Paper over plastic, freeze over refrigerate, and bread boxes galore. Madelyn Osten, former head baker at Sullivan Street Bakery's Miami outpost, reveals the biggest tips for successfully storing bread, so you can get the most out of your favorite loaf while avoiding unwanted mold, crust, and moisture.
New York-based Sullivan Street Bakery, founded in 1994 by James Beard Award-winning baker Jim Lahey, brought its highly acclaimed bread down south in 2017. Today, it operates a production facility in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, baking and distributing its rustic bread to a number of restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and venues in the South Florida region. The bakery's retail partnerships with shops like Milam's Market make bread storage even more important to its operation.
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Here's what Osten has to say about the best ways to store (and preserve) your bread.
Freeze your bread
"Freezing bread is the best way to preserve that crusty loaf for the longest time possible. Wrap tightly in a freezer bag, either whole or sliced. I like to put wax paper between slices when I freeze, as this makes it easier to take out just what I need. Defrosting a whole frozen loaf in the refrigerator overnight is the best way; out on the counter it can get soggy, and while it will toast just fine, it makes for a better loaf in the fridge. Also, don't forget to unwrap from the freezer bag when defrosting. This keeps any water from pooling while it defrosts. And if defrosting seems daunting, not to worry: You can always reheat bread straight from the freezer. For a whole loaf, try baking at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, while slices can be popped right in the toaster."
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Store in paper, never plastic
"A fresh loaf of bread is best eaten within two to three days. If you plan on devouring it right away, then keeping it in a paper bag on the counter is the move. While storing in plastic seems like the right idea, this actually encourages mold growth, resulting in the bread going bad much faster. I also save the heels of my bread and use them as covers for the cut side of my loaf. Keeping the cut side of your loaf as unexposed as possible will also help retain its freshness."
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Bread boxes are your friends
"Bread boxes are a great way to keep bread, and a fun way to add style to your kitchen. They have small holes in them, which allow just a little air to circulate, keeping bread from molding. If you have pest concerns and prefer to keep bread in an airtight container, try tossing in a slice of bread with your loaf. The slice with more surface area will attract water and help control the moisture content in your container."
Where exactly you store your bread is critical
"Where you store your loaf can be just as important as how you store it. Bread goes on top of the refrigerator, right? Try again! Keeping bread on the fridge will cause paper-bagged bread to dry out, and plastic-bagged bread to mold faster. This comes from all the heat your fridge is putting out. Same for storing near a dishwasher; the excess heat and moisture these appliances give off is not bread-friendly. Try to store bread in a cool and dry area of your kitchen. If not out on the counter, then in a cabinet or a deep drawer."
Pick up reusable bread bags
"If you're looking for a more versatile or eco-friendly way to preserve your bread, try a reusable bread bag. There are more on the market these days and many are machine washable and work great in the freezer. Take them with you to the store and toss that fresh loaf right in. These can be a nice alternative to a paper bag that can get torn and always seems to let crumbs escape onto the counter. Reusable bags are made of breathable materials, so they behave like paper bags without the waste. Ranging from $7 to $20, they're a great investment for a bread (and environment) lover at any level."
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FAQs
For best results, keep your bread away from excess heat and humidity. Keep it away from the stove, off the top of the fridge, away from the fruit bowl etc. Years ago, we used to keep our bread in a plastic bag, in a drawer nestled in-between the dishwasher and fridge.
What is the best way to store bread for longevity? ›
Ultimately, freezing bread is the best way to stop it from molding or getting stale too early. While not required, it helps to freeze bread in slices so you don't have to defrost a whole loaf.
What makes store bread last longer? ›
Store-bought sandwich breads and buns are often baked with mold inhibitors and other preservatives, and those types of bread will stay fresh longer than homemade bread with very little effort (though you can freeze commercially-produced breads, too).
What to put in bread to make it last longer? ›
Here are a few simple ways to prevent bread gone bad without altering flavor or causing unpleasant side effects.
- Keep it in the Freezer. ...
- Keep it Tightly Sealed. ...
- Work Honey into the Recipe. ...
- Work Cinnamon into the Recipe. ...
- Add in a Bit of Pectin. ...
- Add an Enzyme. ...
- Why It's Important to Extend Shelf Life.
Use either freezer bags or sheets of plastic wrap to keep away ice crystals, prevent freezer burn, and get a tight seal. Remove the plastic when defrosting, so the moisture doesn't leach onto your bread, or stick it directly in an oven or toaster, for warm, fragrant bread that looks and tastes as good as new.
What keeps bread fresh the longest? ›
Freeze your bread
"Freezing bread is the best way to preserve that crusty loaf for the longest time possible. Wrap tightly in a freezer bag, either whole or sliced. I like to put wax paper between slices when I freeze, as this makes it easier to take out just what I need.
What ingredient makes bread last longer? ›
Sorbic acid: This preservative is added to bread to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria. Sodium benzoate: This preservative is added to bread to prevent the growth of yeasts and bacteria. Potassium sorbate: This preservative is added to bread to prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria.
What is the best container for storing bread? ›
The best container to keep bread in is one that provides airtight protection against moisture and air exposure. Wesco's bread bins are the best choice because of their level of quality and their stylish designs.
What preservatives make bread last longer? ›
Propionic acid, as well as its salt, are the most widely used chemical preservatives in bread [7]. It helps prevent mold deterioration and bread ropiness that occurs due to B. subtilis. However, they are continually investigated due to the possibility of developing chronic non-communicable diseases [75].
What additive makes bread last longer? ›
Mold Inhibitors
To slow down the growth of mold, bread producers add mold inhibitors to bread. They work by reducing the pH of the bread, creating an acidic environment that slows down the initial growth of mold. Natural mold inhibitors include organic acids like vinegar, raisin juice, and citric acid.
Maintain optimal storage conditions: Store bread in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can promote bacterial growth, while exposure to light and humidity can accelerate staleness and mold development.
What is a natural preservative for bread making? ›
Lecithin is a natural preservative that comes from soy or egg yolks. Adding lecithin to your regular loaf of bread helps keep it fluffy and light. At the same time, it acts as a natural preservative for your bread. Powdered ascorbic acid is another well-known natural food preservative used in bread.
How do you make store bread last longer? ›
If you have soft, enriched bread like challah, brioche, or pain de mie, and you know you're going to eat it within two to three days, then plastic is your best bet. If it's going to take longer than that, then you should freeze it (also in plastic). Wrapping bread in foil works, too, as it is airtight.
How do bakers keep bread fresh? ›
Wrapping in plastic (or foil) rather than cloth keeps bread soft longer. Large crusty loaves can be stored unwrapped (to preserve their crispy crust) at room temperature for a day or so, cut side down on the counter.
Does bread last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›
*Never keep your bread in the fridge. The starch molecules in bread recrystallize very quickly at cool temperatures, and cause the bread to stale much faster when refrigerated. *Shop-bought loaves should be kept in an air-tight plastic bag at room temperature rather than in the fridge.
What is the best thing to store homemade bread in? ›
Bread boxes, if you have one, work great, but you can also use wax paper, a beeswax and linen bag, or even a dishcloth. A clean dish towel is one of Hartzheim's favorite options. "Plastic bags help keep the crumb (the interior of the loaf) soft but also make the crust soft.
Should bread be kept in an airtight container? ›
Although plastic bags and airtight containers may seem like a good way to keep your bread from going stale, the lack of airflow will foster an environment for mold growth, because the moisture is contained and mold loves moisture. If you want to put your bread in a container, a bread box is the way to go.
