Quick summary: How long do bagels last? Fresh bagels keep about 2 to 5 days at room temperature in a sealed bag, roughly a week in the fridge (though they go stale faster there), and up to 3 months in the freezer. Freezing is the best way to keep bagels fresh long term.
So how do you keep bagels fresh, and how long do you have before they go stale? You have two main options: the pantry or the freezer. Refrigerating bagels is possible, but it is best avoided, since they tend to go stale faster in the fridge.
Once you bake a batch or bring bagels home from the store or bakery, split them into two groups. One group is the bagels you and your family will finish over the next few days. The other group, for longer keeping, goes into the freezer.
Use the guide below to learn how to store bagels, how to extend their shelf life, and what to avoid. But keep in mind that this guide covers plain, traditional bagels.
Bagels with add-ins or mix-ins, such as blueberries, can have a different shelf life and storage needs.
How long do bagels last?
How long bagels last depends on how you store them. Here is a quick breakdown for plain bagels:
- Room temperature: 2 to 5 days in a sealed bag or bread box, ideally eaten within the first couple of days
- Refrigerator: up to about 1 week, though bagels tend to dry out and stale faster in the fridge
- Freezer: up to 3 months for the best quality, and up to 6 months before freezer burn takes over
Store-bought bagels with a "best before" date often last a little longer thanks to preservatives, while homemade bagels are best eaten sooner.
How long do bagels last unrefrigerated?
Left out on the counter, bagels stay fresh for 2 to 5 days as long as they are sealed in a bag or bread box at room temperature, around 68°F (20°C). Aim to eat them within 2 to 3 days for the best texture.
A bagel that has been sitting out uncovered for a day or two is usually still safe, just dry and stale. Toasting revives it. Once you spot mold or an off smell, though, throw it out.
How long do bagels last in the fridge?
Bagels last about a week in the fridge, but refrigeration is not ideal. The cold, dry air dries bread out faster than the counter does, so bagels can turn hard within a few days.
Only refrigerate bagels in hot or humid weather, and even then for no more than a day before serving. For anything longer than a few days, the freezer is a far better choice.
How to store bagels for up to a week
You can safely store fresh bagels at room temperature, around 68°F (20°C), for 5 to 7 days, though they are best within the first couple of days.
If you plan to keep them close to a week, check for mold or discoloration every two days.
Let freshly baked bagels cool completely, then place them in a brown paper bag inside a plastic bread bag. Press the air out of the plastic bag before sealing it to control moisture.
Store-bought bagels can stay in their original packaging, but check it for holes and tears.
Some bakeries use thin, perforated bags. If so, move the bagels to a bread bag. Again, squeeze out the excess air and reseal. Use a twist tie, rubber band, or clip to close the bag.
To keep bagels fresh for 5 to 7 days, a bread box or bread storage container also works well, since both are made to slow down molding.
How to freeze bagels
To keep bagels fresh for longer than 5 to 7 days, freeze them. Ideally, freeze bagels right after making or buying them, or at least within the first two days.
You can also freeze bagels that are 5 to 7 days old, but check them for mold first. It is best to slice your bagels before freezing. That way, you can toast them straight from frozen, no thawing needed.
Use a bagel slicer or a serrated knife to cut each bagel in half. Cover each half with plastic wrap, then place the sliced bagels in a resealable freezer bag or wrap them in aluminum foil.
This extra layer prevents freezer burn. Label the bag with the date so you know when the bagels are nearing the end of their storage life.
If you are short on time, you can skip wrapping each bagel, but expect a higher risk of freezer burn.
Do not freeze store-bought bagels in the store's plastic bag. Move them to a resealable, airtight bag for better protection.
Store bagels in the freezer for up to 3 months to keep the best quality. You can stretch this to 6 months, but the bagels will start to develop freezer burn and will not taste good even after toasting.
How to defrost them
There are tips for defrosting most foods, but you should not defrost bagels. They tend to turn slightly stale as they thaw.
If you want a bagel with your morning coffee, skip thawing and toast it straight from frozen.
Do not refreeze bagels once they have been defrosted and toasted, since they lose their texture and taste.
How to toast bagels
Heating or toasting is the best way to revive bagels stored for 5 to 7 days.
The oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (177°C). If the bagel is very dry, sprinkle a little water over the surface (whole or halved) and place it on the middle rack of the hot oven.
You can also set it on an ungreased baking sheet, though placing it directly on the rack works best.
Toasting usually takes about 5 minutes, but check the crispiness to your liking. For a crispier bagel, add up to 5 more minutes, checking every 2 to 5 minutes until it looks right.
A toaster or a preheated toaster oven is a good option too. You can also warm a bagel in the microwave for 20 seconds under a damp paper towel, then continue in 10-second bursts until the texture is right.
What about a frozen bagel? You do not need to thaw it first. Pop it in the toaster on a crispy setting, or use an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) and warm it for about 10 minutes.
Check for crispiness and add a few extra minutes if you like. Then spread on cream cheese or peanut butter and enjoy.
What to avoid when storing bagels?
First, do not refrigerate bagels. They dry out and go stale faster in the fridge than at room temperature.
The one exception: in hot or humid conditions, you can refrigerate bagels for up to a day before serving. Also keep bagels away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat to keep them fresh.
Do bagels go bad?
Yes, bagels do go bad. Left on the counter at room temperature beyond a week, and in many cases after just 3 to 4 days, they grow mold and should be thrown out.
As a rule, toss any bagel with stains or discoloration (white, greenish-blue, or black spots) or an unusual smell.
Do bagels expire? Fresh, unpackaged bagels don't have a true expiration date, but they do have a short window of freshness. Packaged, store-bought bagels usually show a "best before" date, which marks peak quality rather than a hard safety cutoff.
How to tell if a bagel has gone bad
A bad bagel is easy to spot. Look for fuzzy white, green, or black mold, a sour or musty smell, or a slimy surface. Any of these means the bagel should go straight in the trash.
A bagel that is simply hard, dry, or stale has not gone bad. It is safe to eat and can be revived by toasting or a quick warm-up in the oven.
In the freezer, do not keep bagels longer than six months, or up to one year according to some sources. After that, freezer burn sets in and ruins the texture and taste.
FAQ
How long do bagels last?
Stored at room temperature, bagels ideally last about 2 to 3 days, or up to 7 days at most. To extend their shelf life, you should freeze them.
How to keep bagels fresh?
To keep your bagels fresh, store them in a paper bag at normal room temperature, and they will last for up to two days. For even longer storage (up to a week), store them in a sealed bag in the pantry. To keep bagels for longer, please freeze them.
Should you refrigerate bagels?
It is a tricky question. Some sources say it is not recommended to store bagels in the fridge because they tend to dry out. However, other sources say it is okay to refrigerate bagels.
Can you store bagels in the freezer?
Yes, wrap sliced bagels in plastic film, then aluminum foil, or put them (being wrapped in plastic) in a Ziploc freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container and freeze them.
How long can you freeze bagels?
Stored in the right conditions in the freezer (at 0°F or -18°C), bagels will maintain optimum quality for about 3 to 6 months (according to some sources, up to one year).
Can you eat frozen bagels after the expiration date on the package?
Yes, with proper storage in the freezer. Frozen bagels usually have a "best before" date, which means the manufacturer estimates how long the bagels will maintain optimum quality.
Comments
No Comments