Ready to bake your very first loaf of bread? Here are our tips and tricks

How lovely that you choose to bake your very own loaf of bread. As a novice baker, you will have lots of questions. Which flour should I use? Why does bread have to rise? Can I use a bread maker? In this article we would like to help you on your way, so you can enjoy your first bread-baking session to the full.

begin with the basics

Make things easier for yourself by starting off with a standard bread recipe. This will enable you to learn the basic techniques of bread baking without getting lost in the details. Our All-In Bread mixes are perfect for novice bakers. Just add water and start kneading.

why does bread need kneading?

Kneading is an essential part of the bread baking process. Fortunately it is very relaxing and not at all difficult. Kneading your dough creates gluten that makes it elastic and enables it to rise. Knead everything for 20 minutes by hand or 10 minutes with a food processor until you get a nice elastic dough that will rise well. If you don’t know how to knead bread, take a look at one of our handy tutorials below.

why bread needs to rise

Letting dough rise gives bread its soft texture and delicious taste. The first rise must be 40 minutes to give your bread the right texture. The next step is to shape the dough into whatever form you want and then let it rise again. This also takes 40 minutes, and will make your dough even softer and tastier.

Time to bake!

Kneading and rising was not at all difficult, was it? Now your bread is ready to go in the oven. Baking bread will fill your home with deliciously fragrant aromas. Just a little more patience and you will finally be able to taste your very own homemade bread.

Carina's first Pure Sprouts bread

Sophie's first Rustic Dark bread

you can also use a bread maker

Are you short of time, or need a helping hand? If so, a bread maker is the perfect way to make delicious fresh bread. You can use our All-in Bread Mixes to make beautiful, large loaves in the bread maker. Place the mix and water in the bread maker, choose a programme between 2 and 4 hours, and start baking.

enjoy

Of course, your freshly-baked bread will need a topping. Whether you go for a little butter, olive oil, or homemade toppings like this meat salad, avocado spread or vitello tonnato, enjoy it to the full.