← Use it up
What to do with stale bread (and how long bread lasts)
Short answer: Store-bought bread, rolls and buns keep about 14–18 days in the pantry, 2–3 weeks in the fridge and 3–5 months in the freezer. Homemade bread keeps 3–5 days at room temperature (USDA FoodKeeper). Stale is fine to eat; moldy is not.
8 ways to use it up
- Breadcrumbs. Blitz dry bread in a food processor and keep the crumbs in the freezer.
- Croutons. Cube it, toss with oil and salt, and bake until crisp.
- French toast. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better than fresh.
- Bread pudding. Layer cubes with milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon, then bake.
- Panzanella. Toss toasted bread with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and vinaigrette.
- Strata. A savory bake of bread, eggs, cheese and leftover vegetables.
- Garlic toast. Brush slices with garlic butter and broil.
- Freeze it early. Slice and freeze bread you won't finish, then toast straight from frozen.
How long it keeps
| Food | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Bread, rolls, buns (store-bought) | 2–3 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Bread, homemade | 2–3 months | 3 months |
Common questions
How long does bread last?
Store-bought bread keeps about 14–18 days in the pantry and 3–5 months frozen (USDA FoodKeeper).
Is stale bread safe to eat?
Yes. Stale just means it has dried out. Throw bread out if you see any mold.
Should bread go in the fridge?
FoodKeeper lists 2–3 weeks in the fridge, but bread dries out faster there. Freezing keeps it better.
Related
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper data. Recipe ideas are general suggestions. General information, not medical advice.