With two growing boys at home, bread disappears fast—sandwich loaves, buns, bagels, English muffins, you name it. Because we use so much, I always buy extra when it’s on sale and freeze what we won’t finish right away. It saves money, prevents waste, and makes busy mornings easier when we need something quick for lunches or breakfast.

But there’s one problem many people run into: pulling bread from the freezer and finding it dry, tough, or freezer-burned. That usually happens when too much air gets trapped in the bag or when slices freeze stuck together in one solid block. The good news is that one simple method can keep your bread tasting fresh and make it easy to take only what you need, one slice at a time.

First, slice your loaf as soon as you bring it home, while it’s still at peak freshness and soft in the middle. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the slices in a single layer without overlapping. Place the tray in the freezer uncovered for about 1–2 hours. This step freezes the slices separately so they won’t clump together later.

Once fully frozen, transfer the slices into a resealable freezer bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing. For extra protection, you can double-bag it or wrap the loaf in foil first. Store it flat in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or use a toaster’s defrost setting. This prevents freezer burn and keeps bread soft, fresh, and ready anytime.