How to Freeze a Loaf of Bread

You don't have to let that extra loaf of bread go bad. Freezing is an ideal way to keep bread on hand. With a little preparation, you can always have a supply of fresh bread available. This is an ideal method when your favorite bread goes on sale. It also is a great idea for those who bake their own bread at home. Make several loaves at a time and freeze the extras instead of baking daily.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
• Freezer paper
• Large food storage bag

How to Freeze a Loaf of Bread

1. If it is freshly baked, cool the loaf thoroughly.

2. Wrap the loaf tightly and completely in plastic wrap or foil.

3. Wrap the covered loaf in freezer paper and/or more plastic wrap or foil. The more wrapped up it is, the fresher it will stay.

4. Place the loaf into a food storage bag that is large enough to hold the entire loaf. A two-gallon size bag is ideal. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag.

5. Place the loaf in the freezer. Make sure it is in a location where it won't be crushed by other items before it freezes completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Your goal is to keep as much air out as possible. Whatever your choice of materials, wrap completely and tightly.
• Freezing works best with bread that contains fat or eggs. The moister the bread, the better.
• Plain flour and water breads such as French Bread have a short freezer life.
• Keep prepared garlic bread on hand. Use foil for your first layer of wrapping. Remove from the freezer and pop into the oven.
• Warm your frozen bread in a low oven. Your house will smell like freshly baked bread.
• You can also freeze sweet breads such as cinnamon rolls.
• Do not keep bread more than three months. Do not keep French bread more than a week.

Resources

• Reynolds #391 75SQFT Freezer Paper
• Ziploc Freezer Bag, 2 Gal
• Stretch-Tite Premium Plastic Food Wrap, 500 Sq. Ft. Roll

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[presnick]

on 11/30/2008 I also use freezer bread as a stockpile for making stuffing, croutons, or bread pudding. We always get Hawaiian sweet rolls when we buy fried chicken at the market, but we don't eat them. I just let them accumulate in the freezer for great bread pudding!

[ermabombeck]

on 11/29/2008 I find I throw lots of bread away each week. If I could freeze half the loaf and still have 'fresh' bread, that would be great.

[mcaldwell]

on 11/28/2008 I always keep a frozen loaf of bread in my freezer. It's a good way to ensure I always have some bread around when I need it. This is great info for people who may not already be doing this. Thanks!