How to Store Cornbread: 3 Methods for Storing Cornbread

Use one of these proven techniques to extend the shelf life of your cornbread.

1. 1. In a pantry or breadbox: You can store cornbread at room temperature by keeping it in a dry, dark place like a pantry or breadbox. To start the process, double wrap your cornbread in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place that wrapped cornbread into a plastic bag. Carefully burp out the air without squashing the cornbread before sealing the bag. Use a vacuum sealer if you own one for the best results. Store the wrapped, bagged cornbread in a dark place and eat it within one to three days.
2. 2. In the refrigerator: You can extend the life of your cornbread by storing it in the refrigerator. Simply wrap the cornbread as you would for the pantry method—wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap in a food storage bag or airtight container. Then place it in the refrigerator. This will add several days to your available storage time.
3. 3. In the freezer: To make frozen cornbread, start by wrapping it in aluminum foil, and then place the wrapped cornbread into a freezer-safe plastic bag or hard storage container. Doing so will prevent freezer burn. Always keep frozen cornbread in a single layer; if you stack pieces on top of each other before wrapping, they can end up sticking together, which will ruin your cornmeal crust upon reheating. You can keep well-wrapped cornbread in your freezer for at least three months, and some home chefs keep it frozen for far longer.

The amount of time that cornbread lasts depends upon the temperature at which it is stored.

• Room-temperature cornbread: Cornbread stored at room temperature (roughly sixty to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit) will last one to three days without signs of spoilage.
• Refrigerated cornbread: You can reliably keep cornbread in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Unless it is subjected to excessive moisture, refrigerated cornbread in an airtight container can last up to a full week.
• Frozen cornbread: When properly sealed in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container, frozen cornbread can easily last three months.

Keep the following tips in mind as you store and use cornbread.

1. 1. Keep cornbread intact before storing it. If you have the space, store cornbread in large pieces, and avoid cutting the cornbread into individual servings until you're ready to eat it. This diminishes the overall surface area of your leftover cornbread, which means there are fewer ways it can rot or dry out.
2. 2. Cooler temperatures equal longer storage time. Cornbread does not last long at room temperature. If you double a cornbread recipe with the intention of having extra cornbread for later use, plan on storing it in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as the freshly baked cornbread has cooled.
3. 3. Let frozen cornbread defrost before unwrapping it. Let frozen cornbread thaw slowly on the countertop or in the refrigerator, and let the thawing take place while the cornbread is still wrapped in aluminum foil or cling wrap.
4. 4. Watch out for mold and harmful bacteria. Excessive moisture can make cornbread go bad. If you see mold on your cornbread or notice a sour smell, throw the cornbread away.

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