Sourdough bread is a magical bread, with impeccable taste. Whether you've baked this delicious bread yourself, or bought it from a bakery, there's always that unspoken desire to finish the bread before it gets dry or stale. Typically, a loaf of bread is good to eat for about 5 days, and it always tastes best on the first day, when it's freshly baked, giving off eerie, mouth-watering aromas. If you're wondering how to extend the life of sourdough bread so it lasts a long time, then read on!
How to store sourdough bread?
When it ripens a fresh batch of homemade sourdough breadkeep in mind that it should be stored at room temperature. Unwrapped or loosely wrapped in a thin towel.
Your fresh baked sourdough bread may take a while to cool completely, all the while releasing moisture. If you wrap your bread or put it in a container before it's completely cooled, you'll likely end up with a wet exterior instead of the fresh chewy crust you were hoping for.
When buying sourdough bread from a bakery, the same rules apply. Freshly baked sourdough should be stored at room temperature and consumed within 5 days. Once you've bagged or covered your bread, it will lose its crisp crust fairly quickly, so keep this in mind when storing your bread beyond the recommended time frame. As long as there is no mold forming on your bread, then feel free to eat after this point.
How long does sourdough bread last in the fridge?
Sourdough bread will usually survive for several days in the refrigerator. But it's best to keep your bread away from the fridge, as this will help your bread dry out faster.
Fortunately, there are many other alternatives that work better for storing your sourdough bread. You can enjoy its fantastic taste and fresh texture for days to come.
Can I freeze sourdough bread?
If you don't plan to eat your sourdough bread within the next few days or week, then freezing is the best option.
Make sure your bread is fully cooked cool before freezing.
After cooling, wrap tightly in a plastic bag before freezing. You can do this with whole loaves, half loaves, or even slices.
Frozen slices can be fried as is, without thawing. If you have frozen a loaf of sourdough bread, then to thaw your frozen sourdough loaf, simply sprinkle it lightly with water and place it in a 325°F oven for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. If baking from frozen doesn't work for whatever reason, then simply leave your bread at room temperature until it's soft enough to cut easily again.
How to cool bread that is being baked?
If your sourdough bread has lost its crisp appearance, there is no need to panic. It may just need a little moisture and heat before it feels like the same bread again.
Similar to reheating frozen bread, stale bread needs some moisture and heat to regain its texture and taste like new again.
Read related: Is Sourdough Bread Gluten Free?
Try running your whole loaf under the tap, being careful not to soak the sides (you can always dry them afterwards). Then place the patty directly on a 325°F oven rack for about 10-15 minutes (or until golden brown).
If it happens to be a noodle cut in half, then cover the exposed area with a piece of foil so they don't dry out too much while baking.
Does sourdough last longer than other types of bread?
It is true that sourdough has a longer shelf life than other types of bread.
Most types of bread are made with preservatives, which can shorten their lifespan. The lactic acid found in sourdough slows down the rising process, while the bread's acidity inhibits mold growth and bacteria, allowing them to last longer—though not indefinitely.
In addition, dense rye and seed breads tend to have a longer shelf life because they have more moisture than white wheat flour-based breads.
How long does the bread last?
Are you curious to know the duration of your bread?
Here is your answer!
| Bread | freezer | Freezer |
| Packaged bread | 2-3 days | 6 months |
| Sourdough bread | 2-3 days | 3 months |
| bun | 3 months | Over 3 months |
| Rye bread | 3-4 days | 3-5 months |
What to do with stale sourdough bread?
If your sourdough bread eventually goes stale, then don't worry, there are plenty of ways to use up your sourdough bread after it's past its prime.
Here are some ideas to try:
- French toast
- Slaughter of bread
- Bread salad
- Garlic bread
- Bread and butter pudding
French toast
French toast works well with any type of bread that has dried out a bit from being left out for too long. You can use white or whole wheat flour to give this recipe an extra layer of flavor. The batter should be made with equal parts milk and water so that it is thin enough to fit into the bread without getting too thick when added to heat Add vanilla extract for extra sweetness! Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Slaughter of bread
Making breadcrumbs from leftover slices can be quite easy and great to add as a topping to casseroles or soups.
Simply blend them in a food processor until they have reached the perfect crumble consistency. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then store in an airtight container, ready to use when needed.
Bread salad
To create this dish, simply tear the bread into pieces and toss with olive oil and vinegar before adding any other ingredients you want. This recipe makes a great lunch or snack that can be eaten cold on a hot summer day, or as a quick mid-evening snack!
Garlic bread
Try using your stale bread to make delicious garlic bread.
Cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices and brush each side with olive oil. Season to your liking and then bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Bread and butter pudding
Make this classic British dessert with stale bread.
Start by soaking the slices in milk for 15 minutes and then drain them thoroughly before mixing them together with the sugar and spices. Pour this mixture into individual bowls or ramekins, then cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating overnight so that all the liquid can be absorbed by the bread; this is what makes it so moist when baked later. Bake at 325°F until golden brown, about 45 minutes depending on the size of your dish, and serve hot right away while still warm!
So how long does sourdough bread last?
Sourdough bread can last up to a week, up to several months, depending on the type of storage you choose. Whether you decide to freeze it – so it's still available to come back to in a few weeks, or prefer to store it in a container to eat within 5 days, as long as there are no signs of mold on your bread, you are good to go!
Frequently asked questions
How do you know when sourdough has gone bad?
Any visible signs of mold indicate that the bread is spoiled and inedible.
How long does green bread last in the store?
Store-bought bread lasts about 5 to 7 days in the pantry.
Does sourdough bread last longer than regular bread?
The natural acidity of sourdough discourages bacteria, allowing it to last longer than other breads.
Can sourdough bread last 2 weeks?
If you choose to freeze your sourdough bread, then it can last up to 3 months, but fresh sourdough bread can only remain edible for up to 5 to 7 days.
