Bread

How to Store Fresh Bread

Keep bread and rolls in a fairly cool, dark and dry place, like a bread bin or cupboard, in their original packaging.
Avoid storing bread in the fridge as it goes stale more quickly.

Freezing Bread

You can freeze bread in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Top Tips: How to Freeze and Defrost Bread

To Freeze

You can freeze all varieties of bread. Pop your bread in the freezer either in its packaging or put it in a sealed bag or container.
For greater flexibility when using your bread, freeze it sliced so that you only need to take out what you need, keeping the rest frozen for another time.
To make it easier to separate bread slices after freezing, bang your loaf gently on a work surface before putting it in the freezer.

To Defrost

You can defrost a loaf of bread overnight on your kitchen worktop
(this is different to defrosting other ingredients which should be done in the fridge).
You can toast your slices of bread straight from frozen or use a microwave on the defrost setting.
You can also make sandwiches for lunch in the morning using frozen slices of bread. It will defrost by lunchtime, keeping it super fresh.

Eating the Whole Food

The end slices of a loaf of bread make perfect mini pizza bases.
Make a super quick and cheap snack by putting some cheese and toppings onto these thicker end slices.
Or use the ends to make stronger soldiers to go with a boiled egg.

Be Fabulous with Leftovers

Leftover bread is great for making breadcrumbs: fry in olive oil or butter to use as a crunchy topping on pasta bakes and fruit crumbles, or use to make stuffing and for thickening sauces.
Freeze in an airtight container to use as and when you need it, straight from frozen.

To top hearty dishes like macaroni cheese, use chunks of stale bread in salads such as panzanella and slices from a stale loaf to make bread and butter pudding.

Buying Tips

Buy the right pack size for your needs.
Think about whether you will get through the whole pack before it goes stale or mouldy.
If you’re not going to eat it all in time, freeze some for later.