Everyone knows that the freezer is the best place to store bread long-term. But what happens if you thaw a loaf or slice of bread, only to realize you won’t be using it after all? We’ve all been there.
And no, your bread isn’t done for. If it’s been less than 48 hours, you can simply place it back in the freezer.
Hi, everyone! I’m Michelle, and I have been baking for the past ten-plus years. To be honest, I’m pretty bad about taking things out of the freezer, only to end up refreezing them. That said, I have plenty of experience when it comes to refreezing bread.
The good news is that bread – store-bought and homemade – can easily be refrozen, although you risk the quality deteriorating a bit. This is especially true if you’re refreezing certain types of bread, like sourdough. Never refreeze bread more than once.
Let’s find out whether or not you can refreeze bread!
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Can You Freeze Bread Twice?
It’s 100% safe and bread can be refrozen. However, you risk the quality of the bread deteriorating and ending up with stale, tasteless bread. Yuck!
What it really comes down to is the type of bread. For example, bread that contains egg and gluten will freeze better than those baked with yeast, such as sourdough bread.
The egg will help retain moisture, while gluten is denser than “regular” flour, allowing the bread to maintain its original texture.
How your bread is stored and how soon it’s refrozen will also play a role in how well it holds up.
How to Refreeze Bread (5 Tips)
Whether you’ve taken out a single slice of bread or an entire loaf, it’s essential to know how to refreeze it correctly. Here are a few tips to follow:
1. Make Sure the Bread is at Room Temperature
If, for any reason, you heated your slice or loaf of bread, ensure it’s cooled before placing it in the freezer. Otherwise, you risk the development of mold or freezer burn – both of which will render your refrozen bread useless.
2. Re-Freeze Before the 48-Hour Mark
When it comes to refreezing bread, the sooner, the better; in fact, it’s best to stick the bread back into the freezer within one day of removing it. However, you can get by within two days.
If you wait any longer than 48 hours, I would not suggest refreezing. At this point, you’re going to end up with some gnarly-tasing loaves. No, thanks!
3. Store in an Airtight Container or Resealable Freezer Bag
If you bought a store-bought loaf of bread, don’t hesitate to leave it in its original packaging. That’s the “safest” place for your bread.
If you ditch the packaging, you will want to store it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. For added protection, consider wrapping it in a layer of parchment paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
Homemade bread will need to be wrapped and placed in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
4. Only Refreeze Once
No rule says you can only refreeze your bread once. It should be 100% safe to refreeze it three, four, or five times.
The issue is the quality. If bread goes for a third round of being refrozen, it will lose most of its quality. You will likely end up with bread rendered inedible, as it will succumb to staleness with a crumbly, unenjoyable texture.
5. Date the Bread
Although bread lasts quite a long time in the freezer, it doesn’t last forever. Most bread will have a freezer lifespan of three to six months. Although the sooner you use it, the better results you’re going to have.
That said, it’s imperative to date your bread. Also, jot down that it’s the second time you’re freezing it. After all, you won’t get a third freeze from the same loaf. Two is the maximum!
Can You Refreeze Bread that has Defrosted?
Even if your bread has defrosted entirely, it is still safe to refreeze it. Follow the tips above:
- Store it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
- Only refreeze once within 48 hours.
- Date the bread.
How to Tell Bread Has Gone Bad
There are two signs that bread has gone bad: mold and an odd smell. If you notice any of these signs, you will want to toss the bread immediately. Eating moldy bread can make you sick, so it’s best not to risk it.
Mold
Mold can come in various colors ranging from white, black, blue to green. Needless to say, if you see anything “colorful” on your thawed bread, don’t eat it or try to refreeze it. It’s gone bad.
Odd Smell
Another tell-tale sign your thawed bread has gone bad is the smell. Old bread can have a pungent odor consisting of vinegar, yeast, or alcohol. Give your bread a whiff. If it smells anything like “bread,” get rid of it.
FAQs
Yes, bread can be re-frozen a single time within 48 hours. Still have some questions about this topic? No problem! Let me help you out with some of the most commonly asked questions.
How long is frozen bread good for after thawing?
Around 48 hours (two days). That’s why it is recommended to refreeze the bread within this timeframe. Otherwise, you risk it going bad entirely.
Can you freeze take and bake bread?
You can successfully freeze take and bake bread. However, this type of bread has a remarkable shelf life and shouldn’t need to be frozen in the first place. Just pay attention to the “best by” date on the packaging.
How do you unfreeze bread?
The best way to “unfreeze” (thaw) bread is to stick it in the refrigerator overnight. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, you can always pop it into the oven at 325 F for about 10-20 minutes.
Final Words
If you’re not going to use that thawed bread, don’t worry – just stick it back in the freezer if it’s been less than 48 hours. But only do it once!
Have you ever refrozen your bread?
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