With two growing boys at home, bread disappears quickly. From sandwich loaves to bagels and buns, it never lasts long. To save money and reduce waste, I buy bread on sale and freeze what we won’t use right away. Freezing bread is convenient, but when it’s done incorrectly, slices can turn dry, stiff, or covered in freezer burn.

Many people have pulled bread from the freezer only to find the slices frozen together or tasting stale. This usually happens when air gets trapped in storage bags or the bread freezes unevenly. Luckily, there’s a simple method that keeps bread fresh and makes it easy to remove only what you need.

Start as soon as you bring bread home. If it isn’t pre-sliced, slice it evenly while it’s fresh. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer without overlapping. Place the tray uncovered in the freezer for one to two hours. This quick pre-freeze step keeps the slices from sticking together later.

Once the slices are firm, transfer them into a resealable freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. For extra protection, you can double-bag the bread or wrap the bag in foil. Store it flat in the freezer so it’s easy to access.

When needed, remove a slice or two and return the rest immediately. Bread can thaw at room temperature in minutes or go straight into the toaster using the defrost setting. With a little preparation, frozen bread can stay soft, flavorful, and ready whenever you need it.