Leave frozen bread wrapped on the counter: about 30 minutes for slices, 1 hour for rolls, and about 3 hours for a whole loaf. Toast slices straight from frozen, or crisp a crusty loaf in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
- In the fridge
- Not covered by the sourceSafest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- Not used for breadChange water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw bread: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Not covered by the source; King Arthur thaws bread at room temperature | |
| Cold water | Not used for bread | Not applicable. |
| Microwave | OK | Not recommended: wrap one slice or roll in a damp towel, microwave 30-45 seconds, and eat right away; it thaws unevenly and turns stale fast. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Toast slices straight from the freezer; re-crisp crusty loaves in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes, covered with foil if browning. |
After it's thawed
No official refreezing guidance for bread was found; FSIS refreezing rules address perishable foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I thaw bread in the microwave?
In a pinch: wrap one slice or roll in a damp towel and heat 30-45 seconds, then eat it right away. King Arthur doesn't recommend it.
How do I refresh thawed crusty bread?
Warm it in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes; cover with foil to prevent over-browning.