Bread Baking Basics

Baking bread can be a breeze! Today’s recipe shows that you don’t have to have an entire day set aside to make a loaf of homemade bread. Baking bread is a very hands-on activity, and a lot of fun. To make it even better, this bread is made with whole wheat flour which gives us much more nutrients than a white bread would. All of the ingredients you will need are common, and if they are not in your house already, are very inexpensive to buy. Here is our ingredient list:

whole wheat flour (I prefer white whole wheat flour, it makes for a smoother bread)
sugar
salt
active dry yeast
warm water
8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch bread pan

Now, let’s dive into making this dough.

First, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.

Next, pour the warm water into your mixture, then mix with your hands until there is a combined dough. Then, create a floured surface on a clean counter or table.

Knead the dough on the floured surface until you have reached a smooth dough that is just barely sticky. For a simple video on how to knead dough, click here.

Create Tip: Prepare to get messy! Remember to wash your hands well before you touch anything, and prepare for you hands to get covered in dough.

Once the dough is combined, it should be slightly sticky, but not too sticky. Form it into a ball in your mixing bowl, then cover with plastic wrap, and put it aside for 20-30 minutes. Now would be a great time to preheat the oven to 400° F.

Create Tip: Spray the bottom side of the plastic wrap with cooking spray to keep the risen dough from sticking to it.

After 20-30 minutes, the dough should definitely look larger because the yeast has done its job.

Grab your bread pan and spray the inside with cooking spray. Without squeezing it the dough too hard, carefully remove it and transfer it to a bread pan.

Place in the preheated oven, and let bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow.