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    Home » Recipes » Bread and Loaf

    Rod's Easy Bread Dough

    Published on May 31, 2017 - Updated on January 19, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 2 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

    21 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    This Easy Bread Dough recipe is a great starter dough for buns, loaves or baguettes. There's nothing like homemade bread.
     
    Rod's Easy Bread Dough

    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.

    homemade bread loaf proofing
    Bread Loaf Proofing in Pan

    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.

    homemade bread loaf

    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:

    • Gluten Free Pizza Dough
    • Homemade Sesame Hamburger Buns
    • Easy Pretzel Buns
    • Artisan Bread Dough Master Recipe

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    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 Rod's 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.

    Rod's Easy Bread Dough

    Rod's Easy Bread Dough

    This Easy Bread Dough recipe is a great starter dough for buns, loaves or baguettes. There's nothing like homemade bread.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Proof Time 2 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time 3 hrs 35 mins
    Course Bread Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 336 kcal

    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
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    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

    Calories: 336kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 11gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 742mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 66mgIron: 0.7mg

    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.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Fabulous Bread and Loaf Recipes

    • Traditional Canadian Bannock Bread
    • Garlic Pepper Toast
    • Cinnamon Swirl Bread
    • Spicy Bacon Cornbread Muffins
    hot rods recipes

    Reader Interactions

    2 Comments

    1. Joseph Fondek

      April 12, 2020 at 6:30 am

      Thank you. I went to chef school many many years ago, and without your home recipes I would be lost.

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        April 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm

        You're very welcome!

        Reply

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