How to Make Homemade Bread - DIY Duke

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers natural sweetness.

yeast

🥗Healthier: sourdough starter

💰Cheaper: instant yeast

Sourdough adds unique flavor and probiotics.

Add 3/4 cup warm water to a bowl and mix in 2 packages of dry active yeast until dissolved.

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt.

Add 3 tablespoons of shortening to the mixture and use a whisk to combine.

Gradually add 4 cups of the flour mixture (half unbleached white and half wheat) to the wet ingredients, mixing until sticky.

Flour the countertop and knead the dough, adding more flour as needed until it holds together.

Place the dough in a greased bowl coated with olive oil, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Perform the two-finger test to check if the dough has risen properly, then punch down the dough to release air.

Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a loaf shape, pinching the seams underneath.

Place one loaf in a greased container and shape the second loaf into a free-form French loaf on a cast iron pan.

Cover both loaves and let rise for another hour.

Make a slight cut on the top of the French loaf to allow it to expand while baking.

Brush warmed butter on top of both loaves for flavor.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped.

Remove the loaves from the oven and brush with more butter to keep them moist.

Let the bread cool before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens