How To Make Bread Without A Mixer: Full Guide

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Lori Walker

Having the right ingredients ready when making bread without a mixer saves headaches and last-minute dashes to the store. **Gather everything** you need first, and it’s a breeze. **Follow these steps** to transform simple flour into a delicious bread loaf. Get ready to experience the *magic* of bread-making!

So how do you make bread without a mixer?

Let’s dive into the world of hand-kneaded bread and discover the joy of making it with your hands.

Table of Contents

Steps On How To Make Bread Without A Mixer

Gather your ingredients: Flour, water, yeast [1], salt, and other ingredients like sweeteners or fats.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and other dry ingredients. Gradually add water while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough forward, then fold it over itself. Continue this motion, incorporating flour as needed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop gluten and create a well-structured dough.
Rest the dough: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to rise.
Shape the dough: Once it has risen, gently punch it to release air pockets. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into your desired loaf shape or form individual rolls. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.
Final rise: Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it puffs up and increases in size.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the desired baking temperature while the dough rises.
Bake the bread: Once the dough [2] has finished its final rise, carefully place it in the preheated oven. Bake for the recommended time or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the freshly baked bread with your favourite spreads, or use it as a foundation for a delicious sandwich.

“Was I always going to be here? No, I was not. I was going to be homeless at one time, a taxi driver, truck driver, or any kind of job that would get me a crust of bread. You never know what’s going to happen.”
– Morgan Freeman, American Actor

Find out how long to knead bread dough using a KitchenAid mixer here.

5 Benefits Of Making Bread Without A Mixer

Connection with the dough: Kneading the dough by hand allows you to develop a personal connection with the bread-making process. You can feel the texture of the dough, monitor its progress, and make adjustments as needed. This hands-on approach brings a sense of fulfilment and craftsmanship to the baking experience.
Control over gluten development: When kneading by hand, you have greater control over gluten development in the dough. You can adjust the kneading technique and duration to achieve the desired texture, resulting in bread with a good crumb and chewiness.
Flexibility and adaptability: Hand-kneading enables you to adapt to different bread recipes and adjust the dough as needed. You can fine-tune the amount of flour or water, incorporate additional ingredients, or modify the kneading process to suit the specific requirements of the recipe.
No reliance on equipment: Making bread without a mixer eliminates the need for specialized equipment. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have a mixer. It’s a beautiful skill, especially when you want to bake bread rustically or traditionally.
Enhanced sensory experience: Kneading dough by hand engages all your senses. You can feel the dough’s texture, smell the yeast as it ferments, and hear the rhythmic kneading sounds. This multisensory experience adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the bread-making process.

“Embrace the tactile connection, infuse the dough with your passion, and witness the transformation of humble ingredients into a masterpiece crafted with love.”
– Leonelli Bakery

Also Read: Simple Ways To Fix Your Over-Kneaded Dough

Are There Any Special Tips For Hand-Kneading Bread Dough?

Lightly flour your work surface: Sprinkle a small amount of flour on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. However, avoid adding too much flour, making the dough dense. You want the dough to be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Use the heel of your hand: When kneading, use the heel of your hand to push the dough forward, then fold it over itself. This motion helps stretch and develop the gluten in the dough. Apply gentle pressure and let the weight of your body assist in the kneading process.
Rotate and fold: As you knead, periodically rotate the dough a quarter turn and fold it over itself. This helps ensure even mixing and gluten development throughout the dough.
Adjust the technique as needed: Pay attention to the dough’s consistency. If it feels too dry, add a little water; sprinkle more flour if it feels too sticky. Adjust the kneading technique and the amount of flour or water necessary to achieve the desired dough texture.
Practice patience: Hand-kneading takes time and patience. Embrace the process and allow yourself to become attuned to the dough’s needs. It may take a few attempts to develop a feel for the ideal dough texture, so practice and trust your instincts.
Take breaks if needed: If the dough becomes too challenging to handle, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to continue kneading.

FAQs

Are there any specific types of bread that are well-suited for hand-kneading?

Hand-kneading is well-suited for a wide range of bread types, including rustic artisan loaves, classic sandwich bread, dinner rolls, and many other traditional bread recipes.

But what makes your bread dough sticky?

How can you tell if the dough is kneaded adequately by hand?

Properly kneaded dough will feel smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should be able to stretch without tearing and pass the windowpane test.

When you press your finger into the dough, it should spring back slowly. Trust your instincts and the feel of the dough to determine when it has reached the desired consistency.

But how can you make a 3/4 cup without using measuring cups?

Key Takeaways

Making bread without a mixer is a beautiful adventure that allows you to connect with the dough on a deeper level.

You can feel the texture, monitor the gluten development, and create a personalized touch in every loaf using your hands.

Embrace the joy of kneading and enjoy the satisfaction of baking bread made entirely by your own hands. Let your creativity and love for baking shine through every slice.

References:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/basic-yeast-information-304312
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20171/quick-and-easy-pizza-crust/

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].