Storing Bagels in the Kitchen

• If you need to keep your bagels fresh for a short time, you can store them in a cupboard or pantry. Seal them tightly in a plastic bag with as little air in it as possible; the more your bagels are exposed to air, the more quickly they'll go stale. Store them out of direct sunlight and they should stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Bagels

• If a few days isn't enough, you can freeze bagels to keep them longer. Slice the bagels before freezing them, then place them in a plastic bag or wrap them with aluminum foil. Your bagels will keep their quality for up to 3 months. Even after this period, they will still be safe to eat; for maximum freshness, though, eat them within a few months. Presliced bagels can do directly from the freezer into the toaster without thawing.