Atlanta Bread Recipe - DIY Bread for the morning
Homemade White Bread Dough: Perfect for Breakfast and Beyond
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially in the morning! With this simple white bread dough recipe, you can create enough dough for five delicious loaves, perfect for breakfast or any meal of the day. The best part? You can easily customize each loaf to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore some fun variations!
Basic White Bread Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 cup oil (vegetable or olive oil works well)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions:
1. Bloom the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water and the packet of instant yeast together. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the salt, oil, and flour. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured or oiled countertop. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Divide the Dough
- After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Knead it again briefly, then divide the dough into four or five equal pieces.
6. Store or Bake:
- If you’re planning to bake all five loaves, place one piece of dough into your baking container (a loaf pan works great). For the remaining pieces, you can either freeze them for later use or store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If freezing, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
7. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C). Bake the loaf for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool before slicing.
Delicious Variations to Try
Now that you have the basic white bread dough recipe down, here are some fun variations to consider for your loaves:
1. Herb and Garlic Bread:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano) and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough during the mixing stage for a flavorful twist.
2. Cinnamon Raisin Bread:
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1 cup of raisins or currants before the first rise. This makes for a delightful breakfast treat!
3. Cheese and Jalapeño Bread:
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) and 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy loaf that pairs perfectly with soups.
4. Whole Wheat Bread:
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. You may need to add a little extra water to achieve the right dough consistency.
5. Seeded Bread:
- Before baking, sprinkle the top of the loaf with a mix of seeds (like sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds) for added texture and flavor.
With this versatile white bread dough recipe, you can easily create multiple loaves for breakfast or any occasion. Whether you choose to stick with the classic white bread or experiment with one of the delicious variations, your homemade bread is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful aroma that fills your home, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy baking!
