Baking your own bread at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With this bakery secret recipe, you can make 30 loaves of bread that are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Follow these detailed instructions to create bakery-quality bread right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Yeast Starter:
- 10 grams of bread yeast
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 milliliters of water
For the Dough:
- 10 grams of bread yeast
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 cups of flour (divided)
- Cold water (as needed, approximately 600 milliliters)
- 3 tablespoons of butter (divided)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Starter
- Mix Yeast and Flour: In a bowl, combine 10 grams of bread yeast and 4 tablespoons of flour.
- Add Water: Pour in 100 milliliters of water and whisk together until smooth.
- Let It Rest: Allow the yeast mixture to rest for about 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and active.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Activate Yeast: After the yeast has rested and become bubbly, add another 10 grams of bread yeast to the mixture and stir well.
- Add Salt and Sugar: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar into the yeast mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 6 cups of flour to the mixture. Start by adding 2 cups, mix, then add the remaining 4 cups.
- Add Water: Slowly pour in cold water, a little at a time, while stirring. Continue adding water until the dough reaches the desired texture. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Once the dough begins to form, use your hands to mix and knead it. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and continue kneading for a few minutes until it stops sticking to your hands.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Knead
- Add Butter: Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on your work surface, place the dough on top, and knead the dough to incorporate the butter.
- Knead Again: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in small portions, kneading each portion into the dough until it is fully incorporated.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough in a bowl dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Sprinkle some flour on top of the dough, cover with a cloth or towel, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Loaves
- Deflate the Dough: Once the dough has rested and risen, transfer it back to a floured surface and knead again to release any air.
- Portion the Dough: Using a kitchen scale, divide the dough into 60-gram pieces. Each piece will become a small loaf of bread.
- Shape the Loaves: Take each 60-gram piece of dough, flatten it slightly, then roll it up gently to form a loaf shape. Be careful to handle the dough gently to maintain its light and airy texture.
Step 5: Final Rest and Baking
- Final Rest: Place the shaped loaves on a floured baking sheet or tray, cover them with a cloth, and let them rest for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final rest allows the dough to rise slightly before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rest.
- Bake the Loaves: Once the loaves have rested, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.
- Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, giving the bread its structure and texture.
- Monitor Water Addition: Add water gradually to avoid making the dough too sticky. The amount of water needed can vary based on the humidity and type of flour.
- Maintain Consistent Sizes: Using a kitchen scale helps ensure all loaves are the same size, leading to even baking.
- Rest Periods: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
Making your own bread at home can be a delightful and fulfilling process. This recipe, inspired by bakery techniques, yields 30 delicious loaves that are perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them with a simple spread, these homemade loaves are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking your own bread!
