Are you fed up with bread that quickly becomes stale? If so, you may want to freeze bread to extend its use-by date.
Luckily, this is a really simple solution that can end up saving you a fortune on food shopping! Here’s how to freeze bread:
How To Freeze Bread
Instructions
- Whether you have baked bread yourself or bought an entire loaf from the shop or baker, it is best to cut the bread into slices. This way, you can grab individual slices whenever you want them. Otherwise, you will have to thaw a whole loaf.
- Cover the sliced bread tightly in plastic wrap. If you are storing individual slices, you can store them in freezer bags. This will stop as much air as you can from interfering with the food.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil for an added layer of protection. Freezer paper may also be used, though it may not be as efficient as the foil. This will ensure that your bread retains maximum freshness.
- Put the bread in the freezer. You may want to add a label to the bread featuring the date that you froze it. This way, you can ensure that you use it within six months.
Equipment
- A loaf of bread
- Foil, freezer paper, or freezer bags
- A freezer
Why Should You Freeze Bread?
The main reason why you should freeze bread is that it can extend its use-by date considerably. Bread is renowned for its limited shelf life, which you can seriously lengthen by freezing it.
To save time, you can even freeze multiple loaves, though this may not be suitable for people with less space in their freezer.
How Long Does Bread Last?
Unfrozen bread has a very limited shelf life. Homemade bread usually only lasts for between 3 and 5 days at room temperature.
Shop-bought varieties tend to last a little longer, typically remaining fresh for a maximum of 7 days.
You should pay attention to the use-by date of shop-bought bread as this will give the best indication of its shelf life.
Though bread is typically stored at room temperature, refrigerating both shop-bought and homemade bread can extend the shelf life by approximately 3 days.
You can usually tell that bread has gone bad because it will have developed an unpleasant smell and a hardener texture. Plus, you may notice that it is covered with mold.
If bread is past its use-by date, it is best to avoid eating it. Though the chances of you becoming ill from stale bread are low, it is not worth the risk.
Not to mention, the changes in taste and texture will make this an unpleasant eating experience.
How Long Does Frozen Bread Last?
Frozen bread tends to last for six months, so be sure to use it up within this time frame. As you can see, this gives the bread a much longer shelf life than leaving bread at room temperature.
If you keep bread frozen for longer than this, freezer burn may occur. Freezer burn affects food stored in the freezer, resulting in the texture being damaged due to a loss of moisture.
How To Thaw Frozen Bread
After freezing the bread, you must thaw it. To do this, all you have to do is grab a slice of bread and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours in the day.
Alternatively, most toasters have settings that can thaw bread. This setting is often symbolized by a snowflake icon.
This solution is great if you are making toast, as it will heat the bread while also defrosting it. Once the bread has finished in the toaster, simply spread little butter on top for a brilliant breakfast.
If you want bread for a plain sandwich, it is best to thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can You Freeze Bread Dough?
Yes, if you adore homemade bread, you can freeze the dough so that you can use it later. All you have to do is:
- Make this dough by following the recipe. After the bread has risen, this is the perfect time to freeze it. If you are making a whole loaf, you should keep it in a greased loaf tin.
- Cover the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag.
- Add a label with the date and use the dough within 6 months of freezing. Leave it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Thaw the dough by keeping it in a warm place.
- This allows you to eat fresh baked bread whenever you crave it. Simply follow the bake time as recommended by the recipe. Ensure that it’s cooled completely before you cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Bread Pudding?
Yes, it can be frozen. Ensure that the bread pudding is tightly covered with plastic wrap before you place it in the freezer.
Once frozen and properly stored with plastic wrap, this pudding should last for roughly 4 months. After this time, its quality will decline.
Should You Put Bread In The Refrigerator?
Many people claim that putting bread in the fridge will increase its use by date, us included.
However, other people argue that this can negatively impact the bread since the cold environment can cause the bread to become crystallized.
In our opinion, it is perfectly safe to refrigerate bread. If you find that this is harmful to the bread, it may be best for you to stick to freezing bread instead.
Can You Freeze Bread Buns?
If you have leftover buns from your dinner, easily freeze them by putting them in a freezer bag. Just make sure to seal tightly to keep the rolls fresh. When you freeze rolls, you can cook them for dinner another night.
Final Thoughts
Freezing bread is an ingenious solution if you wish to extend its shelf life.
This way, you can always have fresh bread on hand without having to worry about it rapidly becoming stale. This superb solution allows you to enjoy delicious toast or sandwiches whenever you want!
