How Long Can You Freeze Hot Dog Buns?
How often do you eat hot dog buns? They are delicious, but they can also be expensive. That’s why making them yourself is a great way to save some cash.
But you can’t eat a whole pack all at once, and if you don’t use the buns immediately, they’ll go stale after a day or two. This is because the bread gets dry and crusty. The solution? Freeze them before using them.
Freezing hot dog buns is a simple way to extend their shelf life and when you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them out in the fridge.
How do you properly freeze hot dog buns?
The best way to freeze hot dog buns is to place them in a sealed heavy-duty freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight plastic container, label them with the date, then put them in the freezer.
This prevents moisture from getting inside the bag, which could cause them to spoil. To prevent the hot dog buns from sticking together, use freezer-safe wax paper between each bun or wrap them individually.
How long can you freeze hot dog buns?
Hot dog buns can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
It is safe to eat frozen hot dogs buns, and freezing doesn’t ruin them. The best way to prevent food poisoning from frozen hot dogs buns is through proper storage methods, a safe method of thawing, and cooking them thoroughly.
How do you thaw frozen hot dog buns properly?
The preferred method and quicker method of thawing bread is through a microwave defrosting process.
To thaw frozen hot dog buns in a microwave,
- First, open the package and remove the entire package or any wrap.
- Then place the hot dog bun in a microwave-safe plate or container and then put it inside the microwave.
- Set the microwave timer to 2 minutes at full power.
- After two minutes, check the hot dog bun to ensure it has defrosted.
- If needed, repeat the process until the hot dog bun is completely defrosted.
- Or, defrost them in the refrigerator pr your kitchen counter at normal room temperature first for about 30 minutes.
- Then place them in the microwave oven for 1 minute at full power.
- Remove from the microwave and let cool completely.
If your microwave has a defrost power function mode, then follow its instructions.
Other things you should know about freezing hot dog buns:
Freezer burn
What is a freezer-burn?
A freezer burn occurs when food freezes too quickly. When this happens, drops of water form into ice crystals on the surface of your food. These tiny crystals expand as they melt, causing the outer layer of your food to become brittle. This water moisture in bread can make it more likely for bacteria to grow.
Can hot dog buns get freezer burn?
Yes, bread can get freezer burn if it is left out for too long. The best way to prevent this from happening is to wrap it tightly with freezer-safe plastic wrap before freezing. Bread with freezer burn will look like it has been frozen solid for a long period of time. The texture will be firm and dry, and there may be some discolouration. Bread with freezer burn will be dry and crumbly when you bite into it.
How can you avoid freezer burn?
Freezer burn happens when food freezes solid and becomes rock hard. The best way to avoid freezer burn is to freeze foods in small portions and then put them into bags for storage. This prevents ice crystals from forming inside the food, which causes freezer burn.
Helpful Microwave Tips
- Wrap the buns in a dry paper towel to keep the hot dog buns from turning out soggy, and make sure to remove the damp paper towel after.
- Even after microwaving, sometimes the buns will not thaw completely or evenly due to an uneven distribution of heat. For this, you can flip the buns and repeat the microwaving process.
Bonus tip
Toasting hot dog buns is easy. Just place them on a cookie sheet and heat them for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. This method works best when using a convection oven. If you use a conventional oven, then you should bake them for about 15 minutes. This will give them a nice golden brown colour, and they won’t break.
Suppose you want to toast hot dog buns using a different technique. Heat up a skillet on medium heat, then add butter and/or oil, then place the hot dog bun in the pan. Toast until golden brown. To avoid breaking, make the cut in the middle of the pan deeper.
Final words
Hot dog sandwiches are one of the best food there is that is easy to make, so make sure that you have the ingredients for them ready anytime. For the buns, in particular, freeze them. Just follow the steps above and be careful of freezer burn and you’ll be able to have your hot dog sandwich cravings 100% satisfied.
