Making Homemade Bread with a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

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Making Homemade Bread with a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

Introduction

For over two decades, my bread machine served me well, consistently churning out homemade bread. When it finally gave out last year, I embraced the challenge and switched to making bread the old-fashioned way using a Kitchenaid stand mixer. The process is a bit more labor-intensive, but the results are undeniably delicious. In this article, I’ll share my step-by-step process for making homemade bread using a Kitchenaid stand mixer, complete with tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups White Lily unbleached bread flour
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 packets instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (125°-130°F)
  • 6 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 4 beaten eggs
  • Additional bread flour (as needed)

Equipment

  • Heavy-duty Kitchenaid stand mixer with bowl lift
  • Paddle attachment
  • Dough hook attachment
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Loaf pans
  • Cooking spray
  • Wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your Kitchenaid stand mixer, combine 3 cups of White Lily bread flour, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 packets of instant dry yeast. Stir these ingredients together until well-mixed.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 1/2 cups of warm water (125°-130°F), 6 tablespoons of cooking oil, and 4 beaten eggs to the dry mixture.
  3. Mix Initial Dough: Using the paddle attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed until well combined. The dough will be sticky at this stage.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

  1. Incorporate Additional Flour: Gradually add more bread flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to form a stiff consistency. About halfway through this process, switch to the dough hook attachment.
  2. Knead the Dough: Continue adding flour and kneading the dough with the dough hook until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes of kneading.

Step 3: Shaping and Rising

  1. Shape the Dough: Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and divide it into two equal halves. Shape each half into a loaf.
  2. Prepare Loaf Pans: Spray two loaf pans with cooking spray and place the shaped dough into the pans.
  3. First Rise: Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Baking

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  1. Cool and Butter: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately take the loaves out of the pans. Place them on a wire rack to cool. While the bread is still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for a delicious, glossy finish.
  2. Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread warm, fresh out of the oven, or toasted with your favorite spreads and toppings.

Tips and Tricks

  • Temperature of Ingredients: Ensure your water is between 125°-130°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
  • Flour Measurement: Start with the base amount of flour and gradually add more as needed. The exact amount can vary based on humidity and other factors.
  • Kneading by Hand: If you prefer, you can knead the dough by hand after mixing the initial ingredients. It will take about 10-15 minutes to achieve the same smooth, elastic consistency.
  • Proofing Environment: For optimal rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cold, you can use your oven’s proofing setting or place the covered dough in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water to create a warm environment.
  • Storage: Store the bread in a bread box or a loosely covered container to maintain its freshness. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a bread machine to making bread with a Kitchenaid stand mixer may seem daunting, but the process is straightforward and the results are incredibly rewarding. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create delicious homemade bread that rivals any bakery. Enjoy the satisfying experience of baking bread from scratch and the wonderful aroma that fills your home. Happy baking!

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