DecodedGuides

How long does ready-to-bake pie crust last?

In the fridge, ready-to-bake pie crust keeps until the date on the package.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

Use by the package date

After opening

No guideline

Does ready-to-bake pie crust go bad?

Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, ready-to-bake pie crust may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".

Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.

How to tell ready-to-bake pie crust has gone bad

General signs for baked goods: refrigerated dough, the group USDA lists ready-to-bake pie crust under.

  • Container or tube bulging or the seal has popped
  • Grey or off-colour patches on the dough surface
  • Sour, yeasty or alcohol-like smell instead of a mild one
  • Slimy or unusually sticky texture on the outside
  • Visible mould spots, often blue-green or white

More on baked goods: refrigerated dough. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

How long do other baked goods: refrigerated dough last?

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.