How to Soften Bread

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If your bread has gotten stale or hard, fret not! You can easily get it warm to soften it up. If you want to soften a slice of bread, wrap it in a paper towel and microwave it for 10 seconds. If you have a hard loaf of bread or a baguette, run it under your faucet, and cook it at 300–325 °F (149–163 °C) for 6-7 minutes. You can easily make your bread fresh again in just a few minutes!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Softening Sliced Bread

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  1. Turn your water on, and hold 1 sheet of paper towel under the water. You want the towel to be wet but not soaking. Ring out any excess moisture if you need to. [1]
    • You can use either warm or cool water.
  2. Hold your bread in 1 hand and the paper towel in the other, and gently place the paper towel around the bread. Then, wrap the paper towel onto the other side of the slice. [2]
    • If you are having trouble, try placing the bread flat on a surface and wrapping 1 side at a time.
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  3. You can set the wrapped slice of bread in the center of the plate. Make sure your plate is made of microwave-safe material before you place it in the microwave. [3]
    • You can microwave glass and ceramic dishes or paper plates.
  4. Set your cooking time to 10 seconds, and press "Start." Once the time is up, your bread is softened and ready to serve! [4]
    • Unwrap your bread from the paper towel after it cools down.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Freshening a Loaf or Baguette

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  1. You can use either hot or cool water to wet your bread. Simply hold your bread under the running water for a few seconds. Position the bread so the cut-side is away from the faucet, if you can. If the bread on the inside gets a little wet, that’s okay. [5]
  2. If your oven has a “warm” setting, select this and let your oven begin to warm up. If your oven does not have a “warm” setting, set it for around 300 °F (149 °C). [6]
    • Oven temperatures may vary, so use a temperature that works for a light toasting if you are unsure.
  3. To warm your bread consistently, place it in the middle of your rack. Place it in your oven as it is heating up. [7]
    • Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet if you’d like. This is not required, however.
  4. Set a timer on your stove, microwave, or phone for about 6 minutes, and check on your bread after the timer is up. Your loaf should be warm and soft. [8]
    • If your loaf is very wet, you may need to extend the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Bread
      • Water
      • Paper towel
      • Oven mitt
      • Microwave
      • Oven

      Tips

      • Let your bread sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute after you take it out of the microwave or oven. This way, it cools down so you can serve or eat it.
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      Warnings

      • If your bread is moldy, don’t try to salvage it. Throw it away or in your compost bin instead.
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      • Your bread will be very hot when you take it out of the oven or microwave. Handle it with care, and wear an oven mitt to protect your hands if you need to.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-soften-hard-bread-138150
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-soften-hard-bread-138150
      3. ↑ https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/how-to/a51007/stale-bread-fresh-again/
      4. ↑ https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/how-to/a51007/stale-bread-fresh-again/
      5. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/how-to-revive-stale-bread
      6. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/how-to-revive-stale-bread
      7. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/how-to-revive-stale-bread
      8. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/how-to-revive-stale-bread

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To soften bread that has been sliced, wet a paper towel and wring out excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy. Then, wrap the damp paper towel around the slice of bread so that it covers both sides. Place the bread on a microwave-safe plate, and place it in the microwave. Set the cook time for 10 seconds and press start. Once the timer goes off, check the bread to see if it’s soft enough, and let it cool down before unwrapping the paper towel. If you want to learn how to soften an entire loaf of bread at a time, keep reading the article!

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