Will bigger batches of dough rise quicker?

Yes! Although only slightly. Due to “The Mass Effect” larger batches of dough will have more varieties of minerals and bacteria. These provide more activity in the dough meaning the dough ferments quicker in larger batches.

Should I double the yeast if I double the flour?

Yes, and no! The amount of yeast required is calculated as a baker’s percentage so the same yeast to flour ratio is generally used. However, due to The Mass Effect, the dough can rise faster in bigger batches so you may lower the amount used by 10% if you wish, but its impact is pretty negligible.

When should I divide my dough into portions?

Larger batches of dough should be divided into individual dough pieces at the end of the first rise. The dough pieces can then be “preshaped”, “bench rested” and “final shaped” before they are proofed for the last time. Dough develops faster and creates more flavour when fermented in big batches.

How To Make Bread

All the steps you need to get started and perfect your first bread. Follow the beginner’s recipe and the articles below to get started with breadmaking. The more you practise, the better you will get! Use the articles below to improve your knowledge and produce better bread. Watch your baking skills improve and make some beautiful bread recipes that impress!

Start with my introduction to bread making article first. This is a quick overview of bread baking at home. After this, you can either dive straight in with the beginner’s recipe or view the stages of making bread.

If you are new to making bread I advise you to cover those three articles carefully. You’ll gain confidence about the whole process of making bread. Afterwards, you can move through all of the posts below in order, or select a topic that you wish to explore when you need to.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, view the dough mastery posts at the bottom of the page. If you struggle with anything, try the baking tips and troubleshooting page.

Beginner’s Bread Recipe – How To Make Bread Step By Step Guide

View Recipe

The Stages of Bread Making

All the steps you need to get started and perfect your first bread. Follow the beginner’s recipe and use the articles below to improve your skills and knowledge. Watch your baking skills improve along this journey and make bread to impress! Start with the stages of bread making.