HOW TO MAKE FRESH BAKED LOAF BREAD FROM SCRATCH
They really don’t lie when they say the smell of fresh baked bread is unlike any other. It’s got to be one of the best smells in the world! You can’t find fresh baked bread nowadays. Sadly, it’s even hard to find good bakeries in todays day and age. The grocery stores are stocked full with loaves loaded with chemicals and names that we never heard of.And who knows how these are affecting us? I personally don’t trust it. I had a bag of hamburger buns sitting in my cabinet for a few weeks and they still are soft as could be and no mold or anything. That can’t be normal! or good for our bodies. Not to mention name brand breads are no where near at satisfying as homemade bread. Not just in taste, but making them can be very exciting. And when it comes out, you better be proud of yourself! I’m sure proud of you!I know making bread may seem like a daunting task. But I believe in you! It’s really not as hard as it may seem. Plus, I’m here to help with any questions :)So, let’s get started!1.The first step and one of the most important is your yeast. You are going to want to measure out your 2 Tablespoons of instant yeast.
*Tip: Do this in your kitchen aid mixer bowl (if you're using one) to reduce the amount of dishes you have to clean!
2 Tablespoons of instant yeast2. Secondly, you are going warm up your 1 and 1/2 cups of Milk and add it to the yeast.
You want the temperature about 105-110 F)
You may use any milk of your choice
3. Add your 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and mix. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
You'll know it is ready when it all bubbly and foamy. This also means that your yeast is alive. If it does not bubble up it could be one of three thingsYour yeast is dead
Your milk wasn’t warm enough or it was too hot. (You don’t want the milk to be too hot just warm to the touch)
Just give it a little more time! After fifteen minutes if it still has not foamed up your yeast is no good. Throw it out and start new.
4.Next add the 6 Tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tsp salt, and 1 large egg. Mix together.
5. Slowly add in your all-purpose flour and mix as you go using the bread dough attachment.
If you are using a kitchen aid use the lowest setting to avoid getting flour everywhere.
I like to use a measuring cup to scoop it in the bowl. Turning off the mixer each time you add a little more flour.
6. Keep adding the flour until it starts pulling away from the sides and is still slightly sticky but doesn’t stick to your hands when you poke it.
7. Once it is done mixing take it out and form it into a ball using your hands. You shouldn’t need extra flour at this point as it shouldn’t stick to your hands.
8. In a separate bowl, lightly sprayed with cooking spray place your ball of dough in it and flip over to cover the whole ball in cooking spray. Cover with a towel and let rise for at least 30 minutes or more! You can even do it before you go to work and come back to it risen!
9. After this time it should double in size. If it has not, try giving it more time. Or try putting it somewhere warm. In the summer time i like to put it outside.
Before it has risen
After is has risen10. After rising, you’re going to punch down the dough. Yes you read that correctly!
Make a fist with your hand and push it gently and firmly into the center of the puffy dough, deflating it.This is my favorite part!Why you may ask?It improves the bread's flavor by giving the yeast new starches and sugar to eat during the second rise. It also results in a finer grain (or crumb).11. After doing this you are going to shape your dough to your liking and put each half into a greased loaf pan. (or save the other half for later! one can also be on a sheet pan)
It does not have to be perfect! It’s going to rise and fill out the spaces. The loaf pan will help shape it.12. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes or more until it has risen again. It helps to put it somewhere warm.
*Tip: Start preheating your oven at this point and Put your bread on top of your oven (But make sure it is not too hot! You don’t want to cook your bread just help the bread rise faster with the warmth from the oven.13. If you haven’t preheated your oven at this point go ahead and do so. (375 degrees F).
14. After it has risen again you can put score marks on the top with a knife or just leave as is.
You do not have to score the bread but it helps control where the bread expands and results in a prettier end product
15. Bake for about 30-45 minutes or more until golden brown.
16. Brush with melted butter and enjoy!
17. Let cool, slice and enjoy!
