There's nothing quite like a fresh loaf of bread, whether slathered with butter and jam or turned into sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. But what if you have too much bread or want to save some for future use? Can you freeze bread? Yes, in fact, freezing bread is the best way to extend its life, whether you have a whole loaf, part of a loaf, or sliced bread. Learn the best methods, according to chefs and bakers. Also, find out how long you can freeze bread and what to do to avoid freezer burn.
- Lisa Brooks, chef and owner of Heart & Soul, a personal chef service
- Max Boonthanakit, chef of modern French bistro Camphor in Los Angeles
- Drew Gimma, baker and director of operations for Bread Man Baking Co. in Houston, Texas
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How to Freeze Loaves of Bread
Both store-bought and homemade bread should freeze well, says Lisa Brooks, the chef and owner of Heart & Soul, a personal chef service. Her go-to method involves wrapping the bread in two layers of plastic wrap and then storing the loaf in a resealable plastic freezer bag before freezing. Chef Max Boonthanakit of the modern French bistro Camphor in Los Angeles also follows this method.
How to Freeze Sliced Bread
This technique works for store-bought sliced bread as well. In fact, Drew Gimma, the director of operations for Bread Man Baking Co. in Houston, Texas, recommends slicing pretty much any bread before you freeze it "so you can thaw just as much as you need and not the whole loaf," he says.
Place the slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. (For extra protection from freezer burn, you can also wrap all the slices together in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.)
The Breads That Freeze Best
Some breads last better in the freezer than others. "Sourdoughs and simple breads that are only flour, salt, and water store extremely well in the freezer," says Boonthanakit. Enriched breads like brioche and challah and other breads that include dairy and eggs seem to degrade in quality after being frozen. Dairy- and egg-containing loaves can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen just like simple breads, but he says they would be better used for a preparation like bread pudding or stuffing when they are thawed, as opposed to sandwiches or toast.
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How to Avoid Bread Freezer Burn and Identify Spoilage
While bread will not spoil in the freezer, you will see a loss of quality over time.
How Long Bread Lasts in the Freezer
"Typically, bread should maintain its quality in the freezer for up to two months, but that can vary depending on its moisture content, how fresh the bread is before going into the freezer, and how often you are going in and out of the freezer," Gimma says.
Freezer Burn
Freezer burn is the main issue to avoid. It is caused by air getting into the surrounding storage bag. The key to avoiding freezer burn is to protect the bread from air by wrapping it well and removing as much air as possible before placing it in the freezer. If you see large ice crystals inside of the wrapping, the texture or taste of the bread has been compromised.
Spoiled Bread
Should the bread start to smell like other items in your freezer during the thawing process—or it becomes crumbly or breaks apart—it likely is past its prime, says Brooks.
How to Defrost Bread
Defrosting a loaf of bread is simple—just take it out of the freezer and let it defrost at room temperature until it is no longer ice cold, says Gimma. Then, refresh the loaf and return it to near-fresh quality by reheating it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; take it out when it is warmed through.
Defrosting Slices
If you're defrosting slices, as opposed to an entire or partial loaf, pop them into your toaster after they reach a normal temperature.
As with other foods, avoid refreezing bread to avoid further changes in texture and taste.
FAQs
This technique works for store-bought sliced bread as well. In fact, Drew Gimma, the director of operations for Bread Man Baking Co. in Houston, Texas, recommends slicing pretty much any bread before you freeze it "so you can thaw just as much as you need and not the whole loaf," he says.
Is it better to freeze bread whole or sliced? ›
This technique works for store-bought sliced bread as well. In fact, Drew Gimma, the director of operations for Bread Man Baking Co. in Houston, Texas, recommends slicing pretty much any bread before you freeze it "so you can thaw just as much as you need and not the whole loaf," he says.
How do you freeze bread without slices sticking together? ›
If you want to freeze them for a longer period of time, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer bag. Wrapping each one individually also prevents them from sticking to each other.
How do you wrap a loaf of bread in the freezer? ›
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil or freezer paper. Label with the date and freeze for up to six months. Tip: Slice your bread before you freeze it. That way, you won't have to thaw and refreeze the entire loaf every time you want a slice or two.
What is the best packaging to freeze bread in? ›
Vacuum-packed a little loosely to prevent the bread from crushing. We also recommend vacuum-packing the bread after freezing it for half a day, as it is easier to vacuum-pack without crushing the bread. 2. Prepare bread packaged with (1) vacuum pack, (2) storage bag, and (3) plastic wrap, from left to right.
What is the proper way to freeze bread? ›
How to freeze bread you won't use for at least three weeks: First, wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap like Glad® Press'n Seal®. Then, place it in a plastic bag, such as Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ Gallon Bags. Scribble the day's date on the bag, place it in the freezer and be sure to use it within three months.
How do you freeze bread in a Ziploc bag? ›
Place the slices in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing or tying it shut. Alternatively, you can wrap all the pieces together in plastic wrap before placing them in a resealable plastic bag. This double-layered protection prevents freezer burn and helps maintain freshness.
How do you thaw frozen bread slices? ›
The best way to thaw frozen bread is to place the slices on a plate (uncovered) and microwave them on high power for 15 to 25 seconds. This will get the starch and water molecules to break down the crystalline regions, producing soft, ready-to-eat bread.
How do you keep bread from getting hard in the freezer? ›
To prevent this, wrap each loaf tightly in two layers of plastic wrap before placing it in a large resealable freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible and stow in the freezer for up to 3 months. For sandwich bread, always slice before freezing.
Should I wrap bread in foil before freezing? ›
Double wrap the loaf or slices in cling film or tin foil to protect your bread from freezer burn. Step 4: It is handy to date your wrapped loaf before freezing and consume within 6 months.
Plain paper bags and kitchen towels also work very well to keep the bread from drying excessively. And while many sources say never to use a plastic bag, sometimes it might be necessary, especially if your climate demands it.
Can I wrap bread in cling film to freeze? ›
Method: Double-wrap a whole loaf of bread in foil and then cover with cling film or a resealable plastic bag. You can reuse some long-life bread bags so these are great for this. Again, don't forget the double wrap for freshness!
Why doesn't bread freeze in my freezer? ›
Thermostat Is Set Too High
One of the simplest reasons your freezer isn't freezing is the temperature being set too high. Freezers should be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food completely frozen.
How to freeze without plastic bags? ›
Your best options for plastic-free freezer storage are glass jars, beeswax food wraps and bags, stainless steel tupperware, ice cube trays, muffin pans, baking sheets, aluminum foil, and glass tupperware. Remember to label and date your freezer items.
What homemade breads freeze well? ›
Quick breads, like banana, pumpkin, or carrot, are great for freezing. Bake several loaves. Eat one and freeze the others, tightly wrapped with plastic and then slipped inside a freezer bag.
Can you freeze bread without it getting soggy? ›
Double Wrap Your Bread First
This should ensure your bread is free from the elements that can cause it to get soggy as it freezes. It will also protect it from stinky odors and the dreaded freezer burn. This storage technique works for both homemade bread as well as store-bought.
How long will bread last in the freezer? ›
Commercially baked breads and rolls can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 4 days or 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator. Bread products retain their quality when stored in the freezer for 3 months. Any breads containing meat or hard cooked eggs must be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Is bread healthier if you freeze it first? ›
A study on ten healthy people looked at the effect of freezing white bread then toasting it. They compared store-bought loaves with homemade bread. For samples of homemade bread, freezing and thawing the bread reduced how much it spiked blood sugar by 31 percent over two hours.
