This recipe allows you to use your bread machine to prepare the dough, which you then bake in your conventional oven for a fresh, homemade loaf. It’s a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of both appliances.
Using a bread machine for dough preparation simplifies the process, while baking in the oven gives you a beautifully crusty exterior and soft interior.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
There’s something truly satisfying about baking bread at home. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This process not only brings comfort but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Using a bread machine to prepare the dough simplifies the initial steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Once the dough is ready, the real magic happens in the oven. The transformation from dough to a golden-brown loaf is a sight to behold, and the texture is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve that perfect loaf, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Warm water activates the yeast, while sugar provides the necessary fuel for fermentation.
Bread flour, with its higher protein content, ensures a strong structure, while salt enhances flavor and controls yeast activity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the overall outcome.
Gathering these components is the first step towards enjoying a homemade loaf that can elevate any meal or snack time.
The Dough Preparation Process
Preparing the dough is a straightforward process. Start by combining warm water and sugar in the bread machine pan, then sprinkle the yeast on top.
Let it sit until foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active. Next, add the vegetable oil, bread flour, and salt, and select the ‘Dough’ cycle on your machine. This cycle takes care of mixing and kneading, giving you a head start.
Once the cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. A gentle knead and shaping into a loaf will prepare it for its final rise.
Shaping and Rising
Shaping the dough is an essential step that affects the final appearance of your bread. After kneading, form the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased pan or on a baking sheet.
Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm spot. This step is crucial, as it allows the dough to double in size, resulting in a light and airy texture.
Patience is key here; the longer the dough rises, the better the flavor and texture of the bread will be.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven is an important step that should not be overlooked. A hot oven ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops that beautiful crust.
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to bake. The bread should be placed in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
As the bread bakes, the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma, making it hard to resist the temptation to peek inside.
Cooling and Enjoying
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for setting the texture and flavor.
Once cooled, slice into the loaf to reveal its soft, fluffy interior. The first slice, with a pat of butter melting on top, is a moment to savor.
Whether enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings, this homemade bread is sure to impress and satisfy. Each bite is a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something delicious from scratch.
Easy Bread Machine Dough Recipe for Oven Baking
This recipe yields a delicious loaf of bread with a golden crust and soft texture. The dough is prepared in a bread machine and then shaped and baked in the oven, taking about 2 hours from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bread machine pan, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add Ingredients: Add vegetable oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture in the bread machine pan. Select the ‘Dough’ cycle and start the machine.
- Shape the Dough: Once the cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for a minute, then shape it into a loaf or desired shape.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Let Rise: Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g