How to Keep Bagels Fresh (and Freeze Them Right)

Fresh bagels are best the day you buy them, but a good bagel freezes beautifully. The trick: slice before you freeze, and reheat straight from frozen. And whatever you do, skip the fridge.

How long do fresh bagels last?

A fresh bagel is at its peak the day it is baked. To keep them for a day or two, store them at room temperature in a paper or bread bag, not a sealed plastic one, which can trap moisture and soften the crust.

How do you freeze bagels the right way?

Freeze them the same day for the best results:

• Slice each bagel in half first, so you can toast straight from frozen.
• Wrap individually or store in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.
• Freeze for up to about a month.

How do you reheat frozen bagels?

No need to thaw. Pop the halves straight into the toaster, or warm a whole bagel in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes until the crust crisps back up.

Why not the fridge?

Refrigeration actually stales bread faster than the counter. Room temperature for the short term, freezer for the long term, and you will always have a great bagel on hand. Ready to stock up? Grab a dozen to take home.