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The Biggest Homemade Bread Mistake You’re Making
If you’ve taken the plunge into making your own bread at home on a regular basis, then you’ve probably already worked out some of the little hiccups you might encounter. After all, baking is a very precise science. However, some of the solutions you thought you knew could actually be the cause of your bread problems. One of the biggest fears home bakers probably share is that the loaf they’ve nurtured for hours or days will stick to things it shouldn’t.
Too much flour: A Common Culprit
Whether the bread stuck to the countertops while you were forming the boule, or while it was cooking on the baking sheet in the oven, any sticking is generally not good. Generally, people add flour to whatever surface they are using, even banneton baskets, which need to develop a “seasoned” coating to keep the dough from sticking (via Knead Rise Bake). But this can also be the source of the biggest mistake. “The biggest mistake people make is using too much flour on their work surface,” says Sam Fromartz, author of In Search of the Perfect Loaf (via Food Network). Fromartz offers a better solution for keeping your bread in perfect condition.
Why too much flour can be a problem.
According to The Spruce Eats, adding too much flour to your bread can result in a crumb that falls apart. However, adding too much on top can cause flour to spill all over your lap when you finally take a bite of your fresh loaf. “That’s why I flick the flour from the side instead of sprinkling it from the top,” Fromartz told the Food Network. “Use a pastry brush to brush the flour off the cooked loaf.”
Apparently, when you sprinkle from directly above the loaf, a lot more flour sticks to the dough, whereas when you sprinkle from the side, you only get a thin coating. It’s like pouring a lot of olive oil on a pan to roast vegetables, versus putting your thumb over the nozzle to control how much comes out. It’s all about controlling how much of a good thing you use. Otherwise, you could end up with less than ideal results. So next time you’re baking, try flouring your bread with a lighter hand and from the side. You might just find that the results are a lot less annoying to enjoy.
Bottom line
When it comes to homemade bread, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to achieving the perfect loaf. One such mistake that many home bakers make is using too much flour on their work surface. While flour is necessary to prevent sticking, too much can lead to a crumbly texture and a messy eating experience.
Instead of sprinkling flour from the top, it’s best to use a pastry brush to flick the flour from the side. This technique results in a lighter coating of flour on the dough, preventing excessive sticking. By controlling the amount of flour you use, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-formed and delicious loaf without the frustration of excessive flour residue.
So the next time you embark on a bread-making adventure in your kitchen, remember to use a lighter hand when flouring your work surface. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in the texture and overall enjoyment of your homemade bread.
By being aware of the biggest homemade bread mistake and implementing this helpful tip, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master bread baker in no time. Happy Baking!
FAQS
The biggest mistake people make when making homemade bread is using too much flour on their work surface.
Why is using too much flour a problem?
Using too much flour can result in a crumbly texture and a messy eating experience. It can also cause the dough to stick together too much.
How do I keep my homemade bread from sticking?
To prevent sticking, use a lighter hand when flouring your work surface. Dust the flour from the side with a pastry brush instead of sprinkling it from above.
What is the alternative to sprinkling flour from the top?
Instead of sprinkling flour from the top, you can flick the flour from the side with a pastry brush. This technique results in a lighter coating of flour on the dough.
Why is it important to control the amount of flour you use?
Controlling the amount of flour you use ensures that you don’t end up with too much flour residue on your bread. This helps maintain the desired texture and overall enjoyment of the loaf.
How do I get the perfect loaf of homemade bread?
To achieve the perfect loaf of homemade bread, it is important to avoid the mistake of using too much flour. By using a lighter hand and tossing the flour from the side, you can avoid sticking and enjoy a well-formed, delicious loaf.