why do my rolls go bad so quickly?
There are a few reasons why your rolls may be going stale or moldy faster than expected:
- Improper storage – leaving rolls out at room temp speeds up spoilage.
- Too much moisture – condensation in the packaging can encourage mold growth.
- Freezing and refreezing – this dehydrates rolls, making them stale.
- Twice baked rolls don’t keep as long as raw dough.
- Using sourdough or other pre-ferments in dough cuts shelf life.
- Poor air circulation – rolls should not be tightly packed when storing.
For best results, store rolls in a breathable container in the refrigerator and eat within 3-5 days. Do not refrigerate more than once.
Conclusion
Leftover rolls can be safely eaten for 3 to 5 days if properly stored in the refrigerator. Look out for signs of mold growth, odd smells or colors, and stale texture to determine if rolls should be thrown out. Eat refrigerated rolls within the 3-5 day window for freshness. For longer storage, freeze rolls for 2-3 months. Avoid refrigerating rolls more than once as it leads to faster staling. With proper handling, leftover rolls can be a delicious treat without the waste.