I have two growing boys at home, so we go through a lot of bread—sandwich buns, sliced loaves, English muffins, and bagels. Some days, I wonder if our house secretly doubles as a bakery. Because we eat so much, I always stock up when bread goes on sale.

Yet nothing frustrates me more than grabbing a loaf from the freezer only to find it hard, dry, and freezer-burned. Thankfully, a simple trick can prevent this problem and keep your bread tasting fresh.

Slice Before You Freeze
Start with a fresh, unsliced loaf. Slice it as soon as you get it home, while it’s at its peak freshness. Don’t wait until it starts to go stale—though if it’s already stale, it’s still safe to eat.

Freeze Slices Individually
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the slices in a single layer on the sheet. Then place the sheet in the freezer uncovered. This step ensures the slices don’t stick together, making it easier to grab exactly what you need later.