Whether you’re dealing with a loaf that’s become dry or a crusty baguette in need of a refresh, this hack is sure to impress. Not only will your bread regain its former glory, but the delightful aroma of baking will fill your kitchen . First, inspect your bread for any signs of mould ; if you suspect it’s beyond saving just throw it away as ingestion can result in food poisoning.
However, if it’s simply dried out, there’s still a chance to revive it. The next step involves adding moisture—either brush or lightly spritz water across the surface of the bread . For a very dry loaf or one with a thick crust, feel free to use more water, but if it’s just slightly stale, a light mist will suffice.
In some cases, you can even run the crust of a stale loaf under the tap for a brief moment without making it soggy, though if the bread is already sliced, it’s better to apply the water with a brush to the crust. Once you’ve added moisture, wrap the bread tightly in aluminium foil to create an airtight seal. For a day-old baguette, you can simply place it back in its paper bag, rolling the top closed to keep it fresh.
Now, place the wrapped loaf in a cold oven and set the temperature to 150°C. Allow it to heat gradually for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how dry or dense the bread is. After around 10 minutes, start checking on it; as the water inside turns to steam, it gets trapped by the wrapping, allowing the bread to absorb this moisture and puff up beautifully.