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How to freeze bread WITHOUT plastic?
In this article, you can find 6 ways to store homemade or store-bought bread, or bagels, without plastic.
Using some of the tricks, and ideas that I will share with you below, helped me to avoid food waste and to always have fresh bread on hand.
In the end, you can find an FAQ section, that will answer the following questions:
- What is the best way to keep homemade bread fresh?
- What is the best way to store bread for longer?
- How to freeze dough without plastic wrap?
- How to defrost bread from the freezer?
- How to buy plastic-free bread?
Now, let’s begin!
How to freeze bread without plastic:
- Beeswax/Wax wrap
- Paper bag
- Baking parchment paper
- Silicone baggies
- Cotton bag
- Tupperware container
1. Beeswax/Wax wrap
I wasn’t sure if I can freeze wax wraps, but after a bit of digging, I found that they can be placed in the freezer.
Wax wraps are a fantastic tool to keep your food fresh, and the best part is that you can store them in the freezer, up to a month.
So, whenever you have extra bread, wrap it in a wax wrap and pop it in the freezer.
Wax wrap options (links to Earth Hero):
1) Reusable beeswax bread wrap – This is a standard one, that most people use for bread.
2) Plant-based wax wraps – This is a second option that is ideal for vegans, too.
They come in different shapes, and depending on the size, the price will vary between ~ $7 – $20.
They are reusable, so if you take good care of them, you can use them for years.
Remember to always hand wash them in COLD water.
Don’t wash them with hot water and don’t put them in the washing machine!
2. Paper bag
You can put bread in a paper bag, and store it in the freezer with no worries.
It is best to use/reuse paper bags you already have at home, instead of buying new ones.
Paper items aren’t sustainable if you are treating them as single-use items.
So, this option is okay, but once you finish all of the paper bags, it’s best to start freezing your bread differently.
3. Baking parchment paper
Most people have baking parchment paper at home, which is an accessible way to freeze bread without plastic.
You can wrap a few slices of the bread or the whole loaf.
4. Silicone baggies
These are amazing for freezing, and a lot of people seem to enjoy using them.
You can find bigger silicone bags, that will possibly fit a whole loaf of bread.
However, if you can’t find big silicone baggies (or you already bought small sizes), you don’t have to buy new bigger ones. Just cut the loaf into smaller pieces, and then freeze.
Silicone baggies that I can recommend:
- Stasher bags – Stasher bags are having different sizes, like half-gallon or smaller “sandwich size.” (links to EarthHero)
5. Cotton bag
Another straightforward method is to use a cotton bag. You can reuse the cotton bag over and over, and wash it between uses.
In case you don’t have one, freeze the bread in a dish towel or use a cotton t-shirt or other fabric and cut it in size, that will fit a whole loaf.
Cotton bread bags:
- Organic cotton bread bag
- Reusable dishcloth
- Cotton pillowcases – I’ve seen people using cotton pillowcases, but I never tried it.
- DIY – If you are into sewing, you can DIY a bread bag. This tutorial will show you how:
6. Tupperware container
In case you already have some Tupperware containers, you can use it also for freezing your bread. If the box is smaller, cut the bread into slices.
You can use plastic or glass containers.
Reusable containers:
- Plastic Tupperware container – It’s best to use it if you already have it.
- Glass Tupperware container – If you don’t have any, it’s best to invest in a reusable glass container, like this awesome one from EarthHero.
FAQ:
What is the best way to keep homemade bread fresh?
There are a few ways that will ensure the freshness of your bread.
- Wrap the bread in a cloth bag or towel – If you are concerned about losing the moisture of the bread, wrap it in another layer of cloth.
- Keeping it in a drawer helps – After it’s wrapped in a cloth bag, you can store it in an airtight tin, or directly in a drawer.
- Wrap the bread in a wax wrap – These wraps are a magical way to keep ANY food fresh for longer!
What is the best way to store bread for longer?
A wax wrap (beeswax or soy wax wrap) is probably the best way to keep your bread for the longest!
It works great because it holds the moisture, so the bread doesn’t dry out quickly.
It is also airtight, yet it allows the bread to “breath.” And last but not least, wax wraps are antimicrobial, so that extends the shelf life of the bread.
How to freeze dough without plastic wrap?
You can use silicone baggies such as these silicone bread kneading bags.
A regular silicone bag will work, too.
How to defrost bread from the freezer?
To defrost the bread, take it out of the freezer and leave it on the counter for a few hours. If you need it sooner, you can bake it for 5-10 minutes, which will make the crust crispy, and the bread will be ready sooner.
How to buy plastic-free bread?
1 – Make your bread! – That’s not an option for everyone, but it’s a way to have healthy, plastic-free delicious bread any time you want.
2 – Buy from a bakery – Most bakeries are selling at least a few options of plastic-free bread. So buy from there, and bring a cotton reusable bag.
3 – Ask for paper – In case there aren’t any bakeries nearby, or if you forgot your reusable bag, ask them to put your bread in a paper bag (and then reuse it, perhaps to freeze bread in the future 🙂 ).
Did I miss a cool tip or idea about freezing bread without plastic?
Let me know in the comments below!
