One of the best parts of eating a hot dog is biting into that soft, fresh bun. After all, it’s the vehicle for the hot dog itself, as well as all the delicious toppings. So how do you recapture that texture with thawed frozen buns? Here are the steps for how to defrost hot dog buns.
We tend to buy both our hot dog and hamburger buns in bulk from large warehouse stores. But there’s only so many you can fit in the fridge. So we end up freezing the rest until we need them.
The trick is thawing them out properly so you get a soft, delicious bun rather than a soggy, tasteless one.
In this post, I’ll go over how to freeze hot dog buns, and how to defrost them, so your buns taste fresh and fluffy each time.
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Can you freeze hot dog buns?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze hot dog buns. If done properly, they will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. And the methods below for how to freeze and thaw them will also work for other types of bread like sourdough, challah, and hamburger buns.
How to freeze hot dog buns?
While it may be tempting to just throw the buns into the freezer in their original packaging, you’ll get the best results if you wrap them first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the freezing process.
Step 1 – Remove the buns from their original sleeve and double wrap them using aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Step 2 – Place the wrapped buns in a large freezer bag, removing as much excess air from the bag as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn and odors from other nearby foods from seeping into the buns.
Step 3 – Label the bag with the date and place it in the freezer on a level shelf.
Step 4 – Make sure to not place anything on top of the buns which could crush them.
💡 Tip: Consider freezing buns in smaller portions. That way, you only need to defrost the number you need when you’re ready to eat them.
How to defrost hot dog buns: 4 methods
When it comes to defrosting hot dog buns, you’ve got several different methods to choose from. Here are the 4 best ways to thaw out buns.
Method 1: On a kitchen counter at room temperature
The best way to defrost hotdog buns is to do it gradually by simply transferring them from the freezer to a kitchen counter and letting them thaw.
If a lot of frost has made its way into the freezer bag, consider removing the wrapped buns from them to help release the moisture and prevent your buns from becoming soggy — no one likes a soggy bun! If there’s no frost, it’s fine to let them thaw in the bag.
It should take between 1-2 hours for them to defrost, depending on the size and quantity. If you don’t plan to use them right away, you can then move them to the fridge to help them stay fresh.
Method 2: In the toaster or toaster oven
If you like your buns a bit crispy, using a toaster or toaster oven is the easiest way to defrost them. Simply separate them into halves and pop them in for a couple of minutes on medium heat. They should come out warm and ready to eat.
Be careful to use a lower setting so you don’t accidentally burn the buns. If you’re concerned about over-toasting them, you can always try the defrost setting first.
Method 3: In the oven
This method takes a little longer, but it’s a great way to get a perfectly warm, soft bun if you have the patience.
Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
Step 2 – Place your unwrapped, frozen hot dog buns in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 3 – Warm in the oven for 10 minutes. If they’re not ready after that, continue warming in 2-3 minute intervals until they’re done.
This is a good method if you need to thaw out a lot of buns at once.
Method 4: In the Microwave
If you’re really short on time, you could always try thawing hot dog buns in the microwave oven. It may be the quickest way, but it can be difficult to get right. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1 – Remove all the wrapping from the buns.
Step 2 – Place the frozen buns on a microwave-safe plate or paper towel.
Step 3 – Place a slightly damp paper towel over the buns. This will help keep them from drying out while being zapped in the microwave.
Step 4 – Microwave for 30 seconds on medium power, stopping to check on them after 20 seconds to make sure they’re not getting too soft. If they’re still not done after 30 seconds, microwave them for a little extra time in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired texture.
It can be easy to over-microwave them, which can leave you with very soft buns, and in some cases mushy ones. That’s why it’s a good idea to check on them frequently.
Can I thaw out hot dog buns in the air fryer?
You should try to avoid using an air fryer to defrost hot dog buns, as the concentrated hot air can quickly dry them out. But if you do decide to use it, make sure you place the buns on a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat them up at a low temperature, around 325° F, for only about 3 minutes.
Check on them frequently so they don’t end up overly crispy or even crunchy.
How soon should you eat hot dog buns after thawing them out?
In order to enjoy a good texture and taste, your best option is to eat them within a couple of hours of thawing. And if you don’t plan to eat them right away, don’t leave them out on a kitchen counter. That will result in dry, stale hot dog buns. It’s better to put them in the fridge in an airtight container instead.
FAQ
You can refreeze leftover hot dog buns, but each time you do so can affect their texture and dry them out. So it’s a good idea to freeze buns in small batches to you only thaw out the ones you plan to eat, limiting the need for refreezing any.
If you plan to eat them within a couple of days after buying them, you can keep fresh buns in a cool, dry place like a pantry or bread box. Otherwise, you can store them in their original packaging or in an airtight container in the fridge to help prevent them from becoming moldy. If you think you may not use them for a few weeks, a good option is to freeze them.
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