How Long Are Bagels Good For In The Fridge? Find Out Here

Bagels are a great snack for the whole family. They are a sweet treat that comes in many flavors, including blueberry and pumpernickel. If you have too many bagels, you may be wondering, “How long are bagels good for in the fridge?”

The answer is that it depends. Bagels can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days, but this is dependent on how fresh the bagels are when purchased.

This article discusses everything you need to know about bagels, including what they are, how long they last in the fridge, how to make them last longer, and more.

Read on to find out.

What are bagels?

Bagels are a type of bread that is boiled and then baked in a circle shape with a hole in the middle. The word bagel comes from the Yiddish word “beygl,” which means ring.

Bagels can contain anything from whole wheat flour to white flour, yeast, salt, water, honey, and vegetable oil. They are very delicious and come in a variety of flavors, including poppy seed, pumpernickel, and blueberry.

Bagels are typically served for breakfast with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or lox (cured salmon). People also use them as sandwich bread or serve them as an appetizer with smoked fish or caviar.

SEE: Are Bagels Vegan?

How long are bagels good for in the fridge?

Bagels are good for 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator, depending on how fresh they were when you bought them. After that, they begin to dry out and lose their texture and flavor.

How long bagels last in the fridge also depends on how well you stored them. If you store your bagels in an airtight container, they will last longer than if you store them bare in the fridge.

To make sure your bagels last for as long as possible, put them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 3 months. Bagels freeze well because they are sturdy and don’t get mushy when thawed.

SEE: Here’s The Difference Between Bagels & Donuts

What is the shelf life of bagels?

The shelf life of bagels is about three days at room temperature and seven days in the refrigerator. If you find yourself with extra bagels after a large gathering, then you can put them in the freezer where they’ll last for up to 3 months.

Can expired bagels make you sick?

The answer is yes, expired bagels can make you sick. Expired bagels can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other diseases if eaten.

Expired bagels can also contain mold, which can cause symptoms like upset stomach, vomiting, and fever when you eat them.

The reason why this happens is that when mold gets into your stomach, it produces toxins that can affect your body’s immune system and make you sick.

SEE: Food Poisoning Signs You Need To Know

How to tell if bagels are bad

Check the expiration date (if any)

If you’re not sure about your bagel’s freshness, check the sell-by date stamped on the package. If it has passed its expiration date, don’t eat it. Instead, discard the entire package immediately and get a new one.

Smell it

One of the best ways to tell if your bagels are bad is to smell them. If they’re fresh, then they’ll smell just like what you expect bagels to smell like. If they have a bit of a stale or moldy smell, then they’ve gone bad, and you should throw them out immediately.

Check the texture

The bagel should be firm and still have a good chew to it when you bite into it. It shouldn’t be too thin or too thick — just right. If the bagel is soggy or has an unpleasant chewiness to it, then you should throw the entire batch out.

Look for discolorations

You can tell if bagels are bad by looking at the color of the dough. If your bagel has a dark or grayish color, then you should throw them out. A dark or grayish color means that the bagel has been contaminated with mold and can make you sick if you eat it.

Check for dryness

Another way to tell if bagels are bad is by checking for dryness in the crust. If your bagel feels dry to the touch, then it’s stale. You can also check for dryness by pressing your finger into the bagel; if it doesn’t give way, then it’s stale and should be thrown away.

Check for holes

You can also tell if a bagel is bad by slicing it open and looking inside. If there are many small holes in your bagel, it’s probably not fresh anymore. Throw it away and get a fresh bagel.

SEE: How To Stop Food Spoilage And Prevent Food Poisoning

How to preserve bagels

The best way to preserve bagels is by freezing them. Freezing the bagels will help maintain their quality for a longer period.

To do this, simply place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper and freeze until hard. Then transfer the frozen bagels to a freezer bag or plastic container and freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw, place the frozen bagels in the refrigerator overnight or place them on a tray at room temperature for about 1 hour.

SEE: Food Storage Mistakes You Should Avoid From Now

FAQs

Can you microwave bagels?

Yes, you can. The easiest way to microwave bagels is by using a plastic container with two handles (like those used for heating frozen food).

You can also use any container that will fit your bagels and put it directly into the microwave; just make sure it’s microwave safe.

How long do bagels last at room temperature?

2-3 days. You can store bagels at room temperature for up to 3 days, but this depends on how fresh they were when you bought them. This is why it’s important to always prioritize freshness when it comes to buying baked goods like bagels.

Can you make bagels at home?

Yes, you can. To make bagels at home, mix flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl. You can add more flour or water if needed, but don’t go overboard. Knead the dough, boil it in water, and then bake in an oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes.

Can you freeze bagels?

Yes, you can. If you have leftover bagels, you can easily freeze them for later use. This will protect the bacteria and other factors that can cause food poisoning.

To freeze your bagels, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer for about two hours or until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Conclusion

Bagels can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days if you place them in an air-tight container. After that, they will begin to smell funny and develop other spoilage signs.

If you want to keep your bagels for longer, put them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thanks for reading.

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