Enjoy baking with our easy mini bread loaves recipe. Make fresh, homemade bread without the fuss of a big loaf. Perfect for any meal or snack. Let’s get started on this fun and simple baking adventure with amikrafty!
Ingredients
Enjoy baking with our easy mini bread loaves recipe. Make fresh, homemade bread without the fuss of a big loaf. Each loaf weighs about 150g. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups (240g) of flour
1 packet (7g) of yeast
1 table spoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup (240ml) of warm water or milk
2 tablespoons (30g) of butter or oil
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Mini loaf pans
Mixer (optional)
Oven
Preparation
Warm the Liquid: Heat 1 cup (240ml) of water or milk until warm (not hot).
Melt Butter or Measure Oil: Melt 2 tablespoons (30g) of butter or measure 2 tablespoons (30ml) of oil.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the warm liquid and butter or oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together.
Kneading the Dough
Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour a clean surface.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on the floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Letting the Dough Rise
Prepare the Bowl: Lightly grease a bowl with oil.
First Rise: Place the dough in the greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shaping and Baking
Prepare the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles.
Divide the Dough: Split the dough into 4 equal pieces. Each piece should weigh about 150g.
Shape the Loaves
Flatten each piece slightly with your hands.
Fold the sides towards the center and roll it into a small loaf shape.
Pinch the seams to seal the edges.
Tips for Even Shaping and Size
Use a Scale: For uniform loaves, use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece of dough.
Roll Gently: Roll each loaf evenly to ensure they bake consistently.
Use Loaf Pans: Place the shaped dough in greased mini loaf pans to help them keep their shape.
Preheating the Oven
Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when the loaves are placed inside.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake the Loaves: Place the mini loaves in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Check for Doneness: The loaves should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
Cooling and Storing
Guidelines for Cooling the Mini Loaves Properly
Remove from Pans: After baking, take the mini loaves out of the pans. Use oven mitts to avoid burns.
Cool on a Rack: Place the loaves on a wire rack so air can flow around them. This helps keep the crust crisp.
Cool Completely: Let the loaves cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This makes sure they don’t get soggy and taste just right.
Tips for Storing to Maintain Freshness
Room Temperature: Once cooled, store the loaves in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature.
Use Paper Towels: Put a paper towel in the container or bag to soak up extra moisture and keep the crust crispy.
Avoid Sunlight: Keep the bread in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to keep it fresh longer.
Serving Suggestions
Ideas for Serving Mini Bread Loaves
As a Side Dish
With Soups and Stews: Great for dipping into soups and stews.
With Salads: Perfect alongside fresh salads.
For Sandwiches
Classic Sandwiches: Fill with meats, cheeses, and condiments for a quick meal.
Gourmet Sandwiches: Add roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a tasty treat.
With Spreads and Dips
Butter and Jam: Spread butter or jam for a simple breakfast or snack.
Cheese and Dips: Enjoy with cheese, hummus, or other dips.
Pairing Suggestions with Meals
Breakfast: Serve with eggs, bacon, or fruit.
Lunch: Pair with soup or a light salad.
Dinner: Enjoy with grilled meats, pasta, or vegetables.
Common Issues
Dense Bread
Problem: Bread is too dense and heavy, rather than light and fluffy.
Solutions
Check Yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh and not expired. Old yeast can lead to dense bread.
Proper Kneading: Knead the dough well. Under-kneaded dough doesn’t develop enough gluten, which can cause density.
Correct Flour: Use the right type of flour. Bread flour has more protein, which helps the bread rise better.
Uneven Baking
Problem: Some mini loaves bake unevenly, with some parts overcooked and others undercooked.
Solutions
Preheat Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
Use a Rack: Place the mini loaves in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
Rotate Pans: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time to promote even baking.
Over-Browned Tops
Problem: The tops of the loaves become too brown before the inside is fully cooked.
Solutions:
Cover with Foil: If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is not running too hot. Use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy.
Conclusion
Making mini bread loaves is easy and enjoyable. By following the steps for mixing, shaping, and baking, you can create fresh, delicious bread at home. Store your loaves properly to keep them fresh and use the tips to fix common baking issues. Enjoy your mini loaves as a side dish, in sandwiches, or with spreads. With a bit of practice, you'll be baking perfect mini loaves every time!
