Pizza Bagel

Store-bought pizza bagels can typically last unopened in your pantry for about 1-2 weeks past the printed expiration date as long as they are stored in a cool, dry environment. Once opened, they should be consumed within a week if kept in the pantry. If you keep your pizza bagels in the refrigerator, they can last for around 2 weeks after being opened. For maximum longevity, you can store pizza bagels in the freezer, where they will keep for about 2-3 months while retaining freshness. For homemade pizza bagels, you should try to consume them within 1-2 days if kept on the counter, about a week while refrigerated, or around a month if kept in the freezer.

Spoiled pizza bagels will exhibit a series of telltale signs. If you see visible mold or dark spots, it's time to throw them out. Smelling is your best friend, if you notice a sour or off smell, it could mean the pizza bagel is starting to go bad. A significant change in texture such as a very hard or crumbly bagel can also indicate spoilage, and so can a damp, slimy, or excessively dry feel. Finally, if you taste the pizza bagel and it's tasting not as it should be, this could be a hint that it's time to get a new pack.

• To retain the best quality, always store pizza bagels in a cool, dry spot, like your pantry, or your refrigerator if not planning to have them soon. • If you've opened a bag of store-bought pizza bagels and you can't finish them within the week, consider freezing the rest. Just ensure you place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. • If you've made a batch of homemade pizza bagels, allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can lead to prematurely stale or moldy bagels. • To thaw frozen pizza bagels, let them sit in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also pop them straight into the toaster oven or microwave if you're in a hurry.