Back November 24, 2025 Bread Care

Can you put frozen bread directly into the oven?

If you’ve ever grabbed a solid, frozen loaf of bread and wondered whether it really needs to thaw before baking, here’s the good news: you can put frozen bread straight into the oven, and it often turns out even better than letting it defrost on the counter.

This simple method helps preserve moisture, revive texture, and bring your bread back to a warm, crisp, freshly baked state.

Why baking bread from frozen often gives better results

One of the biggest reasons this method works is moisture retention.
When bread is frozen, the moisture inside becomes locked in place. Putting the loaf directly into a hot oven allows that moisture to gently steam the interior, softening the crumb while the crust becomes crisp and fragrant.

When you thaw at room temperature first:

By baking from frozen, you slow down the moisture loss and revive the bread more evenly.

This is also why many bakeries finish par-baked loaves directly from the freezer — it simply produces better texture.

How to bake whole frozen loaves (sourdough, baguettes, artisan bread)

This method works well for crusty, rustic breads.

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 170–190°C (350–375°F).

2. Place the frozen loaf in the oven

Put it directly on the rack or a baking sheet.
No thawing, wrapping, or covering needed.

3. Bake for 20–30 minutes

Remove the loaf when:

Optional: Add a little steam

Place a small tray of water in the oven or toss a tablespoon of water onto the oven floor (if your oven allows it) to enhance crustiness.

Can you reheat frozen sliced bread?

Yes. Frozen slices reheat even more easily.

You can place them:

They warm evenly, with minimal dryness.

Why baking frozen bread is worth trying

This method is fast, reliable, and surprisingly effective. It helps restore:

If you enjoy bakery-quality texture, baking from frozen is one of the easiest ways to get it at home.