Storage
A baked loaf placed in the refrigerator will stale much more quickly than one left at room temperature, so keep bread in a bread bin at room temperature for 1-2 days, wrapped in wax paper. White bread should keep for 3-5 days; speciality breads, especially those containing fruit or grains, will go mouldy more quickly. Bread loaves can be wrapped and frozen for up to three months. For longer-term storage, freezing is best.
Whether it is fully baked or part-baked, freeze baked bread as soon as it has cooled to avoid the crumb drying out. Wrap well, and slice first if that's more convenient. It won't harm the bread as long as it's been tightly wrapped. If serving bread that was frozen straight after baking and has only been frozen for up to a week, simply defrost it as usual. If the bread is slightly older then re-bake as follows:
To reheat fully baked frozen breads use the following times and temperatures as a guide, but always make sure the centre of the bread is piping hot when you remove the bread from the oven. For part-baked breads refer to the instructions on the packaging.
Flatbreads and pitta: 2-3 minutes at 220C/425F/Gas 7
Small rolls and bagels: 8-10 minutes at 220C/425F/Gas 7
Large rolls: 10-15 minutes at 220C/425F/Gas 7
Small baguettes: 10-15 minutes at 220C/425F/Gas 7
400g/14oz loaf: 25-30 minutes at 200C/390F/Gas 6
800g/1lb 12oz loaf: defrost first, then bake for 25 minutes at 200C/390F/Gas 6 to restore the crust; do not bake from frozen.