Shelf Life Tips
- How long does French bread last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep French bread in a cool, dry area.
- To maximize the shelf life of bakery-bought French bread, keep in original packaging and store at room temperature.
- To maximize the shelf life of homemade French bread, cool thoroughly before storing and place in plastic storage bag or breadbox, or wrap in foil and store at room temperature.
- Properly stored, French bread will last for about 2 to 3 days at normal room temperature.
- How long does French bread last in the fridge? French bread should ideally not be refrigerated, as the bread will dry out and become stale faster than at room temperature.
- If you must refrigerate French bread (eg, due to a lack of pantry storage space or very hot, humid room conditions), the bread will typically last for only about a day before getting stale.
- Can you freeze French bread? Yes, to freeze: (1) Slice bread or leave loaf whole; (2) Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze.
- How long does a loaf of French bread last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
- The freezer time shown is for best quality only - French bread that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
- How to tell if French bread is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the bread: discard any bread that has an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the entire loaf.
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