Can You Freeze Hot Dog Buns? (4 Methods)

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The best hot dog is a complete one, and that means you’ll need a great hot dog bun in addition to a good quality hot dog and the perfect condiments including homemade hot dog chili and coleslaw.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of hot dog buns. We’ll examine various types of buns including homemade and store-bought hot dog buns. Then, we’ll look at the pros and cons of freezing various types of leftover hot dog buns. And lastly, we’ll examine whether freezing hot dog buns is cost-effective or not.

Hot dogs with an average bun aren’t as good as hot dogs with an extraordinary bun! Don’t believe me? Try these mouthwatering store-bought potato hot dog buns! These are our go-to store-bought buns! They are delicious and freeze well.

Let’s get started…

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Can You Freeze Hot Dog Buns?

Yes, you can freeze hot dog buns. As long as they are frozen constantly at 0°F, they will remain safe to eat indefinitely. However, the quality will begin to degrade over time. For best quality, use within 1 to 3 months or 1 to 3 years if vacuum sealed.

How Long Do Commercially Prepared Hot Dog Buns Last At Room Temperature?

Store-bought hot dog buns will typically last for 3 to 7 days or more when stored at room temperature.

Hot dog buns prepared in a store bakery will generally last 1 to 3 days while the ones you typically find on grocery store shelves will last up to 7 days or more.

Often, the fresh-baked hot dog buns will have no or fewer preservatives, than the ones mass-produced, which will cause them to mold quicker, resulting in a shorter shelf-life.

If you find yourself with a number of leftover buns that can’t be eaten before they become moldy and stale, you can either find a way to use them up quickly or freeze them for later.

How To Freeze Hot Dog Buns

Freezer Method #1

This is my go-to method when I need to get the “hot dog buns frozen” in a hurry with the least amount of effort possible.

With this method, you simply place the whole bag of hot dog buns into the freezer in their store-bought packaging or whatever container you may have homemade buns stored in.

Pro Tip: Never place warm baked goods directly into the freezer. Allow them to cool before freezing.

Pros:

• Easy
• Fast
• Requires minimal effort
• Doesn’t cost money for freezing supplies

Cons:

• Buns will lose their moisture and get freezer burn quicker with this method.
• Easier for buns may pick up freezer odors.
• Buns will be frozen together so you must thaw the whole package.
• Buns may last up to 1 month.

Freezer Method #2

Another option of freezing hot dog buns is to double-wrap them before freezing.

When using this method, keep commercially prepared buns in their original wrapping and simply add another layer on the outside.

You could place the store-bought buns inside of an air-tight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag (my go-to brand).

If you don’t have any containers or bags, you could wrap the original packaging in plastic freezer wrap or aluminum foil.

For homemade buns, use two of the above options to ensure the buns are double-wrapped.

Your main objective is to remove as much air as possible from the bags and to try and keep air away from your hot dog buns.

Pros:

• Pretty easy
• Not very time-consuming
• The extra layer helps keep your buns from drying out and getting freezer burnt as quickly.
• Buns will be less likely to pick up freezer odors.
• Buns should retain their quality for 1 to 2 months with this method.

Cons:

• Added cost of supplies
• Extra effort is needed

Freezer Method #3

Another way you can freeze your hot dog buns is to separate them and wrap each bun individually. Then, place the individually wrapped buns inside of a freezer-safe bag or container.

Pros:

• You have the flexibility to thaw buns individually.
• Buns should retain their quality for up to 1 to 2 months.

Cons:

• This method is time-consuming.
• It’s expensive to individually wrap each bun.

Freezer Method #4

If you’ve made homemade hot dog buns or bought a large quantity of expensive or hard-to-find buns, this method may be for you.

With this method, you flash freeze your hot dog buns by placing them individually onto a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for a few hours.

Once they’ve frozen completely, vacuum seal the buns and freeze.

Pros:

• Vacuum sealed buns will retain their quality from 1 to 3 years as long as the seal on the bag holds and no air is allowed in.

Cons:

• This method is time-consuming.
• Vacuum seal bags can be expensive.

This method would only be recommended if you have those “special” hot dog buns that you can’t purchase often or don’t have time to make.

How To Thaw Hot Dog Buns On The Counter

Simply put, the best way to thaw frozen buns is on the kitchen counter at room temperature!

However, if you must, you can also defrost frozen hot dog buns in the oven, toaster oven, in a double-boiler, or even in the microwave.

How to Defrost Hot Dog Buns In The Microwave

You can thaw hot dog buns in the microwave but you must be careful not to overcook them or they will become chewy.

Step 1: Remove the twist tie or plastic clip used to close the plastic bag.

Step 2: Place the bag of hot dogs onto a microwave-safe plate.

Step 3: Using your microwave’s defrost setting, microwave in 30 to 60-second increments.

Step 4: After each round of thawing, try to separate the buns that have thawed and remove them from the microwave.

Step 5: Continue defrosting the remaining buns in short increments until all the hot dog buns are completely thawed.

How To Defrost Hot Dog Buns In The Oven or Toaster Oven

Step 1: Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Remove the buns from their packaging.

Step 3: Dampen the buns lightly with water. You can use a wet paper towel, your hands, or a spray bottle.

Step 4: Place the buns onto a baking sheet on the middle oven rack.

Step 5: Keep a close eye on your buns until they are defrosted. This will usually only take about 5 minutes or so.

Step 6: Using an oven mitt, remove the buns from the oven.

Pro Tip: Your toaster oven may defrost your buns quicker than a conventional oven so be sure to check them often when defrosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Refreeze Hot Dog Buns?

Yes, you can refreeze hot dog buns. But, freezing and rethawing your hot dog may cause your buns to be a little dried out and stale tasting.

How To Store Hot Dog Buns?

The best way to keep hot dog buns fresh is to store them at room temperature in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Can You Store Hot Dog Buns In The Refrigerator?

Technically, you can store hot dog buns in the fridge but I wouldn’t advise it.

Buns stored in the refrigerator tend to dry out quicker and may very well pick up nasty odors from the fridge.

How To Soften Hot Dog Buns By Steaming

Many people, myself included, prefer my hot dog buns to be soft and not toated.

For me, the best way to soften them is by steaming them in my double-boiler.

When using this method to soften your buns, you must be sure the water from the bottom pan does not come in contact with your buns. And you must be sure not to oversteam them. Make either one of these mistakes and you’ll have wet, soggy buns.

Can You Freeze Hamburger Buns?

Yes, you can freeze hamburger buns. Learn more from this article.

Final Thoughts From Cost Effective Kitchen

As we’ve discussed in this article, there are four various methods you can use to freeze hot dog buns.

But, just because you can, should you? Is it cost-effective? Is it worth it?

The answer is yes and no.

If you have some hard-to-find, expensive, or time-consuming homemade hot dog buns leftover, you probably want to spend some time and a little money freezing them.

Otherwise, it’s just not worth it to freeze inexpensive, store-bought hot dog buns unless you toss them straight into the freezer, without spending any additional money on freezing supplies.

When we freeze buns, I just toss them into the freezer in their original packaging. For me, this is the easiest freezing process.

I don’t spend extra time or money to freeze store-bought buns.

But, to be successful with this method you must use the buns within 1 month and keep the buns stored away from strong odors.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more great kitchen tips and recipes!

Until next time…

Kim