Because of the long-fermenting process, sourdough bread is naturally more shelf-stable than yeasted bread. The natural acidity of sourdough discourages the growth of bacteria and mold. However, the outer crust can become hard over time, so here are some tips for maintaining the ideal texture.
The goal in storing sourdough is to keep the outside crusty and the inside soft. Keep in mind that you want to let the bread “breathe,” so avoid airtight storage options. Some ideas for breathable bread storage:
- Wrap loaf in 1-3 tea towels and store on the counter or in a bread box at room temperature
- Leave loaf out on a cutting board or plate, cut side down, with the rest of the loaf covered by a tea towel
- Place loaf in a linen or cotton bread bag
- Wrap loaf in a tea towel and place inside a brown paper bag
Storing in a resealable plastic bag or other airtight container will yield a soft outer crust (possibly even soggy). Sourdough is known for its crusty outer layer, but if you prefer a softer crust, storing it in plastic is okay. However, beware of moisture that may lead to mold growth.
Always store sourdough at room temperature. Avoid storing bread in the fridge; the cool, dry environment will cause the loaf to quickly become too hard.
If you find that your loaf has dried out, you can revive it by sprinkling a little bit of water on the outer crust (just enough to make it slightly damp). Place the loaf in a 250° oven for 5-10 minutes until it becomes warm. Watch it closely so that it does not become too dried out.
Additionally, you can still enjoy sourdough that has dried out and/or hardened by spreading butter on a slice and toasting it, making a grilled cheese sandwich, French toast, croutons, breadcrumbs. See my links page for more ideas!
Sourdough is best eaten within the first two days of baking. If you want to enjoy your loaf after the first two days, I recommend freezing it. To freeze, slice the bread first and then lay flat in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once the slices are frozen, remove them from the cookie sheet and place in a resealable bag or storage container. You can quickly thaw the frozen slices in a toaster, or you can allow the slices to thaw at room temperature.
Enjoy!