Versatile Artisan Bread
After years of experimenting with various bread recipes, I finally settled on a quick and easy formula that yields perfect results every time. This versatile bread can be transformed into loaves, dinner rolls, pizza crusts, or even sweet cinnamon buns. It has a light and fluffy texture with a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet toppings. My family especially loves when I bake dinner rolls topped with quick oats or poppy seeds, adding a delightful crunch. This recipe is not just foolproof; it’s also adaptable, allowing for adjustments according to your preferences. I’m excited to share it, and I hope you enjoy making this homemade bread as much as I do!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water
2 1/2 cups (none)
Instant yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Powdered milk
1/2 cup (none)
Egg
1 large (beaten, for brushing)
Butter (or oil)
1/3 cup (melted)
White flour
6 cups (may vary)
Whole wheat flour
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, salt, sugar, powdered milk, egg, and butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well incorporated.
2
Gradually add white flour to the mixture while stirring. If desired, incorporate up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for added flavor. Mix until the ingredients begin to form a cohesive dough.
3
Once the dough starts to come together, switch to using your hands. Continue to add flour as needed until the dough is no longer runny and has a slightly sticky texture. Avoid adding too much flour to prevent heavy bread.
4
Transfer the dough to a floured countertop. Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until it achieves a smooth and elastic consistency, incorporating additional flour only as necessary.
5
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl that has been lightly oiled. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size.
6
Once risen, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into lightly oiled bread pans. For a golden finish, brush the tops with a beaten egg or water, and sprinkle your choice of toppings like quick oats or poppy seeds.
7
Let the loaves rise for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your preference for loaf size.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped (cooking times may vary by oven).
9
Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This bread is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or enjoying warm right out of the oven!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Versatile Artisan Bread?
It is a quick and easy homemade bread recipe that yields a light and fluffy texture with a subtle sweetness, suitable for various uses.
What can I make with this dough besides loaves?
This versatile dough can be transformed into dinner rolls, pizza crusts, or even sweet cinnamon buns.
How much warm water is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of warm water.
What type of yeast should be used?
You should use 1 1/2 tablespoons of instant yeast.
How much salt is included in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
Is there any sugar in this bread?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of sugar for a subtle sweetness.
What is the purpose of powdered milk in this recipe?
Powdered milk is used to enhance the flavor and texture; the recipe uses 1/2 cup.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
One large egg is needed for the dough mixture.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1/3 cup of either melted butter or oil.
How much white flour is generally used?
The recipe uses approximately 6 cups of white flour, though the exact amount may vary.
Can I add whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can incorporate up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for added flavor.
How do I start the mixing process?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, salt, sugar, powdered milk, egg, and butter and stir with a wooden spoon.
When should I switch from a spoon to my hands?
Switch to using your hands once the dough starts to come together and becomes too thick for the spoon.
What should the texture of the dough be before kneading?
The dough should no longer be runny and should have a slightly sticky texture.
Why should I avoid adding too much flour?
Adding too much flour can make the bread heavy and dense instead of light and fluffy.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
Knead the dough on a floured countertop for 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the goal of the kneading process?
Kneading continues until the dough achieves a smooth and elastic consistency.
How do I prepare the dough for its first rise?
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a large, lightly oiled bowl.
Where should the dough rise?
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm area.
How long is the first rise?
Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
The dough is divided into two equal portions to create two loaves.
How do I prepare the bread pans?
The bread pans should be lightly oiled before placing the shaped dough inside.
How do I get a golden finish on the crust?
Brush the tops of the loaves with a beaten egg or water before the final rise.
What toppings are recommended for the rolls or loaves?
You can sprinkle quick oats or poppy seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
How long is the second rise?
Let the shaped loaves rise for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the loaves bake?
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven's performance.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Should I leave the bread in the pans after baking?
Let the bread sit in the pans for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What are the best ways to enjoy this bread?
This bread is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or eating warm right out of the oven.