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🧊Refrigerated Foods

Is it Better to Store Bread on the Counter or in the Fridge?

HowLongFresh ExpertJul 24, 2025

Key Points

  • Bread stored in the refrigerator will dry out and become stale much faster than bread stored at room temperature
  • For longer-term storage, you should freeze bread
  • Soft-crusted, pre-sliced breads will keep fresh for up to a week at room temperature; be sure to keep the original packaging tightly closed after each use

Overview

The counter is definitely the better place for your bread. Bread stored in the refrigerator will dry out and become stale much faster than bread stored at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you should freeze bread. Soft-crusted, pre-sliced breads will keep fresh for up to a week at room temperature; be sure to keep the original packaging tightly closed after each use. Soft-crusted, unsliced breads will keep well for four to five days on the counter, while hard-crusted breads will keep fresh for a day or two. All of these breads freeze well and will maintain their quality for at least three months once frozen. Is Moldy Bread Safe To Eat? Quick Tip: Slice Bread Before Freezing ItLong-Lasting Produce Stock up and enjoy Your Questions Answered Steak that's changed color

Key Points

  • Bread stored in the refrigerator will dry out and become stale much faster than bread stored at room temperature
  • For longer-term storage, you should freeze bread
  • Soft-crusted, pre-sliced breads will keep fresh for up to a week at room temperature; be sure to keep the original packaging tightly closed after each use

This information applies to: beef, bread, chicken, cranberry, eggs, ground beef, hamburger, pie, potatoes, salad, shrimp, steak, stuffing, turkey

Tags

cooking expiration freezing leftovers refrigeration safety storage thawing

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