Is there anything better than a nice crusty loaf of bread? Freshly baked bread is one of the most popular smells and bread is something that you can use in so many ways. Making your own bread is quite easy to do, and many recipes will coach you on how to achieve that perfectly crisp crust.
Once you have made your bread, are you able to freeze it to preserve it for even longer than it would last in a bread bin?
Can You Freeze Crusty Bread?
Yes, you can freeze crusty bread for up to 6 months. If not stored properly, bread can go stale or mouldy very quickly, so freezing could be a great option to keep your crusty bread as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Does Crusty Bread Freeze Well? Yes
Can You Refreeze Crusty Bread? No
How to Freeze Crusty Bread
When you freeze bread correctly, you really can maintain its freshness. In fact, it can last for months before you use it. The method below works with great homemade loaves or any type you picked up at the store:
- Prepare
Make your bread according to your favourite recipe. - Leave to Cool
If you have baked your own bread at home, ensure it is completely cool before you freeze it. - Slice
If you plan on using the pieces of bread individually, slice the loaf into pieces. - Wrap in Cling Film
First wrap each slice of the bread in cling film, ensuring that it is fully covered. - Wrap in Foil
Now wrap each piece in foil, again making sure that all sides of the bread are covered. - Label
Write the date of freezing on the foil, or on freezer bags if you have then placed the slices in a bag. - Freeze
Place into the freezer and keep the bread frozen for up to 6 months.Â
2 Tips for Freezing Crusty Bread
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 2 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing crusty bread to have the best results:
Always Double Trap
Even though it does take a little bit of extra prep, double wrapping the bread in cling film and foil is the secret to keeping your bread as fresh and as crusty as possible when it is thawed.Â
Ensure the Wrap is Tight
Always ensure that the bread is wrapped tightly and that all sides are covered. This will prevent any parts of the bread from being exposed to the freezer, where it is likely to be freezer burnt.Â
How Long Can You Freeze Crusty Bread?
Once you have frozen crusty bread, it will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is what makes it such a good food for freezing as bread would typically only last a week or so in a bread bin, so freezing preserves it for far longer!
You Can Freeze Crusty Bread for up to 6 Months
How Do You Defrost Crusty Bread?
Thankfully, there are no special methods or anything complicated when it comes to defrosting crusty bread. One of the best and simplest ways to thaw it is to use the toaster, though of course this only works if you are planning on making toast!
All you need to do is take the frozen slices out of the freezer, pop them in the toaster and turn it to the setting of your choice.Â
If you wanted to use the bread for anything else, such as sandwiches, then all you would need to do is take out the desired amount of slices from the freezer and leave them out on the counter to thaw.
It is best to do this overnight to ensure the bread is fully thawed and then it is as good as fresh!
Can You Refreeze Crusty Bread?
Ideally not as refreezing the bread could cause it to go soggy and lose its delicious crust. This is why freezing it in slices is so easy and efficient as it will prevent you from needing to refreeze any leftovers that you don’t use.Â
Does Crusty Bread Freeze Well?
Despite what many may think, freezing crusty bread is a fantastic way to preserve it and you can maintain its freshness completely.
It will last for up to 6 months and, when stored properly, you will still be able to get that nice crust when it is thawed.
Freezing it in slices will prevent any food waste and it is really easy to defrost and make into delicious dishes. You can use this method for bread you have made yourself or for a loaf you have bought from the store. Â
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing crusty bread or bread in general, then these may help:
Yes, you can freeze sliced crusty bread. In fact, freezing it sliced is a good idea so it’s easier to grab a portion at a time to avoid having to refreeze it.
Of course! If you have bought bread from the shop or your local bakery then you can freeze it. It’s important that you freeze it as fresh as possible, however.
