Bread flour is generally considered the best type of flour for making bread. It has a high gluten content, which helps the bread rise and hold its shape. However, you can also use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, depending on the type of bread you want to make.
The ideal temperature for proofing dough is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). A warm, draft-free place is best.
To make a sourdough starter, combine flour and water in a jar. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for several days, feeding it with more flour and water every day. The starter will eventually become bubbly and frothy, indicating that it is ready to use. See our How To Make A Sourdough Starter post as well.
Store sourdough starter in the refrigerator. Feed it every week with equal parts flour and water after discarding half of the starter. Use the discard to make baked goods of all kinds, like our Sourdough Discard Pancakes.
A healthy sourdough starter should be bubbly and have a slightly sour smell. It should also rise when you add flour and water.
The time it takes to make bread varies depending on the type of bread and the recipe you are using. Some breads, like quick breads, can be made in under an hour. However, other breads, such as sourdough bread, can take several hours or even days to rise and bake.
The basic steps involved in making bread are mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, letting the dough rise, shaping the bread, and baking the bread.
There are many ways to add flavor to your bread. You can add herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough. You can also brush the top of the bread with milk or egg wash before baking.
If your bread doesn't rise, there are a few possible reasons. The yeast may be old or inactive, the dough may be too cold, or you may have added too much salt. If your bread doesn't rise, you can try making a new batch of dough.
The best way to tell if your bread is done baking is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. You can also tap the top of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, the bread is done.
Store homemade bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread.
A boule is a round loaf of bread, while a loaf is a rectangular loaf of bread.