Image Credit: Sarah R (CC License)
Hawaiian rolls have a super interesting backstory. What started as humble dinner rolls at Robert Taira’s kitchen in the suburbs of Hilo in the late 1950s has become a ubiquitous supermarket staple across the US.
Sweet enough to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream but also mellow enough to complement dinner, Hawaiian rolls are my favorite – my go-to meal.
I often buy them in bulk and store them, so I don’t have to run to the grocery store every other day. So, how long do Hawaiian rolls last? In this blog, I’ll answer this question and spill the beans on how to store them correctly, so they’re always soft and fresh.
Let’s roll.
Table Of Content
How Long Do Hawaiian Rolls Last?
Homemade Hawaiian rolls can be stored safely for 3-5 days. On the other hand, store-bought and unopened Hawaiian rolls can last up to 2 weeks if stored properly. In the freezer, they can remain unharmed for up to 3 months.
How Long Do King’s Hawaiian Rolls Last?
King’s Hawaiian rolls have a shelf life of approximately 2 weeks, as reported on their website.
Can You Freeze Hawaiian Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze Hawaiian rolls for up to 3 months without compromising the texture or flavor. Here’s a look at the correct way to freeze Hawaiian rolls.
First, make sure the rolls are at room temperature before freezing them. If the rolls are bought at the store and not baked, this wouldn’t be a concern.
Next, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil. You can wrap all of them together or individually. The advantage of wrapping only a couple of rolls at once is that you can pull out just what you need when you need it.
Once wrapped, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal the packaging, so it’s airtight. Finally, label and date the packaging.
You can probably get away with freezing Hawaiian rolls for longer than 3 months, but this is the timeframe recommended for rolls to be fresh.
Also, note that refreezing the rolls can make the bread stale, deflated, and chewy.
How To Use Hawaiian Rolls After They Have Been Frozen?
Using Hawaiian rolls once they’ve been frozen is quite straightforward. You simply have to heat them in the oven before serving. If you’re making something where you will cook the rolls in the process, you can skip this step.
If frozen properly in the first place, the rolls will not turn mushy or soggy when heated. The texture and flavor will more or less remain the same.
How To Know If Hawaiian Rolls Have Gone Bad?
Like most other foods, your Hawaiian rolls can also go bad. Depending on how you store them, it can happen over a few days or a few weeks. They mostly go rancid when stored at room temperature as bacteria quickly proliferate.
Here’s a quick look at a couple of things to watch for:
Smell
I can’t put it down in words, but we all know what fresh bread smells like. Take a sniff of your leftover Hawaiian rolls. If it gives off a moldy or some sort of funky smell, discard it. If you’re still unsure about the scent, look for other telltale signs like the color and appearance.
Color
Traditionally, Hawaiian rolls have a tan and white color. If your rolls seem to be in colors different than these, it’s most likely the rolls have gone bad. Black, white, green, or brown discoloration is not a good sign.
Moldy
Hawaiian rolls that have gone bad may also have a moldy appearance. If the rolls have developed molds, they’ve reached a point of no salvation. While some may argue that you can still consume rolls that haven’t yet been affected, if they’re packed together, it’s best to throw everything in the trash to prevent potential contamination.
Final Words: How Long Do Hawaiian Rolls Last?
Hawaiian rolls last for around 3-5 days when stored at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks. Lastly, if stored properly in the freezer, they’re good to go for about 3 months.
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