Can You Freeze Naan Bread?

Yes, you can freeze naan bread for 3 to 6 months without much loss of quality. This applies for homemade, take out or store-bought naan bread. It's also simple to thaw and reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

How to Freeze Naan Bread

Naan bread is a super yummy fluffy yet flaky leavened flatbread. It is originally from around the Asia region. And it is commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Naan Is baked in a traditional oven called a tandoor. It is baked at super high temperatures which leaves a fluffiness but also crispy and flaky areas on the outside.

Whether you are making your own naan bread, ordering some takeout or purchasing in bulk from the store you may want to either buy or make ahead of when you want to use. Or, you may find a great sale and want to stock up.

In either occasion, you'll need to learn how to extend the shelf life up the bread since fresh naan bread only lasts for around a week. Luckily, it is super easy to freeze naan bread it only takes a few minutes and the defrosted bread taste almost as good as fresh. The process is very similar to freezing sourdough bread, freezing croissants or freezing hot dog buns.

Before you go freezing you are naan bread, do be aware that the texture can slightly change at defrosting including being a little more dry than fresh bread. However, it's still light fluffy and delicious to eat.

Determine how you will ultimately be using your bread and use that to determine which method you should use below for freezing.

All together in package

If you know that you'll be using all of the non bread at once when you thought it, you can freeze it all together in one package.

• Store-bought. If you're freezing store-bought naan bread, you can simply pop the package straight into the freezer. This doesn't provide a ton of protection, but if you're not going to freeze it for super long this works fine. If you want to freeze it for a little longer, you can place the store-bought package inside of a freezer bag press the air out and seal it shut then freeze it.
• Homemade or take out. If you're freezing homemade or take out naan bread all together, you'll need to wrap it first since it doesn't come in a package. Simply wrap the bread with plastic wrap and or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a freezer bag squeezing all the extra air out and zipping it shut. Label the bag with the date and then place it into the freezer.

Individually wrapped

If you know that you won't be using all of your naan at once, the best way to freeze it and is in individual servings.

• Flash freeze. To make sure that they don't stick together, go ahead and lay them in a single file on a cookie sheet and place into the freezer. Let them freeze for a few hours until solid.

• Wrap them. Take a sheet of plastic wrap, place it on the counter and place your naan in the middle. Securely wrap the plastic wrap completely around your slice of naan. Repeat this for each slice of bread.
• Second wrap. This step is optional if you want to give extra protection. If you know you'll be freezing for a long time, it's good to help prevent freezer burn and maintain high quality. Go ahead and take a second layer of plastic wrap or a layer of aluminum foil and fully wrap it around each individual naan.

• Package it. Place your individually wrapped packages into an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Seal and label. Press any excess air out of a freezer bag and zip it shut. If using an airtight container, place the lid on it. Then, write the date on the outside of the container or bag.
• Freeze it. Place your airtight container or freezer bag into the freezer. If you're using a freezer bag, it's important to make sure that your bread doesn't get smashed.

Uncooked dough

If you're making your own naan bread and don't want to bake it all at once, you can also freeze the dough.

• Prepare it. Use your favorite recipe and whip up your naan dough.
• Portion it. Section your dough into appropriately portioned sized balls. They should be the size that you'll want to bake when you thaw.
• Flash freeze. Place your dough balls onto a cookie sheet in a single layer and place it in the freezer for a few hours to freeze.
• Wrap it. Remove the cookie sheet with your dough from the freezer and wrap each ball in a layer or two of plastic wrap. If you know you'll be freezing them for an extended period of time it's good to do either two layers of plastic wrap or add a layer of aluminum foil.
• Packaged it. Take your individually wrapped balls of dough and place them into an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Seal and Label. Press any extra air out of the freezer bag and zip it shut. If you choose to use an airtight container, place the lid on top. Then, use a pin or marker and write the date on the outside of the bag or container.
• Refreeze. Finally, toss your bag or container into the freezer.

Top tips for success

No matter which method you follow above, follow these couple of tips to make sure that you have successful freezing and defrosting.

• Freeze it fresh. No matter if you've made your own, bought take out, or purchased at the store make sure that you freeze the bread as fresh as possible to maintain maximum quality.
• Wrap it well. To maintain the perfect texture and prevent freezer burn, it's important to wrap the bread well and keep it in an airtight container.
• Don't smash it. One of the best parts about naan bread is its fluffy texture. Make sure that it doesn't get crushed or smashed in the freezer or the texture will suffer.
• Decide on use. Make sure you know how much you'll be using each time be defrost your bread. This way you can freeze it in the proper portions and only defrost the amount you need at a time.
• Cool it down. If you have made your own or purchased from takeout, make sure that it is fully cooled before starting to wrap or freeze it. If it's warm when you start the process, condensation can build up and make it mushy when thawed.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Aluminum Foil
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost naan Bread

As with most frozen foods, the best way to defrost naan bread is simply by removing it from the freezer and placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow change in temperature helps to keep the texture and quality as good as possible.

If you want to speed up the process, you can defrost the naan bread in the oven or the microwave.

If using the oven, set the oven to around 350 or 400 degrees and heat it for 3 to 5 minutes checking regularly until it's heated. You can sprinkle a little bit of water on top of it to help prevent it from drying out.

If using the microwave, use the defrost function and eat it for around 15 to 30 second intervals until it's warmed. To make sure it doesn't dry out, you can add a microwave safe cup of water in the microwave with it.

Freezing Naan Bread FAQ

Can you freeze store bought naan bread?

Yes, you can free store-bought naan bread in the same way you freeze homemade or take out naan bread.

Can you refreeze naan bread?

While you can technically refreeze naan bread, it's not recommended to refreeze any food as it will make the texture and quality suffer.

How long does naan bread stay good frozen?

Naan bry can stay good for 3 to 6 months when Frozen. It stays safe to eat past that time, but the texture and quality may start to degrade.

How do you keep naan bread fresh?

The key to keeping on bread fresh is making sure it is wrapped tightly and airtight packaging at room temperature.

Can you freeze naan bread dough?

Yes, you can freeze naan bread dough for 3 to 6 months.