The Best Way to Freeze Sourdough Dough (and Bake It Straight From Frozen)

The Best Way to Freeze Sourdough Dough (and Bake It Straight From Frozen)

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Freezing Sourdough the Right Way

How to Freeze Sourdough Dough and Bake It Straight From Frozen

Sourdough bread freezes beautifully. Once your loaf has cooled completely, you can freeze the whole thing—or even just slices—by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and placing it inside a zip-top freezer bag. Properly wrapped, it will stay fresh for up to six months with no noticeable loss of flavor or texture. And if you have a vacuum sealer? Even better. Skip the plastic wrap entirely, vacuum seal the loaf, and tuck it straight into the freezer.

But… in my opinion, there’s something infinitely better than freezing baked sourdough:

✨ Freezing the dough itself and baking it straight from frozen. ✨

This has become my absolute favorite method. I almost always keep a loaf of my Classic Original Sourdough dough in the freezer so we can enjoy fresh, warm, straight-from-the-oven bread anytime—no planning, no long proofing schedules, no waiting. Just pure sourdough magic.

After lots of research and plenty of hands-on testing, here is the very best method for freezing sourdough dough so it bakes up perfectly every single time.

If you love classic shortbread but want something richer, more festive, and gentler on your gut, this recipe will be your new holiday favorite. Your friends will never know these are sourdough!

⭐ The Best Method for Freezing Sourdough Dough

This process gives you the best structure, the best rise, and the best crust—without thawing.

1. Prepare Your Dough as Usual

Mix, bulk ferment, and shape your dough exactly the way you normally would.

2. Flour Your Banneton Generously

Dust a banneton with plenty of semolina or rice flour (no parchment needed).
Place your shaped loaf inside.

3. Brief Counter Proof

Cover and let the dough proof on the counter for about 30 minutes.

4. Chill in the Fridge

Move the covered banneton to the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours.
This firms the dough and helps it hold its shape during freezing.

5. Freeze Until Solid

Wrap the banneton in plastic wrap and transfer the banneton to the freezer and let the dough freeze completely.

TIP: Using a silicone banneton is great for this!

6. Package for Storage

Once fully frozen, tip the dough out of the banneton. It should release easily if well-floured.
Wrap the frozen loaf in plastic wrap and place it into a zip-top freezer bag and return it to the freezer.

(Your dough will keep beautifully for up to 3 months.)

⭐ How to Bake Sourdough Straight From Frozen

This is the part that feels truly magical—no thawing required.

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Place the frozen loaf onto a piece of parchment paper.
  3. Carefully lower it into the hot Dutch oven.
  4. Bake 45 minutes with the lid on.
  5. Remove the lid and bake 15 more minutes to crisp and deepen the crust.

The Dutch oven traps steam, giving you gorgeous oven spring and a perfect crackly crust—even though the dough started out frozen solid.

⭐ Why I Love This Method (And You Will Too)

Freezing shaped sourdough dough has so many benefits:

  • 🕒 Convenience: Fresh bread anytime—no fermentation schedule required.
  • 🍞 Better Flavor: Freezing often enhances that signature sourdough tang.
  • 💪 Great Structure: Dough bakes up tall, light, and beautifully airy.
  • ❄️ Zero Waste: Never lose dough because life got busy.
  • ✨ Absolutely Foolproof: No thawing = no over-proofing = reliable results.

Once you try baking sourdough straight from frozen, you may never go back.

⭐ How Long Can You Freeze Sourdough Dough?

Shaped dough holds up wonderfully for up to 3 months.

Beyond that, the fermentation power begins to weaken.

If you need longer storage, bake the loaf first and then freeze it.


And here’s the best part — any sourdough dough can be frozen and baked straight from frozen using this method. Whether you’re making savory, sweet, or classic loaves, it works beautifully every time.

If you’re looking for delicious recipes to stock your freezer with, try my...

Classic Original Sourdough

Savory Sage & Cheddar Sourdough

Sourdough Stuffing Loaf

Maple Pecan Swirl Sourdough

or Caramelized Onion Gruyère Bread.

All of them freeze and bake up perfectly, giving you warm, fresh, straight-from-the-oven sourdough magic whenever you want it.

🍂 Ready to Bake Like a Pro?

I've gathered all my favorite sourdough tools — from whisks and bannetons to enamel Dutch ovens — to make your baking magical.
👉 Grab Your Sourdough Baking Essentials Here

The Magic Behind Every Great Loaf - 5 Essentials Every Sourdough Baker Needs

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