Sourdough bread is the bread that is fermented slowly. The ingredients used are naturally occurring microorganisms like lactobacilli and yeast. The bread is known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor. After baking sourdough bread, you will want to store the leftovers after eating it. Would freezing sourdough bread be one of the options for storage?
Can you freeze sourdough bread? Yes, you can freeze sourdough bread. It’s important that it’s stored properly. This means the bread should be stored in a freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, sourdough bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Does Sourdough Bread Freeze Well?
There are many types of sourdough bread available. Whether it’s store-bought, artisanal bakery, or homemade, they all freeze well.
The yeast and Lactobacillus that’s in the sourdough bread will remain active, even during freezing. This will keep the sourdough bread from losing its flavors.
Also, you should keep the bread away from the air. If the storage container you’re using isn’t sealed properly, air will leak in and dry out the sourdough bread.
How To Freeze Sourdough Bread
If you’re planning to keep the sourdough bread for longer than a week, freezing them is the best option. In order to preserve their texture and taste, you’ll need to take appropriate procedures to freeze them.
You can either freeze sourdough bread as a whole or slice it into smaller portions.
To freeze the bread, you’ll need the following:
- Plastic wraps
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Freezer bag
- Marker
Below are the steps to freezing sourdough bread:
Step 1: Allow the Sourdough Bread to Cool Down
Once the sourdough bread is baked, allow them to cool down first. Place it onto a plate and let it sit on the countertop for an hour.
Avoid freezing the bread while it’s still hot, as it will affect its quality. The warmth of the bread will cause condensation, which the moisture will cause the bread to become wet during freezing.
Step 2: Portion the Sourdough Bread
Depending on how much you need for each serving, you can either freeze a whole sourdough bread or portion it into smaller pieces.
For individual serving sizes, I recommend portioning the bread. This is great for making sandwiches or eating them with a different delicacy.
With a sharp knife, slice the bread into your preferred size.
Step 3: Wrapping
Wrap the sourdough bread in aluminum foil if you are freezing a whole loaf of bread. Make sure when wrapping that no part of the bread is exposed.
For slices of bread, you will need to flash freeze them first to prevent them from sticking to each other. On a tray, place a sheet of parchment paper. Then lay the slices of bread on it. Wrap the tray with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 1 hour.
Step 4: Place In Freezer Bag
For a whole loaf of bread, place them into a freezer bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate the whole bread.
For slices of bread, once it’s frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Since it’s already frozen, the bread slices won’t stick to each other.
Once the bread is in the freezer bag, press the bag well to expel any air in it. Then seal it tightly.
Step 5: Label and Freezing
With a marker, write the content and date of freezing on the freezer bag. Then place them into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Sourdough Bread?
You can freeze sourdough bread for 3 months. After that time, the bread will start to deteriorate in quality. For each month that it’s still in the freezer, the more the texture will decrease.
However, sourdough bread will still be safe to eat. The only thing you will not enjoy is the taste and texture. The taste will be bland and the bread will be hard.
How Do You Defrost Sourdough Bread?
There are several methods to defrosting sourdough bread.
However, the best method is to let them thaw in the fridge. This will ensure there are minimal to no changes to the texture or taste of the bread.
Simply take them out from the freezer and place them into the fridge. Do not remove the plastic wrap from the bread, as it prevents moisture from getting into the bread. Let the sourdough bread sit in the fridge overnight to completely thaw.
If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost them in the oven. Remove the sourdough bread from the freezer, unwrap the plastic wraps and place them on an oven-safe dish.
Thaw the bread at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For a large loaf of bread, it may take about 15-20 minutes, while a small loaf takes about 10 minutes.
Another quick method to defrost sourdough bread is in the toaster. Simply place the frozen bread straight into the toaster from the freezer. It will thaw and be ready to eat in about 3-4 minutes.
Can You Refreeze Sourdough Bread?
I would highly advise you not to refreeze sourdough bread. Repeated freezing and thawing will affect the quality of the bread greatly.
After freezing and thawing it for the second time, the bread will become hard and lose most of its sweet flavor.
To prevent having to refreeze sourdough bread, it’s best to freeze them in portions. This way, you’ll only need to remove what you need without worrying about having to freeze the bread again.
Other Questions about Sourdough Bread
Does toasting sourdough bread kill probiotics?
Unlike other fermented food, sourdough bread does not contain any probiotics. The live bacteria that is present in the dough and culture of the sourdough bread are killed when it’s baked at 140 – 160 °F.
How to tell when sourdough bread is spoiled?
When sourdough bread is spoiled, you can easily tell by smelling and looking at it. The spoiled bread will give off a rotten smell, the color becomes darker, and mold all over it. Discard the bread if you see any of these signs, as it could cause food poisoning if you consume it.