How Do You Store Your Bread?
I recently had way too much fun researching countertop bread storage. I know. I love my job for so many reasons, but one of the best things about being a professional organizer is that I get to spend a lot of time thinking about things like this. And you’d be surprised how complicated and personal this decision can actually be! Bread needs to be stored carefully (especially when splurging on a $12 loaf), and yet it has to be balanced with a method that incorporates both style and functionality.
Are bread boxes the best way to store bread?
Bread boxes are SO freakin cool. But coolness aside, will they work for you?
A well made bread box (with air circulation holes) is a great choice for bread longevity. However, for many kitchens, there are two potential issues: 1. Can your countertop handle a big bread box without it totally taking over your space? and 2. Will it be too visually overwhelming for your kitchen?
Here are four pictures of the same steel bread box, from Yamazaki Home. This is such a beautiful example of how a large bread box can functionally hold a lot, yet still not overwhelm the space. A big solid rectangle can add a lot of visual bulk, which is why I usually recommend one that matches the wall and/or counter color (so that it doesn’t completely take over). This box in white with clean lines can match many kitchens. It comes in black too, which would work with dark countertops and walls, or would make a statement with a pop of contrasting color.
I love that it’s organized here as a full toast station, complete with spreads! When it’s closed up it fades into the kitchen. It can hold a white (or black) microwave or toaster on top as pictured, and it looks seamless, adding storage without too much visual weight.
Where to buy: Yamakazi Home
Here are four more smaller bread box options and because of their color, size and/or curvy lines of the roll down box, are more minimal and less “boxy”. Isn’t the bread drawer neat? Easily create it with the top insert in an existing drawer - a great countertop-saving substitute for a box.
Where to buy: box 1, box 2, box 3, bread drawer
What are other bread storage options?
Depending on your space, you can use almost any type of vessel. A big bowl of just about any material can work great, and as long as it isn’t packed too tightly can give enough room for airflow. I use a vintage souffle dish that I bought at an antique shop. For bagged sliced bread, I keep it minimal on my countertop and leave back up loaves in my pantry. My son eats PB and J constantly and I don’t have the counter space for that much bread! This one from Food52 is sort of a bread bowl-meets-box. The curves and texture give it interest while not looking too overwhelming.
Because of my time owning a store that sells wonderful bread from Acme Bread in Berkeley, I have a lot of ideas about keeping bread fresh. My best advice, particularly if you don’t have room for a bread box (but good to know even if you do), is to enjoy your loaf the day that it’s baked and slice any remaining into toaster-sized slices. Store the slices in ziploc bags in the freezer and toast them as needed. You can let frozen bread thaw if you don’t want toast, but I find it can get too soggy. You can also wrap a whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze and then put in a 325 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes. Bonus tip - this is an awesome idea for Thanksgiving dinner since most bakeries don’t bake bread that morning!
If you don’t want to freeze (and toast) your bread, my favorite way to preserve fresh bread is to eat what you like and then put it cut side down on a cutting board. You can also cover the end with the heel and store in a paper bag.
A few other bread storage tips:
Bread that comes in paper should stay in paper. Sliced bread that comes in plastic can stay in plastic.
Always keep bread from getting too warm - do not store on top of the refrigerator, close to the stove, dishwasher or in the sun.
San Franciscans rejoice! Sourdough bread lasts the longest. It is more acidic and the has highest tolerance for mold.
Well, that’s all you knead to know about bread storage! Hey, at least I saved the puns until the end. 🙂
