How to Bake Bread (You Can Do It!)
Nothing is more comforting than warm, fresh, homemade bread—especially with a generous serving of creamy butter.
Equipment
- Kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (200ml) hot water
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour divided
- 2 cups (240g) bread flour divided
- 2 tablespoons (40g) honey
- 3 tablespoons (45g) softened unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- First, make the sponge. If you have a stand mixer, make the sponge directly in your mixer bowl. Combine the hot water with the cold milk. (You can also combine tap water and cold milk and heat it to about 120°F or 50°C).Add the yeast to the water and milk mixture along with 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour and 1 cup (120g) bread flour. Mix well, using a rubber spatula, ensuring that the flour is fully hydrated. Cover, and set in a warm place until bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Step 2
- Next, add the remaining flour (1 cup or 120g each whole wheat flour and bread flour), plus the honey, butter, vinegar, and salt.
Step 3
- Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed for 10 minutes. You should have a soft, workable dough that forms a mass and does not stick to the sides of the bowl (it may stick somewhat to the bottom of the bowl, however). If needed, you can add flour, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve the correct consistency.
Step 4
- Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl, then flip it over so that both the top and bottom of the dough are oiled. Cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled (1-2 hours).
Step 5
- Punch down, roll into a rectangle, and roll up, jelly-roll style. Place in a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan, and allow to rise for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until it has risen about 1” above the pan’s rim.
Step 6
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly browned. If you tap the top of the loaf, it will sound hollow. The interior temperature will reach 190°F (88°C).
Step 7
- Allow the bread to cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then tip the loaf out of the pan and onto the rack and allow it to cool fully. Serve warm with copious amounts of butter.
