With their delightful chewiness and trademark glossy crust, bagels can elevate any breakfast or snack time. Whether you’re savoring them during a quick bite or at a leisurely morning brunch, keeping your bagels fresh helps ensure you’re enjoying their springy texture. By using the proper storage techniques, your bagels can stay fresh for several days. Use this guide to learn how to store bagels properly and help keep them from getting stale too soon.
3 METHODS FOR KEEPING BAGELS FRESH
Storing bagels is similar to storing other types of fresh bread.Freshness and flavor retention are important whether you’ve whipped up a batch ofhomemade bagels or grabbed some from your local bakery. If you are wondering how to keep your bagels fresh, read on for a few methods.
1. STORING IN THE FREEZER
Your freezer can help extend your bagels’ shelf life. Pre-cut each bagel, individually wrap the slices in plastic or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method can help retain freshness for up to four months. This method is best if you plan to toast your bagel after storing.
2. STORING IN A PAPER BAG AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
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.
3. STORING IN A ZIP-TOP BAG AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
If you plan to enjoy your bagels within a week, a zip-top bag can help maintain freshness. Just be sure that they cool down first, as warm bagels can sweat and lose their crisp exterior in the bag. You’ll also want to ensure there’s minimal air inside the bag; otherwise, the bagels might turn hard.
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HOW LONG DO FRESH BAGELS LAST?
Fresh bagels are best eaten on the same day they’re baked. When stored at room temperature in a paper bag, fresh bagels can last for about two to three days. Fresh bagels can last for about three to four months when stored in the freezer, and thawed in a toaster. Just be sure they are pre-cut before storing them in the freezer, as they will be difficult to cut once frozen.
HOW LONG DO BAGELS LAST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?
Bagels stay relatively fresh for two to three days when stored in a paper bag at room temperature. Beyond that, they start to lose their soft interior and may become stale. However, it’s best to eat them fresh from the bakery or your own oven.
HOW LONG DO STORE-BOUGHT BAGELS LAST IN THE REFRIGERATOR?
It is not recommended to store bagels in the refrigerator. 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.
HOW CAN YOU REVIVE OR REPURPOSE STALE BAGELS?
You can typically revive stale bagels in the oven or microwave. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, quickly wet the bagel with warm water, either by placing it under running water or submerging it in a bowl for no longer than 15 seconds. To achieve the bagel’s signature soft inner texture paired with a slightly crisp exterior, wrap the damp bagel gently in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Allow it to bake for approximately five minutes in the heated oven.
To refresh a stale bagel using a microwave, place it on a plate that’s safe for microwave use. Lightly sprinkle some water on it or give it a quick mist. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can also wrap the bagel in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 15 seconds.Another method is to cover the bagel with a moistened paper towel and heat it 10 seconds at a time until it achieves your desired result. Be cautious not to overheat the bagel, as it might turn harder rather than softer.
Bagels can often regain some of their former glory with these methods, but if they’re too far gone, consider repurposing bagels as breadcrumbs for cooking, or grind them to make a tasty crust for dishes. Stale bagels can also be turned into croutons for salads or soups. Get creative and reduce food waste by repurposing rather than discarding.
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