Whether you make your bread at home or buy it at the bakery, it's always handy to have a baguette or loaf in your freezer, so you have some to hand if you need it. Discover the right freezing and defrosting method here.
How to freeze bread properly
Tired of going to the bakery every other day? While it is possible, with a few tricks, to keep bread fresh longer nothing beats freezing to ensure you always have some to hand! You can keep your bread for up to 6 months in the freezer! This operation is not complicated but requires some precautions.
1. The bread must be fresh and at room temperature. It should not be refrozen. If your baguette is still warm, let it cool before putting it in your freezer.
2. To prevent the bread from drying out, wrap it in plastic wrap, ideally, a freezer bag. If you don't have one, a simple plastic bag will do. When you seal the bag, don't forget to remove the air.
3. The temperature of your freezer should be at least -18°C.
Our tip : It is also possible to freeze sliced bread, brioche or other baked goods. The technique is the same.
⋙ Also check out our recipes for baking bread with or without a machine
How to defrost bread naturally
To defrost bread, it is best to wrap it in a clean tea towel and leave it at room temperature. This process can take 30 minutes to 1 hour. So, remember to take it out in advance.
To make it crispy again, you can put it in the oven for a few minutes. However, wait for it to thaw a little first, or you could end up with bread as dry as a rusk !
Our advice : consider asking your baker to slice your bread. This will allow you to defrost only the desired amount. This is a good way to limit food waste. Put a slice into your toaster and set it to defrost. No need to wait!
How do I reheat frozen bread in the oven ?
Your meal is almost ready, and you don't have time to defrost your bread at room temperature. Don't panic, you can heat it up in the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C. Place the bread directly on the grill or on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Turn off the oven, leaving the bread in it for another 5 minutes. Take your bread out and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before eating.
How do I defrost bread in the microwave ?
SOS ! I need bread right away ! If you need bread very quickly or you forgot to take it out of the freezer ahead of time, there is a solution. Wrap the frozen bread in a clean tea towel or paper towel and put it in the microwave oven for a few seconds (try 15 seconds at a time).
Be careful : with this method, your bread will be a little soft and may then harden very quickly !
How do I get crusty bread using the microwave ?
If you want to keep your frozen bread crisp, while it's still frozen, wrap it in a clean cloth before putting it in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also place a glass of water under a microwave cover next to your bread for extra crispiness. This tip also works for hard bread. When the bread comes out of the microwave, wait a few minutes before removing the cloth.
