This Is The Best Way To Store Bagels
Whether you enjoy the complexity of an everything bagel or are a fan of the humble plain, most of us can probably agree that these delectably chewy bread rings rank high in the realm of breakfast foods. They can be smothered with a thick layer of cream cheese, topped with fresh lox, or stuffed with bacon, eggs, and melty cheese. Bagels even have the ability to be transformed into a delicious personal pizza when the hankering for one calls around lunch or dinner time, creating one of the greatest food mashups of all time. Needless to say, we here at Mashed stan bagels in any form.
If you're a bagel fiend like us, you know that nothing compares to getting one of those bad boys fresh out of the oven but, alas, not all of us are New Yorkers that have a bagel shop on every corner where we can get our fix. Some of us have to stock up on the baked good when we spot an Einstein Bros. or Bruegger's Bagels which, of course, leaves us with the dilemma of how to properly store them so they don't go bad. We only want what's best for you and your bagels, so here are a few tips on how to keep them tasting fresh and delicious, no matter when you're ready to enjoy one.
The proper bagel storing method depends on when you're going to eat them
So, you've bought a dozen bagels, eaten two or three, now what? You don't want any of those fluffy treats to get stale, but before you start putting them away, you need to decide how long they're going to be sticking around. If you think you're going to be able to polish off your stash within 48 hours, keeping them out on your counter in a paper bag will be fine. However, if four to five days is a more feasible timetable for you to gobble up all of your leftovers, the next step is to transfer them into a resealable plastic bag. They can still stay out on the counter, since storing them in the refrigerator will cause them to get stale faster, but with this method, they will have an extra layer of defense against dehydration.
Finally, if you're unsure of how long it will take you to get through all of your bagels, stowing them away in the freezer is your best plan of action. Prepare your bagels for their life in the freezer (which, by the way, can last three to four months) by putting them in an airtight container — just make sure to pre-slice them first so they can go straight into the toaster when you're ready to enjoy another one.