A KitchenAid mixer can make baking bread easier and more efficient. This powerful mixer simplifies the kneading process, which is often the most difficult part of making bread for both beginners and professionals. You can bake fresh bread at home using your KitchenAid and a few simple ingredients. Let’s go through the steps in detail.

Why Use a KitchenAid Mixer for Bread?

In the past, kneading dough by hand required strength, patience, and time. KitchenAid’s dough hook attachment will do the job quickly and consistently. The mixer helps to evenly incorporate ingredients, which results in a smooth, soft dough with the right gluten structure. A KitchenAid is the best tool for baking bread.

Ingredients for Basic Bread

Here’s everything you need to make a classic loaf of white bread:

• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 packet (25 grams) of active dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 cups of warm (110degF) or 45degC water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted Butter

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Activating the yeast is the first step to making bread. This ensures your bread will rise correctly.

1. Dissolve Sugar in Warm Water: In a small dish, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. This means that the yeast has been activated and is ready to use.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

It’s now time to mix the ingredients with your KitchenAid.

1. Attach Dough Hook: Fit your KitchenAid with the dough-hook attachment. This hook was designed to knead dough. It is more efficient than the standard paddle.
2. Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour and the salt to the bowl of the mixer. Mix them on low speed for just a few seconds.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: With the mixer set to low speed, add the olive oil and yeast mixture slowly to the flour mixture. Continue to mix until the dough forms a mass.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

The gluten in the dough gives the bread structure and chewiness.

1. Increase Speed: Set the mixer on medium speed (speed 2, 3, or 4 for a KitchenAid), and allow it to knead dough for 5-7 minutes. The dough should form a smooth ball that is elastic and pulls away from the sides.
2. Check your Dough: The dough should feel slightly tacky, but not too sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it feels wet. Add a teaspoon of liquid if it is too dry.

Step 4: First Rise

After kneading the dough, let it rise to develop flavor and texture.

1. Transfer Dough: Place the dough into a bowl lightly oiled, and turn it to coat its surface with oil. It will not dry out.
2. Cover it and Let it Rise: Cover a bowl with a moist towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough double in size in a warm place.

Step 5: Shaping the Dough

After the dough has risen it is time to form it into a bread.

1. Punch down the Dough: Gently press the dough to release air bubbles.
2. Shape Dough: Spread the dough on a lightly-floured surface. It can be shaped into a loaf, by rolling and folding it into a long log. Place it in a oiled loaf pan with the seam facing up.
3. Second rise: Cover and let the bread rise for another 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Baking the Bread

It’s time to bake the bread to perfection.

1. Pre-heat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375degF.
2. Bake The Bread: Place the loaf into the oven for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when you tap the bread.
3. Cool Bread: Remove the bread from oven and allow it to cool in the pan. It should be transferred to a rack and allowed to cool before cutting.

Tips for Perfect Bread

1. Monitor Dough Consistency: Dough consistency varies depending on humidity, flour type and other factors. As needed, adjust with small amounts (flour or water).
2. Use Thermometer: The ideal temperature for fully baked loaf is between 190-200degF.
3. Experiment With Add-Ins: Once you have mastered the basic recipe, add herbs, cheese, garlic or seeds to give it extra flavor.

Why Bake Bread at Home?

It is healthier and more delicious to make your own bread than buying it from the store. You can control the ingredients, and you can customize the taste to your liking. The aroma of freshly-baked bread in your kitchen is unbeatable.

Baking bread is easy with your KitchenAid. Try it out. You’ll get a gorgeous loaf of bread that is perfect for toast, sandwiches or just enjoying with butter.