Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Bread in a Bag

Bread in a Bag is a simple, fun way to make fresh bread without the need for fancy equipment or extensive kneading. This interactive recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen, as they can mix and knead the dough right in a zip-top bag! With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have warm, freshly baked bread ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • Additional flour for kneading

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large zip-top bag, add 1 cup of flour, sugar, and yeast. Seal the bag and shake to combine the dry ingredients.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Carefully pour in the warm water and the oil. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and use your hands to squish and mix the ingredients until combined.
  3. Add More Flour: Open the bag and add 1 cup of flour and the salt. Seal the bag again and mix thoroughly until the mixture starts to form a dough.
  4. Final Flour Addition: Add the remaining 1 cup of flour to the bag. Seal the bag and continue kneading until all the flour is incorporated, and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bag.

Knead and Rise

  1. Knead the Dough: Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Bake

  1. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with the towel again and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  5. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading in the Bag: The bag method makes it fun for kids to participate, but if the dough becomes too sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour.
  • Grease the Pan Well: Ensure the loaf pan is well greased to prevent sticking.

Variations

  • Honey Wheat Bread: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and substitute sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly healthier version.
  • Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour mixture for a savory twist.
  • Cheese Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the final flour addition for a cheesy loaf.

Serving Suggestions

  • Toast: Slice the bread and toast it for breakfast with butter and jam.
  • Sandwiches: Use it for making sandwiches—perfect for PB&J or grilled cheese.
  • Soup Companion: Serve alongside soups or stews for a comforting combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. If using instant yeast, there is no need to proof it with warm water—simply mix it with the dry ingredients.

How Do I Store Homemade Bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before shaping and baking.

Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?

If your dough didn’t rise, the yeast may have been expired, or the water used may have been too hot or too cold. Make sure to check the yeast’s expiration date and use warm water (about 110°F or 45°C).

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Be sure to use a larger zip-top bag or divide the ingredients between two bags to mix.

Bread in a Bag is a fun and easy way to make fresh bread at home, especially if you’re looking to involve kids in the baking process. This hands-on method makes bread-making approachable and enjoyable for all ages, and the end result is a delicious loaf that everyone will love. So grab a bag, get squishing, and enjoy the magic of homemade bread!

Happy Baking!

 

Leave a Comment