Back to Basics: What you 'knead' to know about making bread …

"I always encourage bakers of all types and interests to just get into it and find the joy in the making. Then you can divide yourself into categories," Philip explained. Importance of a tried-and-true recipe Whether it's traditional yeast bread baking or fermented leaveners such as sourdough, Philip said "begin with a … See more

FAQs about Back to Basics: What you 'knead' to know about making bread … Coupon?

Is it necessary to knead bread?

Kneading your dough helps introduce lots of air into it, making for a lighter loaf. However, there are also 'no-knead' bread recipes. The best bread is made when you leave your dough for the time it takes on a kitchen machine (often as long as 45 minutes), which really brings out the gluten strings in the dough. ...

Why do you knead bread?

The purpose is to develop gluten. Gluten helps give the bread structure (without it, it would crumble) and gives it that bit of chew we all love. To knead, take the heel of your hand and push the dough forward to stretch it. Then fold it in on itself, give it a quarter turn and repeat. ...

How do you knead bread dough?

The best way to knead bread dough is in a bread machine. Almost every single yeast bread recipe I make is made in one. While they are not great for actually baking the loaves, they will knead it perfectly. They all have a “dough” cycle, which will typically knead and rise the dough, then shut off. How do you know when bread is kneaded enough? ...

How do you make no-knead bread?

While some recipes exist for no-knead bread, kneading usually plays a big role in getting the texture just right. "When kneading the dough, work on a lightly floured surface," said Malburg. "Fold the farthest side of the dough onto itself toward you and, using the heel of your hand, press the dough down, stretching it back away from you. ...

Why is kneading important?

The reason kneading is an important part of bread making is to create structure and strength in the dough, leaving it silky and soft with a little cushiony feel. Flour contains two proteins that combine to form gluten, which is responsible for creating the elastic texture in the dough. ...

Should one make their own bread?

Making one's own bread can be physically hard work and involve a bit of heavy lifting (assuming you don’t have a machine to do the heavy work). It takes you back to simpler times and gives you a chance to get creative. Sounds surprising, I know. ...