Homemade Frozen Bread Dough
This Homemade Frozen Bread Dough recipe is a versatile staple for any kitchen, allowing you to prepare fresh bread, pizza crusts, or rolls at your convenience. With a blend of bread flour and instant nonfat dry milk powder, this dough rises beautifully and can be customized with whole wheat flour for a heartier option. Simply prepare the dough, freeze it in individual portions, and you'll have homemade bread ready to bake whenever you desire. Ideal for busy families or those who love to bake, this recipe makes four loaves of delightful, homemade bread that is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread Flour
12-13 cups (Add gradually; you may need less if using whole wheat flour.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Add to yeast water mixture.)
Salt
2 tablespoons (Mix with dry ingredients.)
Instant Nonfat Dry Milk Powder
2/3 cup (Combine with dry ingredients.)
Active Dry Yeast
4 packages (4 tablespoons) (Dissolve in warm water.)
Soft Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup (Melted/softened before mixing.)
Very Warm Water
4 cups (Used to activate yeast.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, sprinkle 4 packages of active dry yeast over 4 cups of very warm water. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and let the yeast become frothy for about 5-10 minutes.
2
In a separate large bowl or bread mixer, combine 2/3 cup of instant nonfat dry milk, 4 cups of bread flour, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 1/4 cup of softened butter or margarine. Mix well to combine.
3
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir to incorporate, gradually adding the remaining bread flour, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4
At this point, either knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 15 minutes or use a bread mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic. Be mindful to add just enough flour to achieve a stiff but pliable dough; you may not need all 12-13 cups.
5
After kneading, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
6
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls on a lined cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
7
Freeze the dough balls until they are firm. Once solid, transfer them to freezer bags for long-term storage. For best quality, use within one month.
8
When ready to bake, remove the desired number of frozen dough balls from the freezer. Keep them in the bag to thaw or place them on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Thawing typically takes about 4 hours.
9
Shape the thawed dough into loaves, rolls, or pizza crusts as desired. Allow the shaped dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1.5 hours.
10
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). For a glossy finish, brush the top of the risen loaves with a beaten egg, then bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Frozen Bread Dough?
It is a versatile staple for preparing fresh bread, pizza crusts, or rolls at your convenience by freezing the dough in portions for later use.
What type of flour should I use for this recipe?
Bread flour is recommended for the best structure, though you can use a portion of whole wheat flour for a heartier option.
How many loaves of bread does this recipe make?
This recipe makes four loaves of homemade bread.
How much yeast is required for the dough?
You will need 4 packages of active dry yeast, which is equivalent to 4 tablespoons.
What temperature should the water be for activating the yeast?
The water should be very warm to properly activate the yeast.
How long should I let the yeast sit before mixing?
Let the yeast mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Why is sugar added to the yeast mixture?
Sugar is added to the warm water to help feed and activate the yeast.
What is the purpose of instant nonfat dry milk powder?
It helps improve the flavor and texture of the bread and is mixed with the dry ingredients.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How much bread flour will I actually need?
The recipe calls for 12 to 13 cups, but you should add it gradually and may not need the full amount depending on the dough's consistency.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead by hand for about 15 minutes or use a bread mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What should the dough look like after mixing?
The dough should be stiff but pliable and should begin to pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl.
Why does the dough need to rest for 15 minutes after kneading?
Resting the dough for 15 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape into balls.
How should I portion the dough for freezing?
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when freezing?
Place the dough balls on a lined cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
When should I move the dough to freezer bags?
Once the dough balls are frozen solid and firm, transfer them to freezer bags for long-term storage.
How long can I store the dough in the freezer?
For the best quality, the frozen bread dough should be used within one month.
What is the best way to thaw the frozen dough?
Keep the dough in its bag to thaw or place it on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
How long does it take to thaw the dough?
Thawing typically takes approximately 4 hours.
What shapes can I make with the thawed dough?
You can shape the thawed dough into loaves, dinner rolls, or pizza crusts.
How long should the shaped dough rise before baking?
Allow the shaped dough to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the bread.
How do I get a glossy finish on the bread crust?
Brush the top of the risen loaves with a beaten egg just before placing them in the oven.
How long should the bread bake for?
Bake the loaves for 35 minutes or until they are golden brown.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped and has a golden brown color.
Can I use a bread mixer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread mixer to combine the ingredients and knead the dough until it is smooth.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is ideal for busy families as it allows you to prep dough in advance and bake fresh bread as needed.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of salt mixed with the dry ingredients.
What should I do if my yeast doesn't get frothy?
If the yeast is not frothy after 10 minutes, it may be expired or the water may have been too hot or too cold; you should start over with fresh yeast.
Can I make pizza with this dough?
Absolutely, this dough is highly versatile and works perfectly as a base for pizza crusts.