Expiration & Storage Tips
When does challah bread expire?
Challah bread is best when freshly baked, but it can generally last for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature when stored properly. Resist the temptation to store it in the refrigerator, as this could accelerate the staleness. If you want to store it for longer periods, the freezer is your best bet. Wrapped tightly and frozen, challah bread can stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, just thaw it at room temperature.
How do you tell if challah bread is bad?
If the challah bread has gone bad, you'll likely notice some changes. First, the smell. Fresh challah bread has a mild yeast or bakery smell. If it starts to give off a sour or unpleasant odor, it has probably gone bad. Look at the bread's condensation. Is it too dry or exceedingly moist? Both cases could indicate spoilage. Lastly, look for mold, typically seen as fuzzy spots of white, blue, green or black. If you find molded parts, it's no longer safe to consume - not even the parts that 'look' okay.
Tips for storing challah bread to extend shelf life
• To keep challah bread fresh, store it in its original packaging or a breadbox at room temperature.
• Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator as it can actually make the bread go stale faster due to the process of retrogradation.
• If you want to store it for longer, freeze it. Before freezing, make sure it's fully cooled, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
• You can freeze the entire loaf or slice it first for more convenient use. If sliced, just pull out the number of slices you need and leave the rest in the freezer.
• If you're using the bread for toast or sandwiches and it's a bit stale, a quick pass in a toaster or warm oven can bring back some of its freshness and texture.