Buzz
There are many methods to revive a stale loaf, from rubbing it with ice cubes to wrapping it in foil. But here’s one of the easiest: run it under a stream of water before baking it in the oven.
This method for rejuvenating bread comes from the editors at BuzzFeed Life, who got the idea from Rochelle Bilow, an editor at Bon Appétit.
Run the bread under water... whether hot or cold. Try to position the loaf so the crust is close to the faucet, though it's fine if the inside gets wet. Pop it into the oven on the "warm" setting, or set it to 300–325 degrees. Six to seven minutes should do the job unless the loaf is thoroughly soaked, then aim for 10 to 12 minutes. The water turns into steam, which moistens the interior, while the heat crisps the crust.
We love this idea because many other methods only work somewhat. Microwaving it often makes the bread too soft; adding a stalk of celery to the bread bag can impart a strong celery smell. Not everyone has ice or foil, but water is always available and effective.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Siegel.
