How long does homemade bread last? FAQ (2024)

Bread made from your bread machine is best eaten on the same day, however if kept in an airtight container will last for 2 to 3 days depending on the type. Most bread types can be kept in the freezer.If the bread is slightly stale it can be used for bread pudding, croutons or baked French toast to save wasting it. Or use a processor to whips up some breadcrumbs for use with one of our delicious recipes!


How long does homemade bread last? FAQ (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade bread last? FAQ? ›

Bread made from your bread machine is best eaten on the same day, however if kept in an airtight container will last for 2 to 3 days depending on the type. Most bread types can be kept in the freezer. If the bread is slightly stale it can be used for bread pudding, croutons or baked French toast to save wasting it.

How long will homemade bread stay fresh? ›

Johanna Hartzheim, co-founder and head of product at Wildgrain, a bread and pasta delivery service, recommends eating homemade bread within three days but says it will last up to a week. "The bread will start to dry up and become a bit harder over time, but it takes much longer until it becomes moldy," she says.

How to tell if homemade bread is bad? ›

If the bread has visible mold, it's best not to smell it in case its spores are harmful to inhale. If you don't see mold but notice a strange smell, it's still best to throw out the loaf (7, 8 , 9 ). Strange taste. If the bread doesn't taste right, it's probably safest to throw it away.

Why does homemade bread go bad so fast? ›

Gums also have the advantage of binding more water, which can improve hydration and prevent water loss, ultimately extending the shelf life of your bread. These ingredients aren't typically found in homemade bread, which is why they tend to go stale faster than their store-bought counterparts.

How long does bread last until it molds? ›

In the short term, this is effective at keeping bread soft, but eventually it can promote mold growth by preventing air circulation and creating a humid environment inside the bag. Usually within five to seven days, you'll see the dreaded fuzzy blue-green spots starting to appear.

How do you store homemade bread so it doesn't go bad? ›

Fresh bread can be frozen whole or cut into slices. Wrap whole loaves in several layers of plastic wrap, label, date and freeze. For bread slices, store in a zip-top bag separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking (or throw caution to the wind and dump everything together- that's what I do).

Does homemade bread need refrigeration? ›

Where Is the Best Place To Store Bread? It turns out bread boxes aren't such a bad idea. "Homemade bread stored at room temperature will have the best quality if used within three to five days," Baker says. "Commercially prepared bread can be used within five to seven days.

How to extend the shelf life of homemade bread? ›

Add in a Bit of Pectin

It is most commonly used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies, but it can also be used to help preserve the life of your home-baked sweets and savory breads. A tablespoon or two of powdered pectin can help improve the consistency of baked goods while also giving them a longer shelf life.

How long does it take for mold to grow on bread? ›

It should take around 7-10 days before you will be able to see significant growth on the bread. You could see growth as soon as 5 days depending on the type of bread you used. Remember, fresh bread will mold faster than store-bought bread containing preservatives.

How long can bread last without preservatives? ›

Fresh homemade bread with no preservatives, kept at room temperature can be used for 3 to 4 days. Store-bought varieties contain anti-mold agents that, when stored at room temperature, can keep for up to 7 days.

Is homemade bread healthier? ›

Homemade bread has a lot of health benefits if prepared with high-fiber ingredients (e.g., whole grain flours, ground flaxseed, whole oats) which also increase the protein content. Fiber is important in regulating digestion and plays a role in lowering cholesterol.

Is week old bread okay? ›

Store-bought bread will typically last five to seven days at room temperature, but can last one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

What is the best container for storing bread? ›

One of the best ways to store bread is to keep it in a bread bin, and those with a tight seal will help to keep your loaves fresher for longer. It should be kept in a cool place, but avoid keeping it in the fridge.

Can I store homemade bread in a Ziploc bag? ›

Bacteria and mold thrive in damp, poorly-ventilated environments, and a plastic bag provides the perfect breeding ground for these unwanted organisms. Plastic bags can affect the flavor of the bread: Baked goods can absorb the taste and smell of plastic. This can greatly affect its flavor.

What can you add to homemade bread to make it last longer? ›

Work Cinnamon into the Recipe

Like honey, cinnamon is one of those naturally occurring miracle workers that can simultaneously improve flavor and lengthen shelf life. This delicious, warming spice offers natural microbial properties, preventing it from developing mold or becoming hard and stale.

Does freezing bread make it last longer? ›

Because this household staple typically goes stale in a matter of days, the freezer is the best option to keep it fresh; it preserves freshly baked bread at its prime. And helpfully, most bread can be frozen for as long as three months.

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