The Best Bread Bags For Homemade Bread

And The Best Bread Bags For Homemade Bread Are?

[Updated 1 April 2023]There are some quite heated debates on how to keep homemade bread fresh, both how to store it and then if bags are your choice, which are the best bread bags for homemade bread – yep, there are quite a few options!

Delaying the inexorably oncoming staleness even by a day is a much sought after answer, further confused by different breads needing different care.

The truth is I don’t really have this problem, home-baked loaves don’t last long enough to go stale and if I want to make bread pudding or whiz some breadcrumbs up in the blender, a separate and sneakily hidden loaf has to be baked first – no joking, freshly baked out of the bread machine it vanishes faster than snow in sunshine and leaves less trace behind it!

However, you have to put freshly baked bread somewhere, even if it gets removed and eaten in short order – so what do I do with mine?

Home baked or artisan loaves generally have a crusty exterior swiftly rendered soggy by plastic, so good advice is to not use plastic bags other than for soft crusted sandwich loaves unless as discussed below you want to give a loaf as a gift.

If the bread comes out first thing in the morning, it cools enough to cut by breakfast and any left over after that joins the second loaf in making sandwiches for pack-ups.

If I know it’ll be used within a few hours then oftentimes it gets wrapped in a clean dry linen towel – this allows it to breathe without getting hard on the corners and dry where you’ve already cut it.

When baked in the evening the loaf or loaves are cool by bedtime and they go into a bread bag like this one, or a paper bag if I’ve run out – by the way, there’s a reason for not having enough of them.

Keeping in mind you’ll need one bag per expected loaf  I initially got four, allowing for two in use plus two being washed and dried. Then watched as my elderly frail mom and cheeky sister removed one each from the draw!

If the end has been cut for any reason the exposed end gets covered by a plastic bag or a little film wrap to keep it moist and fresh, of course, you can put the cut-off crust against the open end. If you haven’t eaten it.

The Gift Of Bread

There are times – usually around Christmas or when a neighbor has done a favor – or simply needs a bit of TLC, you want to bake a loaf and put it in a suitable bag for giving as a gift. When we moved home and had no power at first, the nicest present was a loaf of bread from one of the new neighbors and I’ve paid that forward many times since.

There are absolutely loads of plastic bread bags to choose from on Amazon and they are inexpensive enough to buy, usually being sold by the 50 or 100 pack with ties – alternatively you could use plain cotton bags which are useful for a mind-boggling number of things, including keeping socks together in the wash – personally I do keep the bread bags apart from the sock bags…

For a gift use fabric coloring pens to draw or write a personal message – even better get the kids to do it, honestly, they are amazing at this sort of thing. Besides, the plain cotton bags come in packs so you’ve always got spares!

Stelton Range Of Bread Bags

For storing and serving sourdough or soda bread which I tend to bake as a round loaf, I found The Stelton.

This delicious lime green round bread bag is made from soft canvass and also doubles up as an elegant serving bowl especially for outdoor eating in the summer. By the way, you can find a sourdough starter recipe here and one of two sourdough loaf recipes here – they link to each other, both use a bread machine to make the dough and you finish it in the oven.

Smaller than I thought, it will still easily take a large home baked loaf from the bread machine or a single round loaf from the oven – brilliant for rolls and it keeps them crisp and still warm on the table if you fold the flaps over.

These do have one big advantage in that you can serve bread outdoors without any of the usual hassles. Fold the flap over and the Stelton will keep any bread warm, crusty and away from bugs!

Stelton has a range of awesome canvas bread bags in several different colors – take a look and check prices here.

Though I personally love it, the linen bag above is a more practical solution for most folks who have a standard rectangular loaf.

Other Top Bread Storing Tips

When bread first comes out of the oven or bread machine it needs time to properly cool down and not just the outside. I know, it’s difficult to resist but you must! As the bread cools on the outside through to the inside, excess moisture moves through the bread and out –that’s the steam rising when you first take it out.

Though you may not see steam after an hour, water vapor is still there and coming out, so let it cool right through. I would never store bread in the refrigerator because changes in the chemistry of bread, which basically means changes in the molecules, are accelerated by refrigeration.

Those moved around molecules can be re-aligned by reheating bread in the oven, but you have to eat up fast because after that it’ll go stale even faster, within half an hour is not unknown for home-baked bread and artisan loaves.

Freezing Fresh Bread

Historically, freezing bread was not something I could ever bring myself to do other than breadcrumbs, because of that freezer odor – every time I froze bread even in zip bags, it ended up getting tossed out, that whiff of old ice and food is just too much.

Since buying a food vacuum sealer, those times have changed. Removing all the air and getting a totally airtight seal has completely removed the revolting whiffy freezer problem.

Good advice is to slice bread prior to freezing as it isn’t always easy after thawing, I’d pop it in the oven briefly too, just for 5 – 10 minutes at medium heat to bring it back to life, but as mentioned above, eat up fast. By the way, you can read more about food vacuum sealers here in another post.

Well, that’s it, my take on the best bread bags for homemade bread if you want to keep it properly fresh for a few days. Of course, if you know a better way, I’d love to hear from you and so would thousands of bread aficionados!

6 Plastic-Free Methods to Freeze and Keep Bread Fresh

How to freeze bread without plastic?

In today’s world, where we strive to reduce our plastic consumption and make more sustainable choices, finding alternatives for everyday activities is becoming increasingly important. One such task is freezing bread, a common practice to extend its shelf life and minimize waste. However, traditional methods often involve plastic bags or wraps, contributing to the global plastic pollution problem. If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives to freeze your bread without relying on plastic, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore techniques and solutions to freeze bread effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Let’s delve into the world of plastic-free bread freezing and discover sustainable options to keep your loaves fresh and delicious.

Here is plastic free methods to freeze and keep Bread Fresh

 1. Reusable Beeswax/Wax Wrap

Our product is a reusable beeswax/wax wrap that serves as a sustainable and eco-friendly substitute for single-use plastic wraps. Made from all-natural ingredients, including organic beeswax, jojoba oil, and cotton fabric, our beeswax/wax wrap offers a versatile and practical solution for food storage. With its unique properties, this innovative wrap molds to the shape of your food, creating a secure seal that keeps your fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and snacks fresh for longer. Say goodbye to wasteful plastic wrap and join the movement towards a greener future with our beeswax/wax wrap, the perfect addition to any eco-conscious kitchen.

2. Paper Bag

The humble paper bag has been ubiquitous and practical for generations, symbolizing convenience and versatility. With its origins dating back centuries, the paper bag has evolved from a primary container for goods into an essential tool for various purposes in our modern society. Paper bag plays a vital role in our daily lives, from carrying groceries and lunchboxes to serving as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. This paper explores the paper bag’s history, versatility, and environmental impact, highlighting its enduring significance in an ever-changing world. By delving into its past and examining its present-day applications, we can better appreciate the enduring legacy of this simple yet invaluable invention.

3. Baking Parchment Paper

Baking parchment paper, also known as baking or parchment paper, is essential in every kitchen. With its versatile and non-stick properties, this thin and translucent paper has revolutionized how we bake and cook. Whether you’re a professional pastry chef or an enthusiastic home baker, baking parchment paper provides a convenient and efficient way to ensure your baked goods come out perfectly every time. Parchment paper is a versatile kitchen tool used to line baking sheets and cake pans and create packets for delicate food. Both novice and experienced cooks rely on it. Let’s explore baking parchment paper’s numerous benefits and uses, elevating your culinary creations to new heights of excellence.

4. Silicone Baggies 

Silicone baggies have become an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags, revolutionizing how we store and preserve food. These versatile and reusable bags are made from high-quality silicone, a non-toxic and durable material that offers numerous benefits for the environment and our daily lives. Silicone baggies have become a sustainable solution for food storage, meal prepping, and on-the-go snacking with their airtight seal, easy-to-clean surface, and wide range of sizes. Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags and embrace the practicality and sustainability of silicone baggies, a modern kitchen essential.

5. Cotton Bag

A versatile, eco-friendly cotton bag is a game-changer in sustainable fashion and responsible consumerism. As the demand for environmentally conscious alternatives continues to rise, the cotton bag emerges as a reliable companion for everyday life, combining style, durability, and a commitment to reducing plastic waste. Whether heading to the grocery store, hitting the gym, or simply strolling through town, this iconic accessory showcases your commitment to a greener future. It offers a practical solution for carrying your essentials. Join the movement and embrace the cotton bag as a symbol of sustainability and fashion-forward thinking.

6. Tupperware container

The Tupperware container is a popular storage solution found in kitchens worldwide. It has revolutionized the way people store food. This iconic container has transformed how we store and preserve our leftovers, snacks, and meal prep by keeping them fresh and organized. With its innovative airtight seals, durable construction, and convenient stackable design, the Tupperware container has stood the test of time as a trusted companion for all your food storage needs. Whether packing lunch for work, storing leftovers in the fridge, or organizing your pantry, the Tupperware container is the go-to choice for keeping your food fresher for longer. Discover the Tupperware container’s unmatched quality and versatility and revolutionize how you store your food today.

FAQs

Q1. What are bread bags for homemade bread?

Bread bags for homemade bread are specially designed plastic bags that store and protect homemade bread. They help maintain the freshness and quality of the bread for a more extended period.

Q2. Why should I use bread bags for homemade bread?

Bread bags offer several benefits. They help retain the bread’s moisture, preventing it from drying quickly. They also protect the bread from exposure to air and other contaminants, keeping it fresh and reducing the risk of mold growth. Additionally, bread bags make it easier to transport and store homemade bread.

Q3. Can I use regular plastic bags instead of bread bags for homemade bread?

While you can use regular plastic bags to store homemade bread, bread bags are specifically designed for this purpose and offer better moisture retention and protection. Bread bags often have micro-perforations that allow excess moisture to escape while keeping the bread fresh.

Q4. How do I use a bread bag for homemade bread?

Using a bread bag is simple. Slide it into the bread bag once your homemade bread has cooled completely. To seal the bag tightly, twist the open end. You can secure the twist with a bread clip or tie it with a twist tie to maintain the freshness.

Q5. Where can I buy bread bags for homemade bread?

Bread bags for homemade bread can be found at kitchen supply stores, online retailers, or specialty baking stores. They are usually sold in packs and come in different sizes to accommodate various bread loaf sizes.

Q6. Can I reuse bread bags for homemade bread?

It is possible to reuse bread bags for homemade bread if they are in good condition and have been thoroughly cleaned. However, it’s essential to ensure the bags are dehydrated and free from crumbs or residues to avoid the risk of mold or contamination.

Q7. How should I store bread bags for homemade bread?

It’s best to store bread bags in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight when not in use. Before storing, clean and remove any food debris from the items to ensure they remain usable.

Q8. Can I freeze bread in bread bags for homemade bread?

Yes, bread bags are suitable for freezing homemade bread. Ensure the bread is completely cooled before placing it in the bag, and then store it in the freezer. The bag will help protect the bread from freezer burn and maintain its quality.

Q9.  Are bread bags for homemade bread recyclable?

The recyclability of bread bags depends on the type of plastic they are made from. Some bread bags are made from recyclable plastic, but others may only be accepted by some recycling programs. Check the recycling guidelines in your area or contact your local recycling facility to determine if bread bags can be recycled.

Q10. Can I use bread bags for other baked goods?

While bread bags are mainly intended for storing homemade bread, you can also use them for keeping other baked goods like rolls, bagels, or pastries. Ensure that the bread bag size is appropriate for the item you want to store.

Conclusion

Best bread bags for homemade bread is crucial for any avid baker. These specialized bags play a significant role in preserving your bread’s freshness, texture, and flavor, ensuring that your hard work and dedication are maintained until the last slice.

When searching for the ideal bread bag, it is essential to prioritize certain features. Look for bags made from food-grade materials, ensuring they are safe for storing food. Additionally, opt for bags with excellent moisture resistance to prevent the bread from becoming stale or soggy. The bag’s thickness and durability are also vital, protecting against air and physical damage.

Furthermore, the convenience of the bread bag should be noticed. Bags with easy-to-use closures, such as twist ties or resealable options, can make storing and accessing your bread a hassle-free experience.

Lastly, consider the size of the bread bag to ensure it accommodates your bread loaf adequately, whether it’s a standard-sized loaf or a larger artisanal creation. Properly fitting bags help maintain the bread’s shape and prevent unnecessary exposure to air.

By carefully selecting the best bread bag for your homemade bread, you can prolong its freshness and extend its shelf life, allowing you and your loved ones to enjoy every bite of your delicious creations. Invest in high-quality bread bags, and savor the satisfaction of perfectly preserved homemade bread every time you reach for a slice.