Can you freeze bread? Yes, for up to 3 months
Sliced bread freezes for up to 3 months. Freeze it in its bag, take out one slice at a time, and toast it from frozen.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Louise Lyshøj on Unsplash
Yes, bread freezes well. The USDA FoodKeeper data gives 3 months in the freezer for whole wheat bread, both homemade and sliced from the shop. Shop-bought bread products, such as pan breads, rolls and buns, are listed at 5 months in the freezer from the date of purchase. Bread kept at room temperature lasts about 5 days, so freezing is the way to keep a loaf for longer. Frozen food kept at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, but the best quality is within those months.
How long does bread last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months for whole wheat and homemade bread. Shop-bought bread products can go for up to 5 months from the date you bought them. Write the date on the bag when you freeze it, so you know which loaf is which. For a fuller list of freezer times, see the storage chart.
How do you freeze bread?
- Freeze it fresh. Bread that is already a few days old freezes, but it will not be as good when thawed.
- Slice it first if you want single pieces. Then you only take out what you need.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in its bag, or in foil or cling film, and put it in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.
- Label it with the date. See how to label meal prep.
How do you thaw bread?
Take out a slice and toast it from frozen, or leave it on the counter for an hour or so. A whole loaf can be thawed on the counter, but it takes longer than a slice. Once it is thawed, use it within a day, because it goes stale quickly. For more on thawing food safely, see how to thaw meal prep safely.
What about freezing sandwiches and wraps?
Sandwiches freeze well when the filling is not wet. Cheese, cooked meat and eggs freeze reasonably well, but salad, cucumber and tomato go soft. Add fresh vegetables after thawing. Tortillas made with flour are listed at 6 months in the freezer by FoodKeeper, and the breakfast burritos recipe is designed to be wrapped and frozen.
Does freezing change bread?
A little. The crust softens and the crumb can turn dry. Toasting from frozen brings back most of the texture. Freezer burn is the other risk, which happens when air gets to the surface, so wrap the bread well. See how to prevent freezer burn for more.
Related questions
- Freezer breakfast ideas
- Can you freeze eggs
- Freezer mistakes to avoid
- Printable fridge and freezer storage chart
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