Quick Answer
Naan bread is best stored at room temperature when fresh but can be refrigerated or frozen for longer term storage. Refrigerating naan keeps it fresh for 3-5 days while freezing lets it last 2-3 months. When ready to eat refrigerated or frozen naan, it’s best to let it come back to room temperature or warm it up before serving.
Should You Refrigerate Naan Bread?
Freshly baked naan bread is ideally consumed right away while it’s still warm and soft. However, if you have leftover naan, proper storage is important to keep it from going stale or moldy. Here are some tips on whether and how to refrigerate naan bread:
Room Temperature Storage
– Naan bread is best stored at room temperature when fresh for up to 2 days.
– Keep it in a bread box or a paper bag. Plastic bags will make the bread soggy.
– Storing at room temp preserves the naan’s soft, chewy texture.
– Refrigeration can make the bread dry and tough.
Refrigerator Storage
– Once naan is more than 2 days old, refrigerate it.
– This extends its shelf life to 3-5 days total.
– Place it in a plastic zip top bag or wrap in aluminum foil.
– The cold air in the fridge helps retard mold growth.
– Bring refrigerated naan to room temp before eating for better taste and texture.
Freezer Storage
– Naan can be frozen for long term storage of 2-3 months.
– Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
– Frozen naan may lose some softness but will still taste good.
– Thaw frozen naan overnight in the fridge before using.
– It’s best to warm thawed naan briefly before serving.
What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Naan?
If naan bread is left out at room temperature too long without refrigerating, here is what can happen:
– Dries out within 3 days – Naan left in the open will become very dry and crispy as moisture evaporates.
– Mold growth after 3 days – Staling bread provides ideal conditions for mold to grow, especially in humid environments.
– Stale taste after 1-2 days – The bread loses freshness and takes on a stale, cardboard-like taste.
– Crumbly texture – As it dries out, the soft interior crumb becomes very crunchy.
– Increased bacterial growth – Warm room temps enable bacteria to proliferate faster.
Signs Your Naan Has Gone Bad
Look for these signs that your naan bread has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Green or white fuzzy mold
– Hard, dry texture
– Crunchy when trying to bend
– Off smell
– Tastes stale, sour or unpleasant
– Presence of slime, ooze or liquid
– Changed color
How To Store Naan Bread
Follow these tips for storing naan correctly to maintain its freshness and texture:
Short Term Storage
– Keep naan in the brown paper bag it came in, do not use plastic.
– A bread box is also a good option for room temperature storage.
– If you bought plastic wrapped naan, transfer it to a paper bag after opening.
– Store on the countertop or other dry location, not the fridge.
– Consume within 2 days for best taste.
Refrigerator Storage
– Place naan in a sealed plastic freezer bag or wrap in aluminum foil.
– Expel excess air from bags before sealing to prevent drying.
– Store naan in the back of the fridge where temperature is most consistent.
– Eat refrigerated naan within 3-5 days.
Freezer Storage
– Wrap naan very tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap or foil.
– Put in freezer bags or airtight containers if desired.
– Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating frozen naan.
Reheating Naan
– For refrigerated naan, bake at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to crisp it up.
– For frozen naan, thaw completely then warm it up in the oven or microwave briefly.
– You can also brush both sides with a little water before warming to re-moisturize.
– Wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
Common Questions
Does naan bread go bad?
Yes, naan will eventually go bad if left at room temperature. Fresh naan lasts 2 days max at room temp. After that, it can grow mold, dry out, or develop an off taste and smell. Refrigerating extends shelf life to 3-5 days.
Can you freeze naan bread?
Yes, naan freezes very well for long term storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen naan overnight in the fridge before using.
How long does homemade naan last?
Freshly baked homemade naan will last up to 5 days. Store at room temp up to 2 days, then in the fridge for 3 more days. Freeze for longer storage.
Can you reheat naan bread?
Yes, leftover naan can be safely reheated in the oven or microwave to restore its softness and flavor. Quickly warming it with some water brings back its fresh-baked taste and texture.
How do you store baked naan?
Freshly baked naan is best kept in a brown paper bag at room temp up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed plastic bag 3-5 days or freeze wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Naan bread will keep best when stored properly to retain its taste and texture. Fresh naan can be left out at room temperature for a day or two. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for 3-5 days or freeze for a few months. Remember to reheat refrigerated and frozen naan before eating. With proper storage, you can enjoy naan when you want it.