How to Store Sourdough to Keep it Fresh

In this post, I explain how to store sourdough bread to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here are 9 EASY ways for you to keep your homemade sourdough from going stale so quickly!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission when you buy something, but at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure for more details.

How to Store Sourdough

If you have ever baked bread at home, you should know how to store it properly. Honestly, nothing tastes quite as good as a loaf of fresh sourdough bread with some butter, (especially if it’s churned butter). The last thing you want is for it to stale before you have a chance to enjoy it. 

After you put time, effort, and love into baking it, I am sure you want to do everything you can to keep it fresh for as long as possible. 

Here are my 9 favorite, tried-and-true ways to store freshly baked bread. Of course, there are other methods in addition to these, but I have the best results with these.

Of course, it’s always going to taste the best when you enjoy it on the same day you make it. However, if you won’t finish your bread in a day, here are the best ways to store sourdough bread on your kitchen counter.

Linen Bread Bag

This is actually my favorite method. The linen allows some air flow while absorbing some moisture.

You can either make a linen bread bag or purchase a cloth bread bag online. You can also simply wrap your sourdough loaf in a tea towel.

Paper Bags

This is what a lot of bakeries do: they put their loaves of bread in a tall paper bag. You can invest in brown paper bags. Feel free to reuse them, assuming they are still clean. 

Stoneware Crock

Another great option is to store sourdough bread in a stoneware crock. I love using the very one that my grandparents used all the time.

Keeping sourdough in a stone crock allows for some air circulation, which prevents mold spores from settling on the loaf.

Note: Be sure to place sourdough in the crock with the cut side face down. 

If you use a stone crock, I recommend you wash the inside with a white vinegar solution about once a week and dry it very well. That way you will get ahead of any mold growth.

Bread Box

A traditional bread box might be a bit more accommodating to different shapes of bread. On the other hand, it takes up more real estate on your kitchen counter. 

However, I recommend treating it just like a stone crock: rinse it with a white vinegar solution about once a week. Then be sure to thoroughly dry it before placing your bread inside. 

There are so many beautiful choices when it comes to bread boxes! You can find a bread box on amazon or Etsy. 

Beeswax Wrap

Of all the ways to store sourdough bread to keep it fresh, this is the one I use the least. However, I do want to mention it since it is a good one. 

You can easily make a linen beeswax wrap in the size you need, or purchase one online. Storing bread in a beeswax wrap or bag will keep it fresh just as well as in a stone crock or bread box. 

Storing Sourdough in an Oven

This is a controversial storage option, but hear me out!

The real estate on my kitchen counter is precious. Therefore, I don’t normally use a stone crock or bread box. 

I wrap my bread in a linen bread bag, then store it in my oven. That works for me since I am pretty much the only person in my house who uses the oven. If I do want to use my oven, I always remember to remove the bread from it before preheating it. 

Note: If there are other people who cook and use the oven in your house, this may not be a practical method for you. 

Just like with keeping a sourdough starter in the oven with the light on, I have heard many stories of baked sourdough starters and charred loaves of bread. Oops! So you decide whether this method makes sense for you and your household or not!

Freezing Sourdough Bread

If you know that you will not be able to enjoy your loaf within a few days, it is a good idea to store it in the freezer. 

Freezing Slices of Bread

If you live in a small household or just want a slice of bread here and there, it is best to slice bread before freezing. You can then just take individual slices out and thaw them, or toast them in your toaster. 

I recommend you tightly wrap your bread in a heavy-duty freezer bag or place it in an airtight container. 

That way it will keep in the freezer for about XXX months. 

Freezing Whole Loaves of Sourdough Bread

Sometimes, freezing an entire loaf of bread is the best option. Either because you want to keep it for a long time, or because you have a larger family and will use it up pretty quickly once thawed. 

For the best results, freeze a loaf of sourdough bread while it is still slightly warm. Wrap it tightly in a plastic bag, plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. 

To thaw, either place the frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight, or leave it in the storage container at room temperature on the counter.

Refrigeration

This is another controversial storage option. There are a lot of people who will tell you not to store sourdough bread in the refrigerator. Their argument is that it makes bread stale and dry.

While I agree that it is not the optimal method, it is actually one that I use quite often. I’d rather have bread that is a bit on the stale side than to have moldy sourdough! 

You see, I am the only one in my family who eats whole-grain sourdough bread. Therefore, I refrigerate it after a few days. Usually, I can keep my bread in my oven longer in the winter. In the warm summer, I move my bread to the fridge on day 3 or so. 

Before refrigerating the bread, be sure that it is completely cool, then place it in an airtight plastic bag.

Watch the Video: How to Store Sourdough

Which Breads Keep the Longest?

Did you know that not all breads are created equal? These are the main types of bread:

• Sourdough: Our grandparents knew that sourdough bread keeps fresh the longest. The acidity and good bacteria in a loaf of sourdough bread discourage unwanted organisms.

• Yeast breads: Loaves of traditional yeast bread will stay fresh for a few days on the counter.

• Quick breads: If you bake bread with baking powder or baking soda (think Irish Soda Bread or even scones or muffins), I highly recommend eating it as soon as possible. It is actually best on the day you bake it but will keep longer if you store it in the fridge or freezer. 

Store-bought bread will often last the longest, as food manufacturers are allowed to add certain preservatives that they may or not have to declare.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

Shop This Post

• Bread Box
• Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Stoneware Crock
• Linen Bread Bag
• Brown Paper Bags
• Beeswax Wrap
• Ilve Nostalgie Stove
• Bread Knife
• Loaf Pan

Pin For Later