Best way to unfreeze bread?

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
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Since I live alone I can't manage to eat a whole loaf of bread on my own before it expires, which is usually only a couple days. So I freeze it. problem is any meals I make with it don't seem to taste as good. Is there a proper way to unfreeze bread to the point where i can then use it normally? I normally use it for toasts or grilled cheeze, so it's being cooked further anyway but if I do this from frozen it's not the same.

Is defrost in the Microwave the best way to go?
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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I just let it thaw out overnight and eat it the next day. Can't say I've ever noticed any flavor differences. Just make sure you aren't keeping it in the freezer so long that it gets freezer burnt.

Edit...

This assumes that you actually have the functional capacity to plan when you need more bread thawed....
 

dullard

Elite Member
May 21, 2001
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I really think on the counter is the best way. Take it out the day before you need it. This way, it won't get other flavors (what you get if you actively cook it to defrost), it won't get soggy (what you might get if you microwave it), and it won't get dried out (what you get if you put it in the fridge to defrost).
why bother freezing it at all?
just keep it in the fridge.
What if he doesn't want dried out crap bread? If so, he can't put it in the fridge.
 

aircooled

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Oct 10, 2000
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I put a couple frozen slices in a sandwich baggie and let it sit room temp for a while.
 

PepePeru

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Jul 21, 2005
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Thawed frozen bread is much "fresher" than any refrigerated bread.

Freeze vs refrigerate bread

it seems to be a moot point if the bread is stale, considering he's using it for toast & grilled cheese.

I keep a loaf in the freezer, one in the fridge, when the fridge is nearly gone I move the frozen one to the fridge to let it thaw.

I can't tell a difference.
 

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
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For Italian rolls, my dad's method has been the best. Put the roll in the toaster oven, set it to 500 deg. Wait for the heating element to turn all the way orange, then turn the oven off. Let the roll sit in there for 5 mins. It'll be as it should on the outside and inside.

Of course, this may vary depending on your toaster oven, but it's worth a couple of tries to get it right.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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For breads that are meant to be eaten "fresh", I'd thaw it in the fridge. That'll bring the temperature up slowly, and there won't be any moisture issues. For toast or grilled cheese, it doesn't matter. Thaw it in the toaster or something.
 

AznAnarchy99

Lifer
Dec 6, 2004
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Microwave for 30 seconds and toaster afterwards on low temp for 5. Thats what i do for baguette bread otherwise it gets hard quick.
 

griffinol

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Mar 25, 2008
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Pretty much what others have said. I've tried them all and the best method is to plan a bit ahead and thaw them out in the original frozen bag on the counter overnight.

Tastes pretty close to the original flavors as long as you don't have freezer burn. I also use the freezer bags, which helps with freezer burn.
 

Red Squirrel

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May 24, 2003
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Sounds like leaving it thaw in room temp is best Oh and is it thaw or unthaw? I always get that mixed up, lot of people say unthaw, so I always thought thaw means to freeze something.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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...Oh and is it thaw or unthaw? I always get that mixed up, lot of people say unthaw, so I always thought thaw means to freeze something.

Thaw. There's so such word as unthaw, but if there were, your logic would be correct.
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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Did anyone read this as best way to unfreeze a bead?

I mean given the top of the search cloud, cold weather, people broken down and alone in cars with only foreplay to generate heat once the car runs out of gas...
 

bobdole369

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2004
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Bread should come apart by itself even if frozen. Take that piece of bread and lay it on the counter. It will be unfrozen in minutes. Microwaving leads to sogginess, and toaster/oven leads to toast. If you start spreading peanut butter on frozen bread it'll be defrosted by the time you are done.