Buzz
Baguettes are best enjoyed on the day they're baked, which makes it tricky to stockpile them. However, a cheese platter is incomplete without some crispy bread, so I always keep a few on hand for last-minute gatherings or to satisfy a sudden craving. Fortunately, simple breads like baguettes freeze wonderfully.
By “simple,” I mean breads made with basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, or sourdough. Breads that are enriched with dairy or eggs don't freeze as well. You can freeze baguettes whole or in slices, but I prefer cutting them in half, so I can defrost only what I need without committing to making crostini.
How to freeze a baguette
Begin by cutting the baguette into pieces that will fit in your freezer. Mini baguettes can stay whole, but most standard-sized baguettes will need to be sliced in half (or quarters, depending on your freezer size).
Wrap each portion with two layers of plastic wrap, then place them into a large freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. (You can use the water displacement method for this.) If you own a vacuum sealer, that works even better.
For slices, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Then transfer them to a vacuum bag and seal, or place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before freezing.
Frozen baguettes can stay in the freezer for several months, but be cautious of freezer burn, which can change both the flavor and texture. If you notice large ice crystals, it's best to discard it.
How to defrost a frozen baguette
To thaw a whole or halved baguette, preheat your oven to 400℉, place the bread directly on the oven rack, and warm it for about six to eight minutes. For crostini, heat them in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 400℉ until they are warm and crispy. Serve immediately.
