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Learn how to best store, freeze, and reheat your challah with these easy tips
If you love to eat challah bread, but have a hard time making it last long enough for you to finish the loaf, here are some helpful tips! Whether you plan to eat your challah bread in a week or a month, I'll share tips for how to extend the shelf life. Plus, a few different ways you can reheat challah to restore the texture.
How To Store Challah
There are a few different ways to store challah bread to extend the shelf life. It all depends on how quickly you plan on eating it:
If you plan to eat the challah within 2-7 days: Seal the challah in an air-tight ziplock or bread bag. Really make sure all the air has been pushed out so you can retain the moisture in the bread. Keep at room temperature for up to 7 days.
If you plan to eat the bread in the next week - 3 months: Freeze your challah. First, wrap the challah in a layer of plastic wrap making sure all parts of the bread are sealed. Then, place the challah in an air-tight ziplock or bread bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you're making homemade challah, be sure the loaf or rolls have fully cooled before sealing the bread up.
How To Reheat Challah Bread
There are a few ways to reheat challah bread:
If your challah bread is frozen: First, defrost the challah by removing from the freezer and placing it on the counter at room temperature (leave it wrapped). The challah bread should begin to thaw and soften within a couple of hours. Then, choose one of the reheating methods below.
Reheat in the microwave: If you prefer a soft, moist piece of challah, use this method! Wet a paper towel until it is slightly damp (you don't want it dripping water). Next, wrap the paper towel around the slice or loaf of challah. Microwave for 30 - 60 seconds on high until the bread is soft and warm to the touch.
Reheat in the toaster oven: If you prefer a slightly crunchy, toasty piece of challah, use this method! Simply slice off a piece of the challah loaf, and toast until golden brown.
What Not To Do
There are a few things you'll want to avoid when storing your challah bread:
- Do not refrigerate challah bread. Many home cooks believe the fridge extends the life of bread. This is a myth. Refrigeration promotes staling of the bread.
- Do not loosely wrap the challah. We want to preserve the moisture in the challah. To do so, we need to tightly wrap the bread.
- Do not be tempted to waste challah. Even if you purchase or bake challah and realize you can't eat it right away, don't be tempted to waste it! Simply freeze the bread for later using the instructions listed above.
P.S. If you enjoy learning fun baking facts like these, sign up for my 10 secrets to instantly become a better baker. You're going to love this free guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, challah can last 2-4 days if left out at room temperature. However, if stored properly, you can extend the shelf life of your challah up to 7 days.
No! It's not recommended that you store fully cooked challah bread in the fridge. Refrigeration promotes staling.
It really depends on when you plan to eat the challah bread. If you're eating it within 2-7 days, store at room temperature. If you need to save the bread for a party or dinner down the line, freeze and reheat.
Yes, you can absolutely freeze challah bread. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. All you need to do is tightly wrap the challah loaf in plastic wrap, making sure all of the bread is fully sealed. Then, place the challah in an air-tight ziplock or bread bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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