How to Bake Bread on the Grill

Baking conjures up images of rising breads and cakes in an oven. However, with innovation and effort, you can bake bread on your grill easily. Once you know how to work with your grill, you can bake a traditional bread recipe on the grill without any difficulty. Serve freshly baked bread on camp-outs or at outdoor barbecue parties.

Things You'll Need

• Grill
• Kitchen bowl and stand mixer
• Food thermometer
• 2 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 7 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4-1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, mixed with 1/4 cup water for egg wash

Instructions

Bake bread on a grill

1. Mix yeast, sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a bowl till foamy. Keep aside for 5 minutes till creamy and assimilated.

2. Add 3 1/2 cups flour and the remaining water to the yeast mixture and mix in the bowl of a mixer with the dough hook attachment.

3. Add remaining flour and knead till the dough forms a well-shaped ball. If it is sticky and does not come around, keep adding one tablespoon of flour till it holds shape.

4. Add salt and knead on medium speed till dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

5. Add butter one tablespoon at a time until all butter is incorporated.

6. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a round ball. Place in a greased bowl and smear extra oil or butter on top and sides of the dough. Keep aside in a warm place until dough has risen to double the size, about 45 minutes.

7. Knead the risen dough again until all air is removed. Shape into oblong rolls and place in greased loaf pans. This recipe makes two 9x12 loaves. Keep the pans aside in a warm place until well risen, about 45 minutes.

8. Heat the grill on medium setting. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature remains in the 375 F to 400 F vicinity.

9. Brush egg wash on the risen bread loaves to give them a golden honey color.

10. Use a pan to act as insulation from the direct heat of the grill. Place the bread loaves on top of the pan and close the grill about two-thirds shut. Allow the bread to bake at least 20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes to ensure that the bottom is not getting burnt.

11. Check the bread for doneness by tapping the pan to hear a hollow sound. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Warnings

• Use bread mixes in place of the dough recipe if you like.

• Shape the dough into bread rolls or crescent shaped rolls, depending on your choice and needs. You will need to use a cookie sheet if you are baking rolls.

• Sprinkle herbs or sesame seeds on the bread to add flavor and color.

• Bread can burn easily in the grill so keep a strict eye while baking.

• All grills are different. Adjust baking times accordingly.

References

• White bread recipe
• Baking on the grill
• Bread making on a grill

Resources

• Baking bread on grill