How to Freeze Bread—Whether You Have a Whole Loaf or Slices

Freezing bread is an excellent way to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life, whether you have a whole loaf, a partial loaf, or slices. This process helps maintain the bread's flavor and texture, though some types of bread are better suited for freezing than others. We spoke with experts for the most effective methods for freezing and thawing, which types of bread freeze best, and tips to avoid freezer burn.

How to Freeze Loaves of Bread

Both store-bought and homemade bread should freeze well, says Lisa Brooks, the chef and owner of Heart & Soul, a personal chef service. Her go-to method involves wrapping the bread in two layers of plastic wrap and then storing the loaf in a resealable plastic freezer bag before freezing. Chef Max Boonthanakit of the modern French bistro Camphor in Los Angeles also follows this method.

How to Freeze Sliced Bread

This technique works for store-bought sliced bread as well. In fact, Drew Gimma, the director of operations for Bread Man Baking Co. in Houston, Texas, recommends slicing pretty much any bread before you freeze it "so you can thaw just as much as you need and not the whole loaf," he says.

Place the slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. (For extra protection from freezer burn, you can also wrap all the slices together in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.)

The Breads That Freeze Best

Some breads last better in the freezer than others. "Sourdoughs and simple breads that are only flour, salt, and water store extremely well in the freezer," says Boonthanakit. Enriched breads like brioche and challah, and other breads that include dairy and eggs, seem to degrade in quality after being frozen. Dairy- and egg-containing loaves can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen just like simple breads, but he says they would be better used for a preparation like bread pudding or stuffing when they are thawed, as opposed to sandwiches or toast.

How to Avoid Bread Freezer Burn and Identify Spoilage

While bread will not spoil in the freezer, you will see a loss of quality over time.

How Long Bread Lasts in the Freezer

"Typically, bread should maintain its quality in the freezer for up to two months, but that can vary depending on its moisture content, how fresh the bread is before going into the freezer, and how often you are going in and out of the freezer," Gimma says.

Freezer Burn

Freezer burn is the main issue to avoid. It is caused by air getting into the surrounding storage bag. The key to avoiding freezer burn is to protect the bread from air by wrapping it well and removing as much air as possible before placing it in the freezer. If you see large ice crystals inside the wrapping, the texture or taste of the bread has been compromised.

Spoiled Bread

Should the bread start to smell like other items in your freezer during the thawing process, or if it becomes crumbly or breaks apart, it is likely past its prime, says Brooks.

How to Defrost Bread

Defrosting a loaf of bread is simple—just take it out of the freezer and let it defrost at room temperature until it is no longer ice cold, says Gimma. Then, refresh the loaf and return it to near-fresh quality by reheating it in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; take it out when it is warmed through.

Defrosting Slices

If you're defrosting slices, as opposed to an entire or partial loaf, pop them into your toaster after they reach a normal temperature. If you are in a rush and need to microwave a frozen slice to thaw it, set the timer for 15 to 25 seconds, checking the slice every few seconds to see how it's coming along.

As with other foods, avoid refreezing bread to avoid further changes in texture and taste.