Simple White Bread Dough with Variations
Homemade bread is such a treat, and although it takes time for the dough to rise, it is so very worth the wait! Make this simple recipe or any of its variations and you'll see why everyone says homemade is best!
Notes
- You can season the parmesan cheese with dried basil or other herbs, such as celery salt, caraway seeds, chile powder, or paprika.
- Another variation is to add cheddar and finely chopped walnuts or add garlic to the mix.
Cooking Time35 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups (or so) unbleached flour
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in about 1/2 cup of the water with the sugar.
- Add the rest of the water and the salt and work in enough flour to achieve a soft, smooth dough.
- Let rise, covered, in a clean bowl in a warm place.
- Punch down.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Shape and place in/on greased appropriate baking equipment. For French bread, shape into long thin loaves, place on an ungreased cookie sheet which has been scattered with corn meal, and put a pan of hot water under the rack.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 - 35 minutes. For 2 or 3 loaves, less time for rolls or small loaves.
Variation:
- Make a standard simple white bread dough as indicated above through step 4.
- After letting it rise once, punch it down and break off little balls of dough.
- Roll each ball first in melted butter, then in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Put a couple layers of these coated dough balls in greased loaf pans until you run out of dough, and let them rise until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 - 35 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
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