How To Store Bagels To Keep Them Fresh for As Long As Possible (2024)

FAQs

How To Store Bagels To Keep Them Fresh for As Long As Possible? ›

Refrigerating bagels can cause them to become stale faster. Keep your bagels on the counter in a paper or zip-top bag, or freeze them for long-term storage.

Contrary to popular belief, refrigerating your bagels will actually make them go stale more quickly. You should store them in plastic bags at room temperature, or freeze them immediately. Make sure your bagels aren't still warm when you put them in bags or they will get soggy.

But if there's one thing that bagel lovers all over can agree on, it's that stale bagels are a big bummer. The good news is that it's not that difficult to store bagels correctly. According to the bakers at Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan, fresh bagels are best stored in a paper bag at room temperature.

If you're looking to preserve whole bagels for a short period of time, your best bet is to store your bagels in a paper bag, which you can keep out on the counter or in the pantry, so long as the bagels stay at room temperature.

Bagels will stay fresh and soft (when stored properly) for up to five days at room temperature and approximately three months in the freezer. The bagels sold in sealed plastic bags in grocery stores usually contain preservatives, which make them ideal for storing.

Putting your extra New Yorker bagels in a paper bag can help them last until the next day. Longer than that, try slicing and stacking your bagel halves before wrapping tightly in plastic, foil or tupperware-style containers and freezing them.

Opt for a paper bag if you plan to enjoy your bagels within a couple of days. You can simply leave the paper bag out on the counter or put it in the pantry—just make sure it is rolled or folded tightly. This method is more ideal for keeping bagels fresh overnight.

Consider using airtight and moisture-resistant packaging to keep the bagels fresh and prevent them from drying out. Additionally, use cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to provide extra protection and prevent the bagels from shifting during shipping.

Pantry: If you have a cool, dry pantry, this can be an excellent place to store a loaf of fresh bread. Make sure it's away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can speed up the staling process. To further enhance freshness, consider using a bread box or airtight container within your pantry.

Even if only one part of the bagel is moldy, it is not safe to cut off the moldy section and eat the rest. Mold can penetrate deeper into the food than what is visible on the surface, meaning the entire bagel might be contaminated.

Why do my bagels get moldy so fast? ›

Quick tip: Bagels get moldy when spores in the air land on the bread and use the residual moisture to propagate. If your bagels are preservative-free, this could happen within a day or two. Wilson suggests freezing bagels immediately unless you will enjoy them the same day.

Bagels from the bakery are rarely pre-packaged. Typically they are placed into a paper bag at the time of purchase, or are packaged for bulk sale. Bagels, such as fan favorite Panera bagels, can be stored in a brown paper bag overnight at room temperature or in the fridge for 3 days.

Yes, if bagels come in plastic bags, by all means, reuse that packaging. Slice the bagels, if they aren't already sliced, and then store them in their original packaging. However, for long freezer storage, you will want to double bag to give them an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.

Packaged bagels such as Thomas Bagels or frozen bagels may last longer, as they likely contain preservatives.

Wrap your bagels with parchment paper: Get a parchment paper sheet and wrap your bagel with it like you would wrap a sandwich. You can also use paper bags instead of parchment paper. Store in the freezer: Place your wrapped bagels in the freezer, preferably all together in a drawer.

Bagels that are stored properly in the fridge will last up to one week after you purchased them. To keep them even longer, consider freezing your bagels!

Your bagel is made of starches, and letting it sit out means it is losing water to evaporation, which causes them to tighten up, and your bagel to get hard. However, saving your bagel is only a matter of reversing this process, aka using an oven.

Cover your shaped bagels on their baking sheets with plastic wrap. Allow to proof in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours to develop more flavor and chewiness. Allow to come to room temperature before boiling, topping, and baking.

How should I store my Better Bagels? To ensure long-lasting freshness, Better Bagels should be stored in the freezer upon receipt.