Prior to the 1930s, there was no such thing as pre-made mixes for cakes, biscuits, muffins and the sort. Women toiled away for hours just to give their family some dinner rolls. That is, until General Mills introduced a shelf-stable mix called Bisquick in 1931.
It soon exploded in popularity. Not only could one make biscuits, but pancakes, dumplings, and muffins. There were entire cookbooks devoted to the powdery prize. Not only was it quick, but it lasted. You could count on it, like a good neighbor, to always be there when you needed some baking done.
But surely it cannot last forever. Which makes one think, Does Bisquick Go Bad Or Expire? The answer to both is yes. Eventually, the mix will degrade to the point that it’s just not going to taste good. Moisture can also seep through and after a while mold will start to grow.
But it has very little to do with the “expiration” date on the package. Bisquick can last long after that packaging date, as long as it’s stored properly. An unopened package of Bisquick can last up to 2 years if stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A cupboard or pantry is best.
Once opened, the dry mix should be transferred from the box to an airtight container. Doing this can keep it fresh for up to 12 months. Always use your own judgment and inspect it carefully.
How Do You Tell If Bisquick Is Bad?
Bisquick lasts a long time. However, once opened, it becomes exposed to moisture. Moisture can cause mold. Look for these signs that your Bisquick may be bad.
1. Clumps
If Bisquick is clumpy, it means moisture has gotten to it. That could also mean that mold is forming.
2. Discoloration
Mix that has green, blue, or black spots means that it’s gone moldy. Throw it away.
3. Odor
Bisquick should have a slightly sweet, floury aroma. If it smells like sour milk or otherwise smelly, it has turned and should not be used.
4. No Fluff
If you notice your Bisquick is not fluffing up while mixing, it’s past its usefulness. It won’t make you ill, but there’s no point in using it when your baked goods will not be fluffy.
Can You Put Bisquick In The Refrigerator?
Dry Bisquick can be placed in the fridge. It’s not really necessary, but it won’t affect it. Make sure it’s in an airtight container and date it.
If you have leftover batter from baking, it will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days. In both cases, make sure to allow the Bisquick to reach room temperature before using it.
Can You Put Bisquick In the Freezer?
Freezing the dry mix is not necessary and not recommended. But freezing the batter is not only fine, it’s a great way to have batter on hand and ready to go.
It will last up to a month if you use an airtight bag or container. If your family is big on pancakes or biscuits, it will save you from always mixing and having extra messy bowls and mixing spoons to clean.
Just transfer it to the fridge the night before, then let it sit out for a while right before you use it.
Do You Need To Use Bisquick Batter As Soon As You Make It?
The batter does not need to be used immediately, but should be used within 1 to 2 hours. Cover the bowl with plastic cling or foil and place it in the fridge.
Why Are There Bugs In Your Bisquick?
At some point, most of us have seen them. Upon opening flour, pasta, rice, cereal, basically any dry, wheat-based product. Little, brown bugs!
What are they? Where did they come from? Are they poisonous? These are all valid questions. We may panic and think we have an infestation in our cabinets. Maybe our favorite market is “dirty”.
Well, don’t panic. The bugs are called flour bugs or weevils. They are tiny beetles that got past the wheat milling process. The females love to give birth in wheat kernels.
So it’s not your house or the grocery store.The eggs are in the containers before they get to either of you.
As for poisoning you, the tiny beetles are harmless. Baking will also kill any that may still be alive.
You can also place dry goods in the freezer for a few days to kill any weevils that may be lurking.
If the thought is too much for you, then throw away the product. Proceed to vacuum your cupboard and check your other dry goods. Placing bay leaves in the cabinets can help chase them away.
Can You Use Flour As A Substitute For Bisquick?
If you realize that your Bisquick has gone bad, (or more likely you ran out), do think that flour can be used. Bisquick is more than just flour.
The magical mix contains oil, baking soda, salt, and other preservatives (for that long shelf life). So using just flour is a big no. You can use:
- any pancake mix
- Jiffy baking mix
- Krusteaz baking mix
You can also easily make your own homemade “Bisquick.” All you need is:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl and use it the same way you would Bisquick.
How Did General Mills Come Up With The Idea For Bisquick?
Bisquick came to be by pure coincidence, and a hungry man on a train. Carl Smith, who worked for General Mills, was on a long train ride to San Francisco. He was quite hungry, but the dining car was closed.
Smith begged the chef for anything to satisfy his rumbling tummy. The chef returned in a matter of minutes with piping hot, fluffy biscuits. When asked how he made them so quickly, the chef shared his secret.
He had invented a dough, made out of flour, baking soda, salt, and lard. It was kept in an ice chest to keep it from spoiling. Smith took the idea back to the scientists at General Mills and Bisquick was born.
