How to Knead Bread Made With Yeast

Knead the dough with patience.

Kneading dough is an essential part of making bread and is a hands-on experience many people enjoy. All kneading is not alike and taking time during the process will be beneficial. The effort put into kneading will show after you bake the bread and the texture matches the outcome you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Bread recipe
• Flour
• Wooden spoon
• Timer
• Baking pan
• Plastic Wrap

Instructions

1. 

   Start the recipe off right by mixing properly.

   Measure into a bowl the ingredients for your bread. The ingredients may include flour, yeast and water for basic bread or more ingredients for different breads. Use the type of flour the recipe requires. Some recipes require white or wheat flour.

2. 

   Check for elasticity during this process.

   Mix with a wooden spoon until most of the ingredients form together. The dough will form in the middle of the bowl with little sticking to the sides. The dough should be smooth with some elasticity. If the dough is too dry, add small amounts of water. If the dough is wet, add flour in small increments.

3. 

   Flour will keep the dough from sticking to the surface.

   Flour a surface to place the dough. Use a surface you feel comfortable working on. Ensure the height of the surface is not too high or low making it uncomfortable to knead the dough. Use a level, smooth surface such as a kitchen counter or wooden board.

4. 

   Use your palms and heels to flatten the bread.

   Take the dough out of the bowl and begin to flatten the bread on a floured surface. Use your palms and heels of your hands to flatten the dough. Check for consistency to ensure your recipe is being followed properly. If the dough sticks to your hands, add more flour to your hands and some to the dough. Add only enough flour to keep the dough from sticking and no more.

5. 

   Timing is important when kneading dough.

   Set your timer according to your bread recipe instructions. White bread often takes about ten minutes while others take longer. Knead the bread gently by pressing one end of the bread into the other. Rotate the bread a quarter turn and knead again. Repeat the kneading process until the timer stops.

6. 

   Final steps in the dough process.

   Put the dough in a greased container or baking pans. Cover with plastic wrap to keep the bread from drying out. Keep dough in a warm place and wait for the dough to rise according to the recipe directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the recipe prior to starting.

• Do not add too much water or flour at a time.

• Avoid leaving dough out for too long to rise to prevent the bread from being too dry.

References

• Food Network; How to knead dough; Bianca Henry, 2011