How to store Focaccia bread?
Bought or baked your first focaccia and not sure how best to store focaccia bread? How to store focaccia?
the short answer
Store your focaccia at room temperature sealed in a ziplock bag or airtight container. If it’s topped with something other than herbs and olive oil (eg, cherry tomatoes or olives), refrigerate it.
That’s the short version.
Want to learn more? Here’s what we cover next:
- keeping your focaccia fresh
- When should you consider refrigerating it?
- How do you reheat focaccia?
How to keep focaccia fresh?
The key to keeping your focaccia fresh is to make sure it is well sealed so that it does not dry out.
The easiest way to do this is to place it in a ziplock bag. Then squeeze out all the excess air before sealing the bag to slow down the drying process.
Another option is to cover the focaccia bread with plastic wrap. This works well for the same reasons as a resealable bag, but creates waste. For this reason, I prefer reusable bags to plastic wrap.
An airtight container is another popular option. The only drawback is that there is extra air inside, which will dry out the bread slightly. Especially if the focaccia is already cut.
Now, let’s talk about whether or not you should keep your focaccia in the fridge.
Does Focaccia bread need to be refrigerated?
Focaccia keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration is also a good alternative. If yours is topped with fresh greens (eg cherry tomatoes), consider storing it in the fridge so it doesn’t grow mold prematurely.
If it’s a plain focaccia made from yeast, water, flour, salt, olive oil, a sweetener, and maybe some herbs, it’s fine if it sits on the counter. It’s not that different from normal bread.
But if yours is a fancier variety, perhaps topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, or any other fresh greens, refrigeration is probably the way to go. Those vegetables will still be quite moist after baking and therefore vulnerable to mold growth.
(I recommend refrigerated banana bread if it includes unmashed banana pieces for the same reason.)
That said, even if yours is the simplest focaccia around, keeping it in the fridge is still a good option. For example, John from Preppy Kitchen recommends the fridge as it helps bread last longer (I used John’s recipe, it does the trick).
Now, focaccia tastes best when it’s hot, so you probably want to know how to reheat it, especially if you decide to keep it in the fridge.
How to reheat Focaccia bread?
Reheat focaccia in the oven
Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes. If you are reheating slices, limit the time to 4-5 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry and forgot to preheat the oven, set the temperature above, place the focaccia on a lined baking sheet and in the oven, checking after 10 minutes to see if it’s done or needs more time.
Now, if you want to go the extra mile, you can spray the bread with a little warm water. The same technique works for toasting bagels, and is trusted by many.
Related: How long do bagels last?
If by chance you have a fryerThe same advice applies, except the time needed for the bread to heat up is closer to 3-4 minutes.
Reheating Focaccia in the Microwave
Microwave the focaccia under a damp paper towel for 30 seconds and check for doneness. If you need more time, use it for another 10-15 seconds at a time until done.
The damp paper towel is especially helpful if the bread is stale and stale. However, if it’s still fresh and you just want it to go back to lukewarm, you can most likely skip it.
Last but not least, you can also reheat slices of focaccia in a toaster. Just remember that the slices will not only be hot but also super crispy (meaning toasty).
Can focaccia be frozen?
Like most breads and many baked goods, focaccia freezes perfectly, and the process is as simple as it gets.
If you’re freezing the focaccia for the short term, like a couple of weeks, simply place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air.
If you suspect it might take longer to get to it, wrapping it in plastic wrap is a good idea. That extra layer will protect the dough from freezer burn and help it maintain its quality longer.
When ready to eat, thaw the focaccia overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave for the best flavor.
How long does the focaccia last?
Focaccia is best fresh, but it retains its quality for 2-3 days at room temperature and up to 5-6 days in the refrigerator. Either way, it should rest in a sealed bag with all excess air squeezed out. If you need more time, you can freeze it.
Of course, the fresher the focaccia, the better it tastes. Over time it will become stale (in the same way bread goes stale), and it won’t be as good as it used to be. So you might as well freeze leftovers the day you bought or baked the bread.