Table of contents for Bread Making Made Easy in Bread Making Made Easy

This is a soft and rich gluten-free bread that will bring smiles to anyone who follows their nose and snags a bite. Balanced by a little sweetness, salt, milk, and eggs, this recipe’ll have everyone around asking for seconds—you might just have to turn that oven back on. Yield: one loaf Ingredients 2 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup ¾ cup warm water1 packet of active dry yeast1 ¼ cups buckwheat flour, plus extra for sprinkling¾ cup gluten-free flour (choose a blend that has xanthan gum)1 tsp salt2 eggs¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing½ cup room-temperature milk1 Tbsp seeds (such as flax, sesame, or sunflower), optional Instructions 1. In a large bowl, dissolve the honey or maple syrup in warm water. Sprinkle the packet of yeast…

Nothing says home cooking like banana bread, and this masterpiece is sweet, fluffy, and oh-so-flavorful. You probably have most of these ingredients on hand already, so turning your kitchen into an aromatic zone of fresh-baked goodness couldn’t be simpler to pull off. Yield: one loaf Ingredients 1¾ cups all-purpose flour1 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1 tsp cinnamon¼ Tbsp salt3 overripe bananas½ tsp vanilla extract¼ cup maple syrup⅓ cup applesauce⅓ cup almond milk1-2 tsp olive oil Instructions 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to a medium-sized bowl. Give these dry ingredients a good mix using a wooden spoon. 3. Peel and mash the bananas and add them to another bowl of the same size. These yellow beauties contain lots of…

A classic loaf of sourdough bread never gets old—as evidenced by its resurgence in popularity during the Covid 19 lockdowns of a few years back. This lovely loaf features a signature tang, pliable interior, and delectably crisp crust, offering an unrivaled sensation every time. Yield: one loaf Ingredients 100 grams active sourdough starter330 grams water8 grams sea salt25 grams olive oil475 grams all-purpose flour Instructions 1. Take out your kitchen scale, place a large mixing bowl on it, then tare it to zero (subtracting the bowl’s weight from the scale). 2. Place your starter (see page 36) in the bowl. For best results, make sure it’s been fed in the last four to 12 hours so it’s active and bubbling. Tare the scale again. 3. To the mixing bowl, add…

Sourdough starters include a blend of bacteria and wild yeasts that need regular attention to stay healthy. To make a sourdough starter that’ll last, you’ll want to keep a close eye on it that first week after making it. In the first few days, the key is to watch for bubbles: There don’t have to be many at this point, but if you see any at all, you’re well on your way to success. If you notice a slim coating of dark fluid on your starter’s surface, gently remove it. This substance, known as “hooch,” is undesirable but not a starter-killer; it’s just a sign that your starter is hungry. Day three (for many recipes) is when feeding begins. A great way to tell if your sourdough starter is active…

Get ready for ultra-fluffy, filling, flavorful pancakes that will change the way you approach breakfast. The secret ingredient is sourdough discard that would have otherwise gone unutilized. Recycling is fun… Yield: six to eight pancakes Ingredients ¼ cup unsalted butter240 grams room temperature milk4 grams vanilla extract3 small eggs240 grams sourdough discard190 grams whole wheat pastry flour5 grams salt4.6 grams baking soda4.6 grams baking powder450 grams fresh blueberries, plus more for topping5 grams salted butter, for frying Instructions 1. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds—adjust this time according to your specific microwave. Let it cool completely. 2. Place a large mixing bowl on a kitchen scale, then tare it. 3. Add the butter, milk, vanilla, eggs, and sourdough discard to the bowl, taring the scale after…

Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this easyto-make Greek goodie. It’s a harmonious fusion of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant herbs nestled within layers of golden, crispy phyllo pastry. Yield: Eight servings Ingredients 1 lb fresh spinach1 medium onion3 cloves garlic½ cup butter, divided2 large eggs¼ cup fresh parsley¼ cup fresh dill1 cup crumbled feta cheesePinch of salt Pinch of freshly ground black pepperCooking spray12 sheets of premade phyllo pastry Instructions 1. Wash, drain, and dry the spinach leaves. Remove any thick stems, then roughly chop them. 2. Peel the onion and garlic, dicing the former and finely mincing the latter. 3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add half of the butter (¼ cup) and let it melt. Sauté the onions…

For those yet to create a sweet loaf—not quite bread, not quite cake—this section’s about to change your life. Turn the page and embark on an international tour of tempting treats that are almost as fun to make as they are to eat. Work the dough and explore a wide world of delights, from the twisty marvels of chocolate babka to the zesty tang of lemon blueberry bread to the classic comfort of bread pudding. Baking bread doesn’t just satisfy your hunger: It feeds your soul. There’s a therapeutic joy in kneading, pounding, and baking these expressions of culinary art to life, and your family will be just as excited to deconstruct your works—one delicious bite at a time.…

Elevate your baking with this sweet tooth satisfier. This heavenly treat from Eastern Europe features a buttery, tender dough swirled with rich, bitter-sweet chocolate and a luxurious hazelnut spread—each slice is a decadent delight. Yield: one babka Ingredients ½ cup unsalted butter½ cup warm water¼ cup granulated sugar1 tsp salt, plus a pinch1 tsp instant yeast2 large eggs1 egg yolk3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneadingNonstick cooking spray, for greasing½ cup bittersweet chocolate½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread⅓ cup lukewarm water6 Tbsp brown sugar Instructions 1. Melt the unsalted butter over low heat or in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) until just melted. Allow it to cool slightly. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Allow this mixture to…

Prepare to explore a warm and yeasty world of robust, fulfilling, and nourishing breads. The hearty, nutrition-packed bakes in this section will start your day off strong, and they don’t fall short in the flavor department, either. We’ve got recipes for conventional wheat, oatmeal, and spelt, and for exotic ancient grains and modern darlings like almond flour. The best part: By making homemade bread packed with fiber and nutrients, you’re not just getting tasty treats—you’re also boosting your health by leaving out preservatives and other unnecessary chemicals. Whether you’re a novice baker or a longtime doughmaster, you’ll encounter new flavors and textures to delight your palate on the following pages. Your kitchen awaits!…

Embracing the world of gluten-free baking doesn’t mean you only get one kind of alternative flour. In fact, trying a variety of non-wheat flours can enhance your baking with new flavors and textures. Some gluten-free recipes will contain one or more of these flours, but they can also be added to other bakes to heighten flavor and provide health benefits. Just remember, substituting these flours isn’t always a straightforward 1:1 ratio, so you’ll have to research recommended ratios online when replacing the wheat in a traditional recipe with a gluten-free alternative. Some options: Almond Flour: This flour, produced from finely ground almonds, is a health superstar, high in protein and monounsaturated fats. Expect a moist texture and buttery flavor that can add richness to any loaf. Arrowroot Flour: This flour comes…

If you’ve ever had quinoa as a side dish, you’re in for a treat. Baked into bread, this high-protein seed acts like a grain, contributing richness and earthy warmth to a loaf that’s secretly high in energy-boosting protein. Yield: one loaf Ingredients 1 ¾ cup almond milk¼ cup tahini1 Tbsp maple syrup1 ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar1 ¼ cup almond flour2 ½ cups quinoa flour¼ cup flaxseed meal1 tsp baking soda1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt½ cup black and white sesame seeds, optional Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add parchment paper to an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan, ensuring some parchment spills over on each end. 2. Add the almond milk, tahini, and maple syrup to a small bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar, too—it’s not only a leavening…

This isn’t your typical pizza—it’s ten times better, thanks to its tangy sourdough bite. It may take a little longer to make, but the taste and texture of this doughy delight will more than make up for it. Yield: two pizzas Ingredients 50 grams active sourdough starter280 grams all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting34 grams whole wheat flour215 grams water6 grams sea salt10 grams olive oil, plus extra for greasing panVegetables of your choice, as toppingsCheese of your choice, as a topping1 jar of pizza sauce Instructions 1. Place a large mixing bowl on a kitchen scale and tare it. 2. Place the sourdough starter in the bowl (see page 36), ideally fed within the last four to 12 hours, followed by both flours, water, salt, and olive oil. Make…

Bread has been a foundational part of civilizations for centuries. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Welcome to a tantalizing world of flavor-packed delights, with each bake designed to electrify your taste buds. Treating bread as both cuisine and canvas paves the way for exploring all kinds of impactful herbs, spices, flavors, and textures you can experiment with. From the fiery allure of jalapeño cheddar cornbread to the savory embrace of Polish onion flatbread, the exotic, mouthwatering possibilities are endless. Flavorful masterpieces like the ones on the following pages make for a joyful communal experience, connecting friends and families and kindling memories as the intricate flavors dance on our tongues. Marvel at these intricate, but easy-to-bake creations—and get ready to wow your audience.…

Packed with the perfect blend of sweet corn and spicy jalapeños, this delectable cornbread promises an explosion of flavor in every bite. Easy to whip up and impossible to resist, these squares will be the star of any gathering. Yield: 15 squares Ingredients 1 cup frozen corn kernels Butter or cooking spray, for greasing1 cup yellow cornmeal1 cup all-purpose flour1 Tbsp granulated sugar1 Tbsp baking soda½ tsp salt½ cup unsalted butter1 cup buttermilk2 large eggs2 medium jalapeño peppers Instructions 1. Remove the corn from the freezer and let it thaw. 2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. 3. Ready a 9-by-13-inch baking dish by greasing it with either butter or non-stick cooking spray. 4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.…

Bread is the perfect base for culinary creativity. While classic bread recipes are undeniably comforting, infusing your dough with herbs, spices, nuts, and other flavors can take your baked creations to new heights. The possibilities are virtually endless, but here are a few. Rosemary and Garlic: The earthy aroma of rosemary combined with the pungent kick of garlic creates a savory bread that pairs perfectly with soups or as a standalone appetizer. Simply chop fresh rosemary and minced garlic, then knead them into your dough before shaping and baking. Cinnamon and Raisin: For a delightful twist on classic breakfast bread, try incorporating ground cinnamon and plump raisins into your dough. The warm, soothing flavor of cinnamon complements the sweetness of the raisins, resulting in the taste of home in a…

Gather ‘round for a culinary creation that pairs the sweetness of ripe fruit with the tangy bite of creamy blue cheese, all atop a homemade crust that’s both tender and crisp. The aromatic hint of fresh thyme will lure your family into the kitchen; the amazing creation they’ll find there will surprise and delight. Yield: one large flatbread Ingredients 1 cup warm water1 Tbsp sugar1 packet of instant yeastOlive oil, for coating and drizzling3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading1 tsp fine sea salt2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling½ cup softened cream cheese¾ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheesePinch of kosher saltPinch of black pepper1 ripe pear3 sprigs thyme Instructions 1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Then sprinkle in the yeast,…

This is a true fall treat that’ll make you want the season to last forever. With the addition of fresh apple, earthy pecans, and some subtly kicky cinnamon, your family will be basking in flavors that fulfill all their deepest cravings. Yield: 10 servings Ingredients ½ cup warm whole milk½ cup unsalted butter, divided1 packet active dry yeast¼ cup white sugar1 large egg2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting½ tsp saltNonstick cooking spray, for greasing1 large apple½ cup pecans ⅓ cup brown sugar1 ½ Tbsp cinnamon, divided1 cup powdered sugar2-3 Tbsp almond milk Instructions 1. Put the milk in a saucepan and let it heat up on medium-high heat until it reaches 110°F. 2. Melt half of the unsalted butter (¼ cup) in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15…

As autumn’s crisp air fills your kitchen, embrace the season’s chill with this irresistible warm creation—a symphony of spices and velvety pumpkin. With simple, stress-free preparation, this recipe ensures that every slice is a celebration of fall’s bounty. Yield: 12 servings Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray1 cup canned pumpkin1 cup white sugar½ cup vegetable oil2 large eggs¼ cup water1¾ cups all-purpose flour1 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda½ tsp salt2 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground nutmeg¼ tsp ground cloves Instructions 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. Grease a standard-sized loaf pan with a bit of nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix with vigor until you’ve achieved a smooth and homogenous mixture. Once it’s mixed well, incorporate the water…

This recipe is simplicity itself, transforming stale bread into a flavorful masterpiece. It infuses each spoonful with rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and plump raisins; with a moist interior and crisped edges, you taste the best of both worlds. Yield: two servings Ingredients 3 Tbsp unsalted butter1 ½ cups of stale or day-old bread2 large eggs2 ½ cups whole milk¾ cup white sugar1 tsp ground cinnamon¼ tsp ground nutmeg¼ cup raisins Instructions 1. Melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool. 2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. As the oven warms up, grease two8-inch ramekin bowls with a little bit of the melted butter to ensure the bread pudding doesn’t stick. 3. Cut the bread into roughly one-inch cubes. It’s all right if they’re not perfectly shaped; their irregularities are what…

This moist and savory goodie will bring everyone into the kitchen in search of what smells so heavenly. It’s a surprisingly fast and simple recipe—and with low carbs and no gluten, nearly everyone can join the fun. Yield: one loaf Ingredients 1-2 Tbsp olive oil2 ½ Tbsp coconut oil¼ cup flaxseed meal2 ½ cups almond flour½ tsp cinnamon1 tsp baking soda½ tsp sea salt5 small eggs1 egg white½ tsp vanilla extract1 ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp maple syrup Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with the olive oil, then set it aside. 2. Transfer the coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 15 seconds to de-solidify it. Research recently published in the Food and Function medical journal found that coconut…

Making a work of art out of a bread loaf is a delightful fusion of baking and creativity, yielding edible creations you can admire and then devour. Consider combining herbs and veggies for double the enjoyment—picture a beautiful sunflower made from orange bell pepper petals, black olive centers, and chive stems. Or perhaps you’d like to depict flowers still in bloom—why not go for halved cherry tomatoes supported by rosemary sprig stems? Herbs do more than garnish; they breathe life into your design. A scattering of dill might mimic delicate foliage, while basil leaves placed in pairs form butterfly wings upon your bread. For those craving sweetness in their spectacle, fruit can lend its vivid hues and natural shapes to your palette. Mango slivers can merge together as brilliant goldfish…

Discover the epitome of effortless baking with this artisanal focaccia. Easily crafted, this golden-brown delight boasts succulent cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory garlic in a flavor medley that looks and feels heaven-sent. Yield: 12 servings Ingredients 1¾cups warm water1 Tbsp sugar1 Tbsp active dry yeast4 cups all-purpose flour ⅓ cup olive oil, plus more for coating and drizzling1 Tbsp coarse salt, plus more for sprinkling2 cups cherry tomatoes¼ cup fresh basil leaves4 cloves garlic2 Tbsp dried basil Instructions 1. Combine the warm water and sugar in a bowl and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for five to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and stir in the frothy…

Indulge in the savory delight of cebularz lubelski, a taste sensation straight from the heart of Poland. This recipe creates a golden-brown, pillowy-soft yeast dough, topped with decadent caramelized onions and lovingly baked to perfection. Yield: 12 flatbreads Ingredients Onion Blend 2 large red onions2 Tbsp salted butter1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper½ tsp kosher salt2 Tbsp poppy seeds, plus extra for sprinkling Yeast Blend 1 cup room temperature milk, plus extra for brushing1 Tbsp brown sugar½ Tbsp honey10 grams active dry yeast Dough Blend 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling½ tsp salt1 egg½ cup milk2 Tbsp salted butter, softened Olive oil, for greasing Instructions 1. Peel and dice the onions. 2. Place the butter in a pan on medium heat and let it melt. Add the onions,…

The relationship between bread and our sense of well-being has long intrigued social scientists and bakers alike. From its comforting taste to its satisfying aroma, bread offers a sensory experience known to soothe the soul and lift the spirits of people everywhere. Whether we’re savoring a freshly baked sweet loaf or enjoying a slice of your favorite sourdough variety, the simple act of eating, making, or even just smelling fresh bread can have profound effects on our mental and emotional health. The Impact of Bread on Our Well-being For millennia, eating bread has been synonymous with comfort and sustenance. Modern science offers new insights into why this is so, thanks to a new understanding of the role of carbohydrates in mood enhancement. When we consume bread, the carbs break down…