Homemade Bread Using a KitchenAid

I am going to show you how to make your own delicious homemade bread using a kitchenAid! 

Step 1: Materials

Kitchen Aid with dough hook.
2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
5-5 1/2 cups white flour
1 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)

Step 2: Proofing Yeast

The first thing we want to do is proof our yeast. We will need 2 cups of warm water, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of yeast, and 2/3 cup of sugar. Place the three ingredients in a bowl and stir for a few seconds, we want to make sure that the ingredients have been lightly mixed together. Now we let this sit for approximately 3-5 minutes, until the yeast starts to foam as shown in the picture. 

Step 3: The Ingredients

Now we will place the proofed yeast into the KitchenAid. We are going to add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 5-5 1/2 cups of flour. I also like to add 2 tablespoons of wheat germ to add flavor, but it is not necessary. We will need the dough hook that is made for the KitchenAid. (See photo)

Step 4: Mixing

Now that all the ingredients have been added, we are going to turn the KitchenAid on to it's lowest setting and allow the flour to slowly be mixed into the water. If the KitchenAid is turned to high, flour will be thrown out of the KitchenAid and you will have a white kitchen to clean up. Once the flour and water have been mixed to a somewhat dough, you can turn the KitchenAid up to a higher speed to kneed the dough.

Step 5: Bread Pan

While the KitchenAid is doing it's work, we want to get the bread pan ready. To prepare the bread pan, all we need to do is make sure that the inside of the pan is coated in butter so the bread will not stick after it is cooked.

Step 6: Dough Consistancy

After the KitchenAid has been mixing our dough for approximately 7-10 minutes, it should have a nice think consistency. (See photo)

Step 7: Place Dough in Bread Pan.

In this step we simply want to separate the dough into 2 equal sections. One section is enough for one loaf of bread. You can use the second half in another bread pan, or  place it in a ziplock bag and freeze it for later use. 

Step 8: Rising Dough

Now the bread needs to rise. All that we need to do is place a kitchen towel over the bread pan so that the bread doesn't dry out, and place it in a warm place for  20-30 min to allow it to rise. 

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Once the dough is getting close to the top of the bread pan, we want to get the oven ready. The oven needs to preheat to 350 Degrees. 

Step 10: Cook Bread

Now that the dough has risen, and the oven is preheated and ready to go, all we need to do is place the bread pan into the oven. I recommend placing the rack on one of the lower settings. If the bread is placed on a rack too high in the oven, the top will burn before the inside has a chance to bake. 

Step 11: Complete!

You should bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes. If you think it needs more time than that, it would be a good idea to check the bread every 5 minutes after the 30 minute time. To tell if the bread is done, is by the crust. It should be dry, very firm, and a nice golden brown color. If its still very pale, you need to give it a few more minutes.

I usually set the timer for 20 minutes and rub butter over the top and then finish baking it for the final 10 mins. When the bread is done, remove the pan from the stove and place the bread on a cooling rack. Enjoy!

- a final note: If you want to use the dough for rolls, what I have found works is cooking the rolls for 10-15 minutes (depending on size of roll).