Bread Recipe (No-Oven Needed!)

Are you interested in baking homemade bread? This is the perfect recipe for you! You won’t believe how fluffy, airy, and tasty the results will be.

Baking homemade bread is an easy and satisfying experience – and it tastes extraordinary! Whether you are a passionate baker craving a delicious crusty sourdough or a busy parent that needs a cheap, easy and nutritious meal, baking your own bread is the way to go.

In this blog post, you’ll learn the basics of baking bread, the key equipment and ingredients you’ll need, and a few tips to help you get your favorite loaf of bread ready in no time.

How to Make Homemade Bread

According to a survey by the American Bakers Association, 94% of American households eat bread daily. So let’s get baking and make homemade bread a part of your daily diet! This super soft bread doesn’t even require the use of an oven! 

Ingredients

Bread flour

To achieve the softness of homemade bread, use high-protein bread flour. This is popularly used in making sourdough, brioche, and other baked goods.

Always pair it with yeast for the appropriate mixture. It helps with the elasticity and flexibility of the dough as you knead it. 

Yeast

It’s important to use this condiment to allow the bread to rise properly. It also contributes to the rich and crusty texture of the loaf. The gluten network is the secret to good bread, so enhance it by adding yeast. 

Salted butter

Butter and salt make a great combination because they can extend shelf life and contribute to flavor. Hence, salted butter can definitely take your bread to the next level.

Egg

This protein-rich ingredient adds to the gluten and texture of the dough. Eggs can make the bread extra soft and fluffy. It even helps with the gorgeous brown color and the creamy taste of the homemade bread. 

Seasoning 

Don’t forget to season it for flavorful homemade bread. Sugar, nutmeg, milk powder, and sea salt add sweetness and distinct flavors. Milk powder can even help with the crust of the bread. 

Water

Use water to soften the dough for kneading. It also reacts with the bread flour and yeast for effective leavening. 

You only need these simple ingredients to make the most stellar homemade bread! If you have these household condiments in stock, let’s put them to good use by baking! 

Directions

Now, unleash the inner baker in you and try this bread! 

1. Sieve the bread flour, sugar, nutmeg, sea salt, and milk powder into a bowl.
2. Add the yeast and mix until well combined.
3. Pour in the water and egg. 
4. Knead it using a mixer for 5 minutes or a whisk for 25 minutes.
5. Gradually add the softened salted butter while kneading. 
6. Cover and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes. 
7. Measure all sides of the loaf pan and cut the baking paper accordingly. Insert it into the pan and butter or grease the lid. 
8. Cut the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece with a rolling pin. Fold it inwards until you form a cylindrical shape. Repeat the process on the same dough once more.
9. Arrange them in the lined loaf pan and cover them with the lid. Set it aside in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until it doubles in size. 
10. Place a large pot on the stove set at high heat. Put the ceramic beans inside, and the iron stand in the middle. Cover the pot and preheat it for 30 minutes until it reaches 200°C.
11. Put the loaf pan on the iron stand. Let it cook for 10 minutes. 
12. Use a towel or potholder to turn it onto the other side to bake for another 10 minutes.
13. Cook the other sides for 5 minutes each. Remove it from heat and allow it to cool. 

Bread-making has never been more therapeutic! Slice into the bread and see how soft and heavenly it is! 

Tips to Make Homemade Bread

How to Store Baking Ingredients

• Store the flour, nutmeg, sea salt, and milk powder in their original packaging or airtight containers.
• Place them in cool and dry areas to prolong shelf life.  
• On the other hand, the yeast is best stored in the fridge.
• Store the salted butter in the fridge or the freezer. 

How to Line the Loaf Pan

Use non-stick baking paper, a pencil, a ruler, and scissors for the lining. 

• Position the loaf pan in the middle of the baking paper.
• Mark the corners with the pencil and connect them to the edge of the paper. You should be able to form squares on each corner of the paper.
• Cut the squares out for a cross-like figure. 

Then, you can easily fit it in the loaf pan! This is a helpful tip so you can effortlessly take the bread out of the pan. 

How to Cook the Bread in the Oven

If you don’t have time to cook it on the stove, then you can bake it in the oven. Set the oven to 200°C and let it bake for up to 45 minutes. There’s no need to turn the loaf pan over as it will be heated as a whole in the oven. 

How to Roll the Dough Without a Rolling Pin

Rolling the dough is fun, even if you don’t have a rolling pin! As alternatives, you can use a wine bottle, a drinking glass, a tumbler, a clean PVC pipe, or even your hands. 

How to Store Yeast Dough

After trying this recipe, I’m sure you will want to make it more often in the future. So, check out these methods on how you can store yeasted dough. 

• You can refrigerate the dough before it rises but note that this might slow down the leavening process.
• Allow the dough to expand in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• It’s better to put the dough in the fridge once it has fully risen. 
• For the rolled-out dough, you can wrap it in aluminum foil or cling film and transfer it into freezer bags to store in the freezer to last up to 2 weeks.
• To use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, let it rise on the counter. 

How to Solve Common Bread Dough Problems

If you encounter any of these problems, check out these solutions you can use as remedies. 

The dough is not rising or lacks rising

The rise in the dough is essential to make fluffy and soft bread. Use a sufficient amount of yeast, as it is a powerful leavening agent. Use quality and viable yeast for the dough. 

The bread is soggy

This problem may be due to the material of the loaf pan. It is also why turning the bread as it cooks is important. Moreover, you can continue baking it for a few more minutes to expand the bread thoroughly. 

The dough is sticking to your hands and on the surface

Sprinkle flour or semolina on the surface and on your hands to prevent sticking. However, do not overuse it as it can also add to the bread’s gluten, which may lead to a tough texture. You may also use butter or oil to grease. 

Overproofed dough

Proofing of bread can take up to 2 hours. To prevent having over-proofed dough, check it for doneness after at least 45 minutes. Apply pressure on the dough, and it is ready for baking if it bounces back. 

The bread is too crumbly

If the bread crumbles easily, then this means that it lacks moisture. Don’t skip the water to provide better structure and texture from the inside out. 

Homemade Bread Variations

To make it vegan-friendly, you can skip the eggs but note that this will change the bread’s texture and flavor. On the other hand, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. You can also try lactose-free milk such as almond milk or coconut milk.

In fact, you can mix it with mashed ripe bananas to give the bread a tropical fruit flavor. Actually, you can season it with cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nuts. Also, if you don’t have yeast, you can use baking powder instead.

Recommended Tools

• Pot: Cook the bead in a pot on the stove. 
• Iron stand: Place this at the center of the pot to position the pan.
• Ceramic baking beans: Use these to distribute heat for thoroughly cooked bread. 
• Loaf pan: Bake the dough in a loaf pan to maintain form. 
• Mixer: Knead the dough using a mixer.
• Silicone pastry brush: Grease the surface and the loaf pan with a silicone brush.
• Silicone spatula: Use this to mix and incorporate ingredients into the batter.
• Whisk: Combine ingredients well with a whisk. 
• Measuring cups and spoons: Be precise with the condiments for the fluffiest and tastiest bread. 
• Small glass bowls: Prepare the ingredients in glass bowls. 
• Dough cutter: Slice the dough into sections with a dough cutter. 

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How to Serve Homemade Bread

This bread recipe is so flavorful that you can eat it on its own. You can put all sorts of toppings and spreads, such as strawberry jam, peanut butter, or guacamole.  In addition, you can convert it into French Toast, Bread Pizza, and sandwiches! 

It pairs well with eggs, hotdogs, bacon, tuna, and more! You can have it at any time of the day to supply you with energy and nutrients. You may try coffee, milk, hot chocolate, iced tea, smoothies, and other nutritious drinks for beverages. 

The USDA recommends up to 6 servings per day for males and females aged 19 to 15. 

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Put the bread in a bread box, airtight container, or resealable bag and store it at room temperature to last up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four main ingredients in bread?

According to The Spruce Eats, the four main ingredients in bread include flour, yeast, water, and salt. Additional ingredients can add color, flavor, and quality to the bread.

Is homemade bread healthy? 

Yes, it is extremely healthy! You can make sure that the ingredients and preparations are safe and proper. This recipe uses basic yet quality ingredients for the best and softest bread. 

It has no preservatives, additives, or extenders. Homemade bread has less sugar, yet it is still packed with fiber. You may also customize it to your diet and your preferences. 

Are ceramic baking beans necessary? 

The ceramic baking beans are not necessary, but they help allow the heat to circulate inside the pot. You can choose rice, beans, or dried peas as alternatives.