There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into moldy bread, am I right? Yeah – it’s called a nightmare. If your bread has been molding quickly lately, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to stop bread from molding, such as storing it in the freezer or using different ingredients.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I am a bread fanatic. Sourdough toast for breakfast, pita bread for sandwiches at lunch, and garlic bread for dinner. Yes, please! I’m a lover of all kinds of bread, so naturally, I buy a lot. That’s why it was so important for me to figure out how to halt mold.
Nobody wants to see mold on their bread, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. If you’re ready to say sayonara to moldy bread for good, then you will want to know these tips and tricks on how to prevent bread from molding below.
Let’s fight mold and enjoy bread, everyone!
Contents
How to Keep Bread from Molding
First things first – there are a lot of ways to keep bread from molding, so stick with me here, bread lovers.
I will also be honest from the get-go: store-bought bread will last longer and fend off mold longer than homemade bread due to the preservatives. Darker bread (like rye) tends to stave off mold longer than lighter bread (such as French bread).
Oh, and let’s be clear – all bread is going to mold at some point. None of these methods are meant to keep your bread alive and well for years. However, they will fend off mold longer than the few days you might be getting currently.
Method 1: Proper Countertop Storage
Storage is going to be a game-changer for keeping your bread from molding.
A lot of people will simply toss their bread onto the counter and not think twice. Okay, that’s fine, but why not give your bread some special treatment?
The best place for your bread is in a bread box. You can go rustic and charming or give your kitchen some industrial oomph with a bread box. Either way, bread boxes create the ideal environment for soft bread that’s mold-free.
If you don’t have room for a bread box, there are a few other options:
- Brown paper bag
- Clean tea towel
- Cloth bag
If you’re using one of these storage options, ensure that the bread is kept in a cool and dark location away from heat and light. You can find cozy bread spots on your countertop or toss them into your cabinet, pantry, or deep drawer.
Do not use plastic bags. Plastic bags are going to create a suitable environment for mold: humidity and moisture. I’d prefer you leave your bread entirely uncovered than opt for a plastic bag!
Method 2: Stick in the Fridge
Does refrigerating bread prevent mold? Some people might gasp when they see this method, and I don’t blame them. Storing bread in the refrigerator has long been thought of as a bread crime. It’s like putting your bread on a train to stale-ville.
But hear me out. With proper storage, you can store your bread in the fridge. It’s certainly not the best way to keep bread from molding, but it will work for fending off mold. Plus, if it ends up stale, you can still toast it or warm it in the oven to make it taste great again. Why not!?
To store your bread in the fridge, make sure that you let all of the air escape from the bag. Then, use the twist-tie provided to you to twist it shut. (Yes, that means you need to get used to not throwing away the twist-tie that comes with every loaf of bread).
Method 3: Freeze It!
This is absolutely, 100% my favorite method for storing bread and keeping it from molding. The freezer is no place for mold. It simply won’t grow there.
By storing it in the freezer, your only fear is that it could get a freezer burn. But with longevity of up to three months, you should be able to eat it before that happens.
When storing in the freezer, you can leave your loaf whole or slice it into pieces. Personally, I enjoy slicing the bread before freezing it. That way, you can take out as many slices as you need and leave the rest safe, sound, and mold-free in the freezer.
To store in the freezer, wrap the bread tightly with cling wrap and aluminum foil. Then, place it in a thick freezer bag. These three steps will ensure that your bead (store-bought or homemade) remains moist, delicious, and, most importantly, free from freezer burn.
Method 4: Play Around With the Recipe
Are you making homemade bread? There is nothing quite like a fresh loaf right out of the oven. Unfortunately, homemade bread simply does not last as long as store-bought due to the lack of preservatives. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, though.
While many of the above tips will work well when it comes to keeping your bread from molding, there is one special trick I want to share with you: try playing around with the recipe to discourage mold.
How? There are three ways to do this:
- Add extra flour to create a denser bread that presents a challenge for mold to grow.
- Use more acidic ingredients to fend off mold entirely
- Consider adding a natural preservative to your bread such as lecithin or lactic acid (cinnamon, garlic, and honey also work, but they will alter the flavor of your bread)
Oh, and here is one more tip: once your bread has cooled and you’re ready to start slicing it, start with the middle of the bread and work outwards. When you’ve cut out some of the bread, push the halves together. This way, the bread is somewhat still “intact” and won’t present itself to mold.
FAQs
When it comes to keeping mold away from your bread, it really comes down to how it’s stored. The best way is in the freezer. Do you still have some questions about moldy bread? Then take a look at these frequently asked questions.
Where is the best place to store bread?
The absolute best place to store bread is anywhere that is cool and dry. This could be in a bread box, on the countertop in a brown paper bag, or in a clean tea towel in the kitchen cabinet.
Does a breadbox keep bread from molding?
Yes. Bread boxes keep humidity out of the box, which is essential for mold growth. It also allows just the right amount of air circulation so that the bread can stay nice and fresh.
What is the best container to keep bread fresh?
Many containers can keep bread fresh, but bread boxes are the favorite, no matter the style. You can also use bread bags, cloth bags, clean tea towels, or even an airtight container to keep bread fresh. Just place it in a cold, dry, and dark location!
Final Thoughts
Nobody wants a slice of moldy bread; yuck! Luckily, with proper storage and special treatment, you can keep your bread from molding. My favorite place for bread is in the freezer because it lasts the longest, and there is no chance of molding.
How do you keep your bread from molding?
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