Can You Freeze Bread?
Yes, you can freeze bread. Most types of bread freeze well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Freezing bread is an effective way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste.
Key Takeaways
- Bread freezes well because the starch molecules in bread slow down their staling process when frozen.
- Very crusty artisan breads may lose some of their crisp crust after freezing, though the interior remains good.
- Bread with fillings or toppings (like [garlic](/can-you-freeze-garlic) bread) may have texture changes in those additions.
Explanation
Bread freezes well because the starch molecules in bread slow down their staling process when frozen. When you freeze bread at 0°F (-18°C) or below, you essentially pause the chemical reactions that cause bread to go stale.
To freeze bread properly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Sliced bread can be frozen as-is in its original packaging if you plan to use it within a few weeks.
To thaw frozen bread, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or toast slices directly from frozen. For crusty breads, a quick refresh in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes can restore some of the original texture.
Things to Know
- Very crusty artisan breads may lose some of their crisp crust after freezing, though the interior remains good.
- Bread with fillings or toppings (like garlic bread) may have texture changes in those additions.
- Previously frozen bread should not be refrozen as quality degrades significantly.