There are many reasons why you might want to keep your bread warm for hours. Maybe you have a big dinner planned and baked your bread too soon. Perhaps you need to transport your freshly baked bread across town. Whatever the reason, I’ve got your answer.
Hey! My name’s Michelle, and I’m a self-taught baker. I love bread, especially freshly baked bread that’s nice and warm. I have had to keep my bread warm for a couple of hours before, and I’m here to share the different ways to do it.
There are several ways to keep bread warm for hours. Wrapping in aluminum foil or tea towels is the easiest. You can also use insulated bags to keep warm during transport. You can also place rice underneath, use terracotta bread baskets, utilize the slow cooker, or put it inside the oven.
Keep reading for a detailed look at how to keep bread warm for hours!
How to Keep Bread Warm for Hours – 7 Ways
Keeping bread warm for hours might seem complicated, but it’s easier than you think!
There are actually seven great and easy ways to ensure your bread stays nice and toasty.
Here’s how to do it!
1. Wrap in Aluminum Foil
My favorite way to keep the bread nice and hot is to wrap it in aluminum foil.
Why?
Because, for one, aluminum foil is very cheap. For two, it’s quick and easy.
All you have to do is get enough aluminum foil to wrap around your bread. Then, wrap it tightly. Ensure there are no open spots, as this will allow air inside, causing your bread to cool down.
So simple, and for added protection, you can toss your wrapped bread into an airtight container.
2. Place in an Insulated Bag
Have you ever wondered why your pizza delivery person brings your pizza in a big bag? It’s not to make transportation easier – although it helps. These are insulated bags designed to keep your pizza piping hot.
That said, it’s no wonder you should use an insulated bag to keep your bread warm – especially if you’re transporting it!
Now, I don’t suggest tossing your hot bread into the insulated bag and calling it a day. That would not be very sanitary.
What I like to do is wrap my bread with something, whether it’s wax paper, aluminum foil, or simply paper towels. Then I place it gently inside my insulated bag. That’s it!
3. Wrap in Tea Towels
If you plan to keep your bread warm at home, throwing it into an insulated bag would be silly.
If you want to keep bread warm on the dinner table inside of an adorable bread basket, it’s a good idea to wrap it in tea towels. Even tossing the towels on top of your warm bread will keep it cozy and warm!
4. Place Rice Underneath the Bread
Uhh, what?
Yeah, that’s exactly what I said when my aunt told me about this unique, ancient technique.
Apparently, all you need to do is warm up some rice. Any kind will work.
Then, place it inside a baggy, put it inside the bread basket, and put the bread on top.
Using this trick, it’s said that your bread will stay warm. Don’t ask me why, though. I don’t have an answer for that one, folks!
5. Terracotta Bread Baskets
If you have an “ordinary” bread basket, you’re really missing out – especially if you want to keep your bread warm for hours.
Ladies and gents, it’s time to upgrade to a terracotta bread basket.
What is this, exactly?
Well, it’s like any other bread basket out there. Yet, this one comes with a stone heated for 10 minutes at 350°F and placed at the bottom of the basket. Set your bread on top, and it will remain hot for a very long time.
6. Place in a Warm Slow Cooker
Ah, the handy slow cooker. Is there anything it can’t do?
I use mine for everything, from baking brownies to cooking lasagna and soups – I also use it to keep my bread warm.
Using the slow cooker is a cinch. All you need to do is dampen a tea towel and place it at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, place your bread on top. Wrap the bread with the same tea towel or use another if it’s not big enough.
Finally, set the slow cooker to low and allow it to warm up for about 30 minutes. Then, switch the settings to “warm” or “keep warm,” however your slow cooker says it.
Using this handy method, you can easily keep your bread warm, moist, and delicious for several hours.
7. Place Them in the Oven
Even when your oven is not in use, it remains a relatively cozy place.
That’s why my final recommendation is to keep your bread in the oven.
It doesn’t have to be turned on, but if you find that your oven is particularly cool, you may want to heat it slightly.
However, don’t crank up the temperature. You don’t want your bread to bake and dry out while trying to keep it warm.
FAQs
Who knew there were so many simple ways to keep bread warm for hours? If you want to learn more about keeping bread warm for an extended period, here are some frequently asked questions you might want to know the answers to!
Can I put warm bread in a container?
You can put warm bread in a container, but I recommend wrapping it with something like wax paper or aluminum foil first.
Can I use a crockpot to keep bread warm?
You can definitely use a crockpot to keep your bread warm. Simply place a dampened tea towel on the bottom, place the bread on top, and wrap it with the towel. Heat on low for 30 minutes. Then, switch to keep warm.
Can I bring bread to a potluck?
You can certainly bring bread to a potluck, and plenty of people will enjoy it. This is especially true if others bring items to accompany the bread, such as cheese or fruit.
Keep Your Bread Warm For Hours!
Keeping bread warm for hours is pretty simple, and there are plenty of methods you can try. Opt for the simplicity of aluminum foil or go with a more elaborate option like a terracotta bread basket or slow cooker. Regardless, you’ll be able to enjoy delightfully warm bread!
How do you keep your bread warm for hours? Do you have any techniques to share? Let us know in the comment section!
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