Searching for the best method of freezing bread? We prepared this guide to show you how to freeze bread quickly and easily with step-by-step directions. You'll learn everything you need to know, including tips on defrosting.
Let's check it out...
Can You Freeze Bread?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can most definitely freeze bread. In fact, freezing bread is the best way to ensure its freshness over the week. We'll show you how below.
If you're running dangerously low on bread, check out this article on Target's vegan bread offerings.
Directions for Freezing Bread
Step 1 - Cool Homemade Bread Completely
If you've just made a lovely batch of homemade bread and you want to freeze the loaves for the coming weeks, make sure they cool completely on a cooling rack first.
Bread that's come right out of the oven will probably take a few hours to reach room temperature. You'll know when it's ready when you touch the surface and it's nice and cool.
Of course, if it's a loaf of bread you bought from the store, you can skip right to Step 2.
Step 2 - Slice the Bread
Any loaves of unsliced bread for toast or sandwiches should be cut into slices before freezing. Why?
Because thawing an entire loaf of bread when you just want to make a sandwich will take hours, and then you'll have a whole loaf of thawed bread to eat at once.
Pre-slicing the bread will make it so that you can just grab a couple of pieces, quickly defrost them and make lunch in a flash.
Step 3 - Package and Freeze It
This is the last step, but it's important to get right to avoid freezer burn that will ruin the flavor of the bread.
For homemade bread, take some plastic wrap and cover the bread well, sealing it in so that there are no air pockets. You might need to wrap with a couple of layers.
If you're going to use the bread in next couple of weeks, this may be sufficient. Store-bought bread can even be put in the freezer in the plastic bag you bought it in—no extra wrapping required.
But if you're storing the bread for the long haul, make sure you give it an extra layer of protection.
Put the plastic-wrapped loaf in a plastic grocery store bag or a Ziploc freezer bag with all the air removed, put it in the freezer and enjoy fresh-tasting bread a couple of months down the road.
Read also: What Does Rye Bread Taste Like?
Bonus Tips
If you want to defrost a whole loaf of bread, there's a super simple and highly effective way to do it so that you don't lose any moisture and tenderness.
Check out this video to see how it's done:
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
