MY EASY TIPS TO FREEZE TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD
My easy tips to freeze traditional Irish soda bread.
Try my easy homemade bread recipe for this delicious no yeast bread and learn how to preserve it in order to enjoy it for longer!
Grab a cuppa and read on!
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Hello friends!
I hope you are all well after the Easter holidays.
We had a great couple of weeks, spending loads of time together as a family and enjoying outdoors activities whenever possible, and baking and watching movies when it rained or we were simply too tired to go out!
In my latest Youtube video I chat about all the lovely activities we did during the Easter holidays, and I show you how I make my version of the traditional Irish soda bread using a few simple ingredients my trusty cast iron skillet!
MORE SODA BREAD RECIPES…..
Get the step-by-step instructions to make my traditional Irish soda bread recipe here.
This hearty bread only uses a few simple basic ingredients such as:
- All purpose flour;
- Baking soda;
- Salt;
- Milk (or fresh buttermilk, or powdered buttermilk if you have it);
- White vinegar or lemon juice.
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EASY IRISH SODA BREAD RECIPE WITHOUT BUTTERMILK. CHAT WITH ME WHILE I BAKE.
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD?
Irish soda bread is a type of delicious bread that is popular in Ireland and is typically made with four main ingredients: flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and buttermilk. Some variations of the recipe may include additional ingredients such as raisins, currants, or caraway seeds.
Irish soda bread is often served as a side dish with meals such as a hearty stew and soup, and is a staple of Irish cuisine. You can enjoy all year, and not only for St. Patrick’s day!
You can have it plain, but I highly recommend you smother it in Irish butter and jam!
IRISH SODA BREAD RECIPE STORAGE
The very delicious Irish soda bread is best served and consumed on the first day.
However, if you are lucky enough to have some left over at the end of the day, make sure to wrap it well in a cotton towel or paper bag and store at room temperature for a couple of days.
Moreover, soda bread freezes well for up to 6 weeks.
Let’s look in detail how to store your homemade Irish soda bread!
Tips
If you do decide to try my easy recipe, make sure to follow the following tips in case you need to freeze any left over bread:
- Freeze the whole loaf if possible, as this will help in retaining its freshness and flavour better;
- Put the bread in the freezer as soon a possible after baking. Make sure the loaf has cooled down completely before that;
- Wrap the loaf in foil first, making sure to cover it completely. Place the wrapped soda bread in a freezer safe container if you can;
- If you can, allow the loaf to defrost overnight in the fridge. The slow thawing is best to retain freshness and texture;
- Do not refreeze thawed bread;
- Warm up the bread slightly before consuming it after defrosting. For that purpose, you can use your oven, or the toaster. Avoid the microwave if possible.
- Smother the warm bread with butter and jam!
How long does Irish soda bread keep?
As with regular homemade bread, traditional soda bread will only last for a couple of days, if you keep it at room temperature.
However, you can extend its shelf life using some of my easy tips to freeze traditional Irish soda bread!
What’s the best way to store Irish soda bread? Is it better to freeze or refrigerate bread?
As I always say, the best way to do something, is the way that works best for you!
Let’s look at your options.
If you think you will eat the whole loaf of bread in a day or two:
Simply put it in an airtight container, and keep it at room temperature, well away from direct heat and sunlight.
If you plan on finishing the loaf within a week:
If you are wondering whether you should keep soda bread in the fridge or not, the answer is yes, you should. That is, when you plan on eating it within a week.
Place the loaf in your airtight container and put it in the fridge. When you are ready to consume the soda bread, just take it out of the fridge and warm it up slightly, whether in your oven, microwave or in your toaster.
For long term storage:
In this case, your best option is to place the loaf in the freezer. In fact, when frozen, soda bread can last up to 6 weeks.
You can freeze the soda bread loaf whole, or slice it before hand.
Can soda bread be made ahead of time?
Whenever you have time to bake a fresh loaf of traditional Irish soda bread, you can easily make a few batches of the recipe, bake them, and freeze them for another day.
This is when learning how to store the loaves properly comes in handy!
Did you know?
While you can easily freeze a baked Irish soda bread loaf, it is best NOT TO freeze the dough.
For best results, always bake the soda bread dough fresh and store the cooked loaf instead!
MY EASY TIPS TO FREEZE TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD
In order to get the best results, it is always recommended to follow these simple steps:
- Let the loaf cool down completely;
- Wrap it tightly with tin foil;
- Place it in an airtight container;
- Add a label with “use by date”;
- Freeze the loaf;
- Defrost completely before consuming;
- Enjoy!
Let’s have a look at those steps in more detail!
HOW TO FREEZE IRISH SODA BREAD
Before placing the soda bread loaf in the fridge or in the freezer, allow it to cool completely after baking.
You can place the entire loaf in the freezer, or you can slice it before hand, for convenience.
If you decide to slice thew loaf, to prevent the slices from sticking together, you can place a layer of parchment paper between them.
Make sure to label the bag or container you use, in order to remember exactly what date you froze the loaf.
Consume within 6 weeks.
Does Freezing bread stop it going mouldy?
Freezing bread can help to prevent mold growth, as mold requires moisture to grow and multiply, and freezing reduces moisture levels in the bread. However, if the bread was already moldy before being frozen, the spores can survive the freezing process and continue to grow once the bread is thawed. Therefore, it’s important to freeze bread before it starts spoiling, and to keep it in airtight packaging to prevent moisture from entering.
Remember to always check the bread before consuming it. If it has developed a greenish colour or has mouldy spots, or if it smells “funny”, discard it immediately!
Do not take risks! It is better to be safe than sorry.
What is the best way to wrap bread for freezing?
The best way to wrap soda bread for freezing is to first let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to prevent any air from getting in. Alternatively, you can also use a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag to store the bread. It’s important to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture of the bread.
What is the best wrap for freezing bread?
The best wrap for freezing bread is either plastic wrap or aluminum foil. In fact, both materials provide a tight seal that helps to prevent air and moisture from getting in, which can cause freezer burn and affect the texture and taste of the bread. In particular, aluminum foil is a good option because it is airtight, moulds well to the shape and size of your loaf, and can help to insulate the bread, which can be particularly helpful for larger loaves.
Can you freeze bread in Tupperware?
Yes, you can freeze bread in Tupperware, or any plastic container that is freezer safe.
Although this step is not strictly necessary, it would help in preserving the bread better, as opposed to simply wrap the loaf into foil.
In fact, those containers can prevent freezer burn. Furthermore, they can prevent moisture affecting texture and taste of the bread.
Do not forget to label the container!
Does freezing bread keep it fresh?
Freezing bread can help keep it fresh for a longer period of time. Indeed, when bread is frozen, the growth of mold and bacterias is slowed down significantly. However, it’s important to note that freezing bread can affect its texture, and may cause it to become slightly dry or crumbly once it’s thawed. To minimize the impact on texture, it’s best to freeze bread as soon as possible after it’s baked, and to store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent moisture loss.
How do you defrost frozen soda bread?
To defrost frozen soda bread safely, you can follow these simple steps:
- Remove the bread from the freezer and take it out of its packaging.
- Place the bread on a plate to contain any moisture that may accumulate during defrosting.
- Allow the bread to defrost at room temperature for several hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you decide to thaw the bread in the fridge, once it is fully defrosted, you can bring it to room temperature by leaving it on the counter for a couple of hours before serving.
- You can reheat the soda bread if you prefer by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can slice the bread and toast it in a toaster.
It’s important to avoid thawing soda bread in the microwave or oven, as this can cause the bread to become dry and lose its texture.
Can you toast frozen soda bread?
Yes, you can toast frozen soda bread. In fact, toasting can be a great way to revive frozen bread and give it some extra flavor and texture. In addition to that, toasting can help to remove any excess moisture from the bread and enhance its yumminess!
To toast frozen soda bread, first thaw it in the refrigerator as described above. Once it’s thawed, you can slice the bread and place it in a toaster. Depending on your preference, you can toast it to your desired level of crispiness. You can also add toppings like butter or jam to the toast for extra flavor.
Does bread taste the same after freezing?
Irish soda bread may not taste exactly the same after freezing as it does when it’s fresh, but it can still be enjoyable and tasty.
Freezing can cause some changes in the texture and flavor of bread, such as a slightly drier or denser texture and a slightly blander flavor. However, if the bread is properly stored and thawed, the changes should be minimal and not significantly affect its taste. To help preserve the flavor and texture of frozen bread, you should freeze it as soon as possible after baking (once it has cooled down to room temperature), store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent moisture loss, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator.
How do you reheat frozen Irish soda bread?
As mentioned above, to reheat frozen Irish soda bread, you should first thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Once the bread is defrosted, there are a few different methods you can use to reheat it:
- Oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in the oven (using a baking sheet or tray) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Toaster: slice the bread and place it in a toaster. Toast it for a few minutes until it’s heated through and the crust is crispy.
- Microwave: this is not the best method as it can result in a soggy texture, but if you’re short on time, you can microwave the bread for 30 seconds to 1 minute on a low power setting. Make sure to check the bread frequently to avoid overheating.
Once the bread is heated through, you can serve it as is, or with a little bit of butter or jam. I recommend A LOT of butter and jam!
Can You Refreeze Soda Bread?
I would not recommend to refreeze soda bread or any other type of bread once it has been thawed.
When bread is frozen and then thawed, the ice crystals that form during freezing, will melt and can cause moisture to be released from the bread, which can lead to texture and flavor changes. As a result, refreezing the bread can cause additional damage to the bread, and make it even more prone to moisture loss and freezer burn.
Ideally, you should only thaw the amount of bread that you plan to use, and then store any leftover in the refrigerator for a few days or in a breadbox at room temperature for a day or two.
MY EASY TIPS TO FREEZE TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD: CONCLUSIONS
Dear reader I hope you will try my recipe for classic Irish soda bread.
This type of quick bread recipe is really easy and ideal when you are short of time and if you have never made bread before.
Till next time, Dee.
Hi, I’m Dee!
Mom of three; printables creator, natural solutions, simple living and homemade food enthusiast; “Outlander” fanatic.
When I’m not busy writing and designing, you can always find me covered in a cloud of flour in the kitchen, playing and crafting with my children, or making up some blends with my Essential Oils. Also I’m practically obsessed with Crystals and reading during my spare time.
Come along on our crazy journey as a family living in the countryside of Ireland!
