Many years ago I got a bread machine as a gift. While that was ok for a few months, I quickly stepped up my game and started making dough from scratch. So here's my Easy Bread Dough recipe.
While making bread dough is relatively easy, it does require some skills. The first few times I tried to make homemade bread it was inedible.
🍞 What is Rising & Proofing
Rising is the process where carbon dioxide makes the dough rise and develop flavor. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl (olive oil or non-stick spray) and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. The dough should be left in a warm location until it has doubled in size.
Proofing basically means the last rise of the dough in its final shape (e.g. bun, loaf, etc.) before baking. Many factors come into play for how long it will take to prove the dough. You can tell when the dough is ready for baking when the dough springs back after you gently press the dough with your finger.
Over time though you learn little tricks and get a feel for how to dough should feel. Proofing is a whole other matter that I won't get into here as you can easily google how to proof bread.
This bread dough recipe is quick and easy and can be used as a starting point for buns, loaves or baguettes! For some of my other easy to make bread recipes, check out Paul’s Quick Soda Bread recipe or my Easy Homemade Baguettes Recipe. Or check out my Easy Pie Crust Dough recipe.
For more great recipes made with active dry yeast, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Easy Bread Dough recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Bread Flour, Active Yeast, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Water, Milk and White Sugar.
🥣 How to Make Easy Bread Dough
In a medium bowl, mix water and yeast and mix well. Let sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Stir in milk, then add melted butter, salt and sugar and stir until well blended.
Pour liquid mixture into a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, stir in 4 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Add 5th cup of flour and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. Occasionally scrape sides of the bowl to ensure all flour is mixed in.
Move dough to a greased bowl. Cover bowl with a damp cloth. Let dough rise at room temperate for 2 to 3 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
Move dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes.
Shape dough into the desired shape.
Cooking time and temperature will vary depending on shape and size. For a loaf, it will usually take about 45 minutes at 400F.
📖 Recipe
Rod's Easy Bread Dough
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Bread Flour
- 1 ½ tablespoon Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, Melted
- 1 Cup Water, warm
- 2 Cups Milk
- 2 tablespoon White Sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix water and yeast and mix well. Let sit for approximately 10 minutes.
- Stir in milk, then add melted butter, salt and sugar and stir until well blended.
- Pour liquid mixture into a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, stir in 4 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Add 5th cup of flour and continue mixing until dough is smooth and elastic. Occasionally scrape sides of bowl to ensure all flour is mixed in.
- Move dough to a greased bowl. Cover bowl with damp cloth. Let dough rise at room temperate for 2 to 3 hours or until dough has doubled in size.
- Move dough to floured surface. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Shape dough into the desired shape.
- Cooking time and temperature will vary depending on shape and size. For a loaf, it will usually take about 45 minutes at 400F.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
Joseph Fondek
Thank you. I went to chef school many many years ago, and without your home recipes I would be lost.
Chef Rodney
You're very welcome!