Storing baked breads in the refrigerator dries them out. To retain the freshness of crusty loaves of bread, store them unwrapped at room temperature. Once sliced, place in a paper bag. Soft-crusted loaves can be placed in a plastic bag. When bread has lost its freshness, remember, there are croutons, bread crumbs, bread puddings, or your dog.
Dogs love hard bread.
Baked, completely cooled bread can also be successfully frozen. Wrap first in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a self-sealing plastic bag. Freeze for six to eight weeks. Let thaw at room temperature, partially unwrapped to allow moisture to escape. Slicing bread before freezing will make it possible to take out a partial loaf at a time and will shorten the thawing time, as the slices can easily be separated.