There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a quality loaf of bread , only to have it harden or mold before you can finish it! Artisan breads and pastries contain little to no preservatives, so they tend to degrade faster. But that’s no reason to avoid them! The following tips will help you prevent these items from ending up in the compost bin.

Extending Shelf Life

The two best ways to store your bread are in a bread box or the freezer. Unfortunately, the refrigerator is not an option , as it will cause the bread to dry out faster. While bread degrades more slowly in the fridge than on the counter, its quality diminishes.

The Bread Box or Its Equivalent

You want to avoid two things: stale bread that dehydrates and moldy bread that has too much moisture. The well-known wooden bread box helps maintain the right level of humidity and keeps bread fresh for several days. If you don’t have a bread box (as most people don’t), you can mimic its effect by wrapping your loaf or baguette in a clean, dry dish towel. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap too much moisture and risk causing mold while also softening the crust.

The Freezer

Freezing is the best way to preserve the taste and texture of bread. Since bread thaws quickly, it can be practical to pre-slice it before freezing. This way, you can take out the slices as needed.

Reviving Slightly Dry Bread

If, despite your efforts, you end up with slightly stale bread, don’t give up just yet! As long as there’s no mold, it’s still safe to eat. If you want to consume it immediately, simply run it under water and pop it in the oven for a few minutes – It will be as good as new. However, you can only use this trick once and only for immediate consumption!

Here are some additional recipe ideas to make with dry bread:

French Toast

Using a ratio of 1 egg to ¼ cup of milk or plant-based beverage, you can whip up French toast in no time. Dip your slices of bread in the liquid to moisten them, then grill in a pan. Finish with toppings like fruits, nuts, and maple syrup—a true delight!

Bread Pudding

Similar to French toast, the liquid will hydrate the bread to create a new dish. You can use this recipe as a base and add dried fruits you have on hand. Personally, I like to switch things up with a savory bread pudding recipe, adding protein, cheese, and herbs I already have!

Croutons

Simply cut the bread into cubes or slices, then toss with vegetable oil. Bake for about 15 minutes at 350°F or until golden. Once cooled, they’ll keep for several days in an airtight container.

Breadcrumbs

As a last resort, put the bread in a food processor and grind it to a fine or coarse consistency. If the bread is very dry, you can store the breadcrumbs in an airtight container in the pantry. Since it’s tricky to control moisture, I recommend storing them in the freezer.

Do you know any other tips for preventing baked goods from going to waste? Share them with others in the Facebook group Zero-Waste Community.

Experte de la lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire

Elisabeth Paradis

Passionnée de bouffe, Elisabeth aime utiliser l'alimentation comme façon de connecter avec les gens. Pour elle, manger est lié au plaisir et au partage, mais aussi à ses valeurs environnementales. Si elle n'est pas dans sa cuisine, vous la retrouverez dans son jardin, sur son vélo, ou en train d'être la fan numéro 1 de ses chats Dumpling et Kimchi.

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