Bread Dough Recipe
Introduction
Bread is one of the most basic and essential foods, and making it from scratch is a rewarding and satisfying experience. The first step in making bread is creating the dough, which is the foundation of any good loaf. This bread dough recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious and versatile dough that can be used for a variety of breads, from classic white loaves to artisanal sourdoughs.Ingredients
To make this bread dough recipe, you will need the following ingredients:- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F)
Optional ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, for added sweetness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, for added richness and flavor
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, for added texture and nutrition
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly. 2. If you are using any of the optional ingredients, add them now and mix well. 3. Slowly pour the warm water into the bowl, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. Keep stirring until the dough comes together into a sticky, shaggy mass. 4. Use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl for a few minutes, until it becomes smoother and more elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too wet, add a little more flour. 5. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This process is called proofing, and it allows the yeast to ferment and create air pockets in the dough. 6. Once the dough has proofed, punch it down with your fist to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it again for a few minutes. 7. Shape the dough into a ball or a loaf, depending on your preference. Place the dough into a greased baking pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 8. Let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes to an hour, until it has puffed up slightly. 9. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. 10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.Nutrition
This bread dough recipe makes approximately 10 servings, depending on the size and shape of the bread. Each serving contains:- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g