3 Ways to Quickly Reheat French Bread

Whether you’re using french bread for pizza, garlic bread, or simply warming it to dip into your favorite soup, french bread is always delicious. However, some may find that their french bread turns dried-out and flavorless when they go to reheat it. With the right reheating techniques, you can avoid this fiasco.

There are three easy ways to reheat frozen french bread using the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Knowing how to do it the right way is critical, though. Below, you will find the three “how-to guides” for reheating frozen french bread, plus a few other handy tips and tricks for success.

french bread

How to Reheat Frozen French Bread Using the Oven

The oven is the go-to for reheating things like frozen french bread. It’s a set it and forget it method that is always reliable. When it comes to reheating frozen french bread, using the oven is simple.

  • Preheat oven to 350F
  • Unwrap the frozen french bread (if necessary)
  • If plain, rub water over the loaf so that it is moist, not drenched
  • Optional: wrap the bread in aluminum foil to lock in moisture
  • Place loaf on a baking sheet and stick in the middle rack of the oven
  • Bake the frozen french bread loaf for approximately 40 minutes

Tip 1: Do not unwrap until you are ready to place the french bread in the oven. Otherwise, you risk the bread using valuable moisture.

Tip 2: You can wait until the bread is thawed entirely before preheating and baking in the oven. This will reduce the amount of time your oven is in use. You will only need to reheat for around 10 minutes using a thawed loaf of french bread.

Tip 3: Keep an eye on your french bread! Although 40 minutes is the approximate number, that doesn’t mean the same is true for every loaf. Check after the 30-minute mark and in five-minute intervals after that.

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How to Reheat Frozen French Bread Using the Microwave

The microwave is a handy kitchen tool that most people use at least once a day, if not more. The microwave is a great choice for those looking to reheat their frozen french bread without turning their entire home into a sauna. To microwave frozen french bread, do the following.

  • Unwrap the frozen french bread (if necessary)
  • Wrap in a damp paper towel or place a bowl of water in the microwave
  • Cook the french bread in 30-second intervals, checking to see if it’s done
  • Once reheated to your liking, remove the bread and paper towel or bowl of water and enjoy

The problem with reheating frozen french bread (or any bread, for that matter) is that it can be prone to drying out. That is why it is recommended to either wrap the bread with a damp paper towel or place a bowl of water inside the microwave. By adding moisture, you can ensure your french bread tastes and feels like it is fresh.

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How to Reheat Frozen French Bread Using the Air Fryer

Air fryers have recently become incredibly popular. They’re known for creating the perfect amount of crisp and crunch without the need for hot ovens or bubbling buckets of oil. Well, air fryers can also be used to reheat frozen french bread. Keep in mind that this option will leave your bread a bit on the crunchier side rather than soft.

  • Optional: preheat air fryer to 350F
  • Place french bread in the air fryer basket or tray. You may need to break the loaf, depending on the size of the french bread and your air fryer.
  • Let the bread bake for around five minutes.
  • Check the doneness. If you’re satisfied, remove and enjoy. If you want more crispness, leave it in the air fryer for 1-minute intervals until you’re happy.

It’s super simple to use an air fryer, and the best part is, it won’t heat your home like an oven. It’s great for those that prefer a little crunch with their bread without having a dry or stale loaf.

While it’s not necessary, you can use the same tip for the air fryer that you use for the oven. Wet the bread and wrap it in aluminum foil before baking in the air fryer. Some people also drizzle olive oil and/or seasoning before baking to give it more flavor.

How Do You Reheat a Frozen Baguette?

Plenty of people meddle “french bread” and “baguette” into the same category. While they are similar, french bread is noticeably wider and softer than a baguette. That said, reheating a frozen baguette is only slightly different than reheating frozen french bread.

The biggest difference is heat and time. A baguette will reheat better at a higher temperature, such as 400F or 450F, and only need a few minutes (8 to 10) to be reheated to perfection. This can be done in ovens and air fryers.

How do you Defrost Frozen French Bread?

Defrosting your french bread before reheating it is a great idea. It cuts down on the overall cooking time, and you might have better luck avoiding the dreaded dried-out bread problem.

To defrost frozen french bread, simply leave it in its packaging and place it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about an hour. Then, you will be ready to reheat successfully.

If your french bread isn’t in packaging, you can always place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Considering french bread should never be stored without some type of cover, likely, whatever you stored your french bread in will also be what it is thawed in.

Final Words

Reheating French bread isn’t challenging, but it’s important to do it correctly, so it does not dry out or get hard. The best option is to simply place it in a preheated oven. Getting it slightly wet and wrapped in aluminum foil can ensure it stays soft and moist. If you don’t want to make your home too warm, you can also use the microwave or air fryer successfully too.

Read Also: How to Make Breadcrumbs from Bagels And Other Cool Ideas

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