Can You Freeze Cornbread?

Whether you prefer savory or slightly sweet cornbread, there’s no denying that this golden loaf goes well with almost any Southern dish—hearty stews, soups, barbecue, bowls of long-simmering peas, meatloaf, or even on its own slathered with butter or lightly drizzled with honey as a snack.

For many, cornbread is a staple at Sunday dinner, and going without it likely will leaving you feeling like something is missing. But if you don’t always have time to bake a scrumptious loaf of cornbread when you want it, you may consider baking several batches at a time so you can enjoy it in another moment. 

Find out if you can freeze cornbread, and then bake a few rounds for the week ahead or a cold month down the road so you can have one at the ready for any meal or snack.

Can You Freeze Cornbread?

Yes, you can definitely freeze cornbread. But the way you prepare it and store it for the freezer can influence the texture when it’s time to defrost it. You’ll need to consider if you want to freeze the entire loaf or slice it up for individual portions.

Cutting it up gives you more flexibility to pull out a slice when you want it to accompany your hearty bowl of soup or stew. If you choose to freeze the entire loaf of cornbread, you’ll have to defrost all of it, so consider how much you and household members can eat at once.

How to Store Cornbread in the Freezer

Once you’ve pulled a hot pan of cornbread from the oven, let it cool completely before you prepare it for the freezer. And don't even think about taking shortcuts: If the cornbread is still warm when you place it in the freezer, it may be more susceptible to freezer burn, or it could be too dry when it’s time to defrost it. Now that would defeat the whole idea of having delicious cornbread whenever you fancy, wouldn’t it?

When the cornbread reaches room temperature, that’s your cue that it’s cooled. 

Now you have to decide if you want to freeze the entire loaf or slice it up so you can pull out individual portions. Either way you go, wrap the cornbread in a plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil to help maintain a fluffy texture. Then, place the whole loaf or each piece in a zip-close freezer bag. Make sure to place it as a single layer instead of stacking slices to avoid them getting crushed or broken.

Make sure to eliminate any excess air in the bag. And if you prefer, place the foil- or plastic-wrapped cornbread in a freezer safe container instead of a bag. 

How Long Does Cornbread Last in the Freezer?

Cornbread can be kept frozen for around three months for optimal freshness. So if you’re in the mood to bake several batches of cornbread and freeze them, go right ahead. That way, you can enjoy slices or a whole loaf when you’re craving cornbread but don’t have the time or energy to bake.

Make sure to label the bag or container with the date you baked it and placed it in the freezer so you know how long it’s been frozen.

How to Reheat After Defrosting

When you’re ready to enjoy a delicious slice of cornbread, allow it to thaw while still wrapped in plastic or aluminum, either at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

If you want to have the just-out-of-the-oven warmth from your cornbread, you can go ahead and reheat it in the oven. Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and rewrap it in new foil. Place the loaf or wedge in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until it’s warm.