To microwave bread without it getting soggy, follow these expert tips:

• Use low power and short bursts: Microwave the bread on low or medium power for about 10 to 15 seconds at a time. Check frequently to avoid overheating, which causes sogginess or toughness

• Wrap in a slightly damp paper towel: Lightly dampen a paper towel and wrap or loosely cover the bread with it. This helps retain moisture without making the bread soggy

• Place a cup or bowl of water inside the microwave: Heating a small amount of water alongside the bread creates steam that prevents the bread from drying out and reduces the chance of sogginess by absorbing excess microwave energy

• Use paper towels underneath: Put the bread on a double layer of paper towels to absorb condensation and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy

• Flip the bread halfway through heating: Turn the bread over and re-cover with the damp towel to ensure even warming and moisture distribution

• Avoid overheating: Overheating causes the water inside the bread to evaporate rapidly, making the bread soggy initially and then hard as it cools

• Alternative methods: For best results, consider reheating bread in a toaster, oven, toaster oven, or air fryer, which preserve texture better than microwaving

A practical method is to place the bread on a double-layer paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely with a slightly damp paper towel, place a small bowl of water inside the microwave, and heat on low power for 10 seconds, flip the bread, and heat again for 10 seconds. Repeat if needed until warm but not soggy

. This approach balances moisture retention and prevents sogginess, keeping the bread soft and fresh rather than wet or tough.