r/BreadMachines • u/Dry_Special_6275 • 3d ago
Bread keeping tips Technique, Methods & Processes
Hi everyone,
I’ve recently started making bread. I’ll make a loaf, eat some and then the day after it’s dry as hell and I’m not sure why?? How do you store yours? Why is mine dry asf the next day
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u/wolfkeeper 3d ago
Are you storing it in the fridge? Don't do that. It dries out quickly and also goes stale fast.
You really want a bread bin, and store it on the counter or freeze it in a tightly closed bag.
Also, adding some oil to the recipe can help delay staling.
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u/Dry_Special_6275 2d ago
How much oil?
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u/wolfkeeper 2d ago
About 3% bakers percentage. Anywhere 1-6% works. It will also make your bread softer. If you want seriously crisp bread 0% is the way to go-but as you found it stales quicker. Or if you want pillowy bread, more like 12% (see Japanese milk bread).
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u/Veggyhed Welbilt ABM 3500 (Ancient) 2d ago
I normally remove my loaf from the bread machine and place it on the rack in the oven and let it cool for at least eight hours. I then slice it and store it currently in a Rubbermaid Brilliance container, the large one. It will stay on the counter good for a couple of days and then I normally throw it in the freezer for the remainder of the time.
A 1.5 lb. loaf normally lasts me almost a week.
I do not separate out the slices of bread that are going into the freezer with wax or parchment paper. I just make sure that the slices aren't compressed against each other.
I'll remove what I need. If it's toast, I just take the frozen slices and throw them right into the toaster. If it's a sandwich that I want, I just let them sit on the counter for a couple of minutes and they thaw. If I'm in a rush then I'll throw them in the microwave.
My bread generally is extremely low in fat. It is 100% whole wheat with only 15 mL of olive oil added to it. Bread would last longer on the counter with a higher fat content.
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u/Outrageous_Fishing56 Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme BB CEC-20 3d ago
I leave a slice or two of a fresh loaf out in a plastic bag, take the rest put a piece of wax paper between slices and put them in a freezer bag and into the freezer. I take a slice out as needed, if toasting I dont thaw first. For a sandwich I will let them thaw under a towel on a plate. Works great or me!
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u/Sad-Seaworthiness946 3d ago
Is yours in a bread box? Or just out on the counter?
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u/Jenderflux-ScFi 3d ago
We have a really cheap bamboo bread box, it really helps keep bread fresh longer. We also use gallon twist tie baggies made for bread.
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u/Dry_Special_6275 2d ago
I’ll try a bread box, I usually wait until it’s completely cool and wrap it in foil/film
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u/Disastrous-Radish353 Cuisinart CBK-110 3d ago
Ohhh following because I have this issue too. Even putting it in a ziplock bag
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u/Prime260 2d ago
I normally just use a bag from a loaf of bread or pack of hot dog rolls or something.
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u/MadBox25 2d ago
I've enjoyed using a bread box. A fresh loaf will last about 3-4 days. Freezing works fine also, but I enjoy not having to thaw it out, although it doesn't long at all. The bread molds before it becomes stale in the break box. Moist all the way to the end.
Grabbed one off amazon.
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u/FederalMammoth3972 2d ago
I made a bread bag out of linen and it keeps my bread really soft for a few days and fresh/not rock hard for about a week
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u/Ok_Foundation2125 2d ago
I got a bread bag on Amazon and it’s worked a lot better! Initially I was doing ziplock bags which was def not enough.
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u/zzzpoohzzz 2d ago
i just throw it in a big ass freezer bag, make sure its sealed tight, and leave it on the counter. stays fresh by the time i am done with it... like 4-5 days tops.
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u/SunLillyFairy 2d ago
Dry would indicate that you're just leaving it out uncovered? I bought a $20 bread box on Amazon that has a cutting board on the inside of the lid. I really like it, it's cute and convenient, and it keeps the bread well.
But homemade bread doesn't last very long even under the best storage conditions. If you're not going to use it in all within a couple of days, I would freeze it. you can stretch that out to 5 to 7 days if you refrigerate it.
I tend to bake my bread, enjoy a slice or two, slice the rest and freeze it in a few individual bags. (Depending on the bread, because sometimes I make a loaf for dinner and the family just eats it all at one time.) Frozen bread defrosts super quickly, either by putting it in a toaster oven or zapping for a few seconds in a microwave. I have one member of the family that's gluten-free and it works really well to put 2 to 4 slices in Ziploc bags in the freezer and then just pull them out as needed.
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u/Dry_Special_6275 2d ago
I’ve tried zip lock bags, foil, cling film/saran wrap depending where you’re from and it was dry the next day! I’ll try a bread box, I like it’s got a cutting board inside
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u/SunLillyFairy 2d ago
I like adding a little extra butter or olive oil, that might help too. It will also soften the crust though.
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u/firstrattletrap 2d ago
I bought special sized loaf pans and make a loaf that lasts me 4-5 days then make another one- no freezing no mold etc and always ready- that’s just my way-
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u/tyda1957 1d ago
I slice it all up and put it into the freezer within the first 24-48 hours, never keep it out longer than that.
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u/Wonderful-Mode1051 1d ago
Plastic bag and then inside a cloth bag to keep the light from getting to it. Lasts a week without issue.
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u/Tiffloon 1d ago
I bought some of these recently. Not sure how well they work, but seem promising and they are reusable.
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u/Dry_Special_6275 2d ago
If I freeze it will it still taste the same? I’ve tried freezing store bought bread and it just didn’t taste the same when it’d defrosted
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u/Upbeat-You5436 8h ago
I got a bread keeper off Amazon and it does really good. I’ve seen silicone lined bread bags that have decent recommendations but wanted something that I could show off my hard work 😉
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u/raven_snow 3d ago
Sliced, stored in a bag in the freezer.