Fridge or Not? What’s the Best Way to Store Bread?
Our experts have some airtight advice on stopping your loaf from going stale – and even freshening it up again – but whatever you do, keep it out of the fridge
TL;DR
- Bread stales because the starch dries out when exposed to air.
- Store bread at room temperature in a greaseproof paper bag.
- Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as it accelerates staling.
- Bread bins can trap moisture, leading to a soft crust and mold.
- Reheat slightly stale bread in the oven to reactivate starches and extend freshness.
- Freezing is the best method for long-term storage; slice before freezing for convenience.
- Stale bread can be repurposed into croutons, breadcrumbs, or sourdough crisps.
- Revive old bread by slicing, stuffing with herby butter and cheese, and warming.