Bread in a Bag

Bread in a Bag is a fun, hands-on way to make bread without the need for fancy equipment. Perfect for kids and beginner bakers, this method allows you to knead and mix the dough right in a resealable bag. The result is a soft, delicious loaf that everyone will enjoy. Let’s get started and make this delightful bread together!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough in the Bag

1. Add Dry Ingredients: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, and yeast. Seal the bag and shake to mix the ingredients.
2. Add Warm Water: Open the bag and add the warm water. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Shake and knead the bag with your hands until the mixture is well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Let It Rest: Let the bag sit for about 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. The mixture should become foamy.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

4. Add Oil and Salt: Add the olive oil and salt to the bag. Seal and knead the bag again until the oil is mixed in.
5. Add More Flour: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, sealing the bag and kneading after each addition. Continue until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bag and is no longer sticky.

Step 3: Knead and Shape the Dough

6. Knead the Dough: Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7. Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a loaf or ball, depending on the type of bread you want to make.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

8. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Prepare to Bake: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
11. Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes, until it has puffed up slightly.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
13. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 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, as very hot water can kill the yeast.
• Kneading: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, while kneading.
• Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Variations

• Herb Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture for a savory loaf.
• Cheese Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese when adding the final cup of flour.
• Whole Wheat Bread: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Toast: Serve slices of this bread toasted with butter and jam for a delicious breakfast.
• Sandwiches: Use the bread to make your favorite sandwiches—grilled cheese, turkey, or veggie.
• Dipping Bread: Cut into cubes and serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Bread Without a Bag?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients in a bowl instead of a bag and follow the same instructions for kneading and baking.

How Do I Store Leftover Bread?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in the same amount. You can skip the resting step after mixing the water with the yeast.

How Can I Tell If the Bread Is Done?

The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C).

Bread in a Bag is a fun and easy way to bake fresh bread at home, especially if you’re looking for a hands-on activity with kids or a no-fuss baking experience. The result is a soft, delicious loaf that’s perfect for any meal. Gather your ingredients, mix them up, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread without the mess!

Happy Baking!