How to Freeze Bread

Two artisan loaves of bread on marbled surface — Lori Rice

Homemade bread and artisan loaves from the local bakery are delicious to keep around, but they don’t stay fresh for long. If you find that you don’t finish a full loaf or you have a few extra on hand, the best way to keep it fresh so you can enjoy it longer is to freeze the bread.

Freezing bread is so easy! Do it and you’ll be rewarded with a slice that tastes very close to the way it did the same day you pulled it out of the oven.

Bread loaf next to aluminum foil wrapped loaf — Lori Rice

How Long Will Bread Last in the Freezer?

When the bread is wrapped well, it will last in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you plan to use it more quickly, maybe within a few weeks, you can sometimes get away with storing the loaf in a freezer-safe bag.

I think it’s better to preserve the quality in case your plans to eat it change so I go ahead and wrap it well for long term storage even if I might be eating it soon.

Slicing an artisan loaf of bread — Lori Rice

Should I Slice Bread Before I Freeze It?

If you don’t plan to serve the entire loaf at one time, go ahead and slice the bread before you freeze it. This way you can grab a slice or two and thaw only those for a quick breakfast of avocado toast, and it will keep you from having to use up a whole thawed loaf at once.

If you plan to serve a full loaf with dinner, it’s fine to leave the bread whole before wrapping to freeze it.

Artisan bread loaves and saran wrap — Lori Rice

How Do I Thaw Frozen Bread?

Thaw a whole loaf of bread by placing them in the refrigerator the day before you will be ready to eat it, then warm the loaf in the oven, slice, and serve.

If you plan to eat the loaf slice by slice, put it directly into the toaster from the freezer. Otherwise, thaw it in the same way you would a full loaf.

Bread loaf wrapped in plastic wrap — Lori Rice

How to Freeze Bread

Slice the bread. If you plan to eat it a piece at a time, cut the bread into thick slices.
Wrap the bread. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap.
Cover the loaf. Once the loaf is wrapped in the plastic wrap, wrap it again with a sheet of aluminum foil. You can also use freezer paper for this step, but I find the foil will fit more snuggly around the bread protecting the loaf while it freezes.
Freeze the loaf. Place the bread in the freezer and enjoy it within 6 months. You can remove a slice at time and rewrap the loaf or thaw it all out at once.