The Only Reason Focaccia Bread Should Be Refrigerated

Focaccia is such a customizable Italian bread that anyone can make it at home. One of the key ingredients that focaccia needs a lot of is olive oil, via Bon Appétit. But you can top your focaccia with anything you would like, such as charcuterie meats or cheeses, according to MasterClass. However, those ingredients can go bad if they are not stored properly. That's why it is time to reevaluate how you keep your focaccia — if you have any leftovers, that is. 

Though it might be tempting to stick your focaccia in the fridge to keep it fresh, that isn't the best way to store your delicious bread. According to Clean Eating Magazine, the refrigerator causes the starch in bread to crystallize, which means it will harden faster, ruining your focaccia's soft, pillowy interior. Instead, it would be best to try utilizing one of two storage methods to keep focaccia fresh.

Depending on how soon you plan to consume the leftover focaccia you have, you can use one of two methods. If you want to eat the leftover focaccia soon, you should store it at room temperature using something that will eliminate contact with air. For example, you could wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap or place it in an air-tight container such as a resealable bag or box. Using this technique, the bread should stay fresh for up to two days, according to Pantry and Larder. 

However, it is best to utilize your freezer if you don't think you will get to your remaining focaccia for at least several days or even a week. Using the freezer will help prevent the bread from hardening the way your fridge would, and it will freshen up well when you reheat it. Again, pack the bread well before placing it in the refrigerator to keep air and freezer burn at bay. According to MasterClass, your freezer can keep focaccia fresh for up to a month. But keep in mind that focaccia with non-perishable toppings like rosemary can be left unrefrigerated.