How to Reheat Bread in the Oven

There is nothing better than a freshly baked loaf of bread. Whether you enjoy store-bought bread or make your own at home, it always seems to taste best the fresher it is!

But what if you don't finish your fresh bread in one sitting? It's frustrating to bake or buy a delicious loaf of bread, only for it to lose its fluffy texture and delicious flavor when you store it.

There are tried and true methods for storing bread, so you can decide what works best for you. When it comes to reheating, you can enjoy your bread as if it was just made!

Making your own bread at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. Plus it can save you a ton of money at the grocery store. And don't get me started on the amazing aroma of freshly baked bread!

How to store bread on the counter

If you will be using up your loaf of freshly baked bread the next day, or within a few days, you can store it on your countertop at room temperature. The best method for storing bread on the counter is wrapping it in a paper bag.

Do not use plastic as this can trap moisture resulting in mold growth. Try to place the wrapped bread in a cool place where it will not be exposed to excessive heat if your kitchen is warm.

If you are storing your bread in a bread box, you do not need to wrap the bread, simply place the whole loaf in the box. 

How to store bread in the freezer

If you have a full loaf of leftover bread that you are looking to store, your best bet is to freezer it.

Wrap the whole loaf of bread in parchment paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the entire loaf of bread in a freezer bag or airtight container, and store it near the back of your freezer so that it is not impacted by temperature fluctuation from the opening of the freezer door.

Bread will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. 

Reheating bread in the oven

To reheat bread in the oven, preheat your conventional oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature as it will not cause the bread to burn quickly but is warm enough that it will reheat quickly without becoming hard.

It is best to reheat your bread in the oven as a full loaf, and then slice it once it is warmed. If you slice it beforehand, the pieces may become toasted and hard. 

If you are baking your bread from frozen, you will want to let it thaw first. To do this place it in the refrigerator overnight, or leave it on the counter for a few hours.

Step 1

Remove bread from its wrapping or plastic bag. Wrap the loaf of bread in aluminum foil. This is to keep the outside of the crust from burning and turning hard. It traps moisture so that the loaf does not dry out while baking.

You can also brush the surface of the bread with a bit of water if you are concerned about the bread becoming hard. If you are reheating slices of bread, wrap each slice individually in aluminum foil for the best results.

Step 2

Placed the wrapped loaf of bread directly on the oven rack in the center of the preheated oven. It is not necessary to use a baking tray.

Step 3

Bake for approximately 15 minutes if you are reheating a whole loaf. Actual baking time will depend on the size of your loaf of bread so use your best judgment.

If you are reheating slices, start with a shorter time, approximately 5-10 minutes, and check periodically to ensure the slices do not dry out. 

Step 4

Remove your bread from the oven and serve immediately or let cool slightly on a wire rack. Only slice the portions that will be used immediately to retain freshness without having to reheat again.

FAQs

Can bread be reheated in the microwave?

While the best way to reheat bread is in the oven, you can use the microwave if you are short on time. This method can be risky, however, because if you heat the bread too quickly it can lose its moisture and become rock-hard.

Be sure to cover your bread with a damp paper towel so that it does not dry out, and place on a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to 50% power and heat in 10-20 seconds intervals until warm.

Do not use high power, or heat it for too long as bread can easily become hard in the microwave. 

Can bread be toasted from frozen?

Aside from the oven, the toaster is another good option for reheating bread. Obviously, this will not give you a soft and fluffy piece of bread.

But you can remove a slice of bread from the freezer and toast it without thawing, so it is an easy way to reheat your bread if you are in a pinch.

Can bread be reheated on the stovetop?

If you want to avoid turning on the oven, you can also use the stovetop to reheat your bread.

Wrap the slice of bread in aluminum foil and place in the pan with a lid overtop. Heat the bread on low to medium heat for a couple of minutes. Check periodically until it is heated through.