Can I use a mixer to make bread?

Yes, you can use a mixer to make bread and it makes bread making very easy.

My favourite way to make bread is to use the stretch and fold method. It’s easy, convenient and you get your hands on the dough so you learn how dough feels. However, using a stand mixer makes bread making really easy and before mine blew up in an electricity surge I would use it most days to make my dough.

My advice though is forget the instructions that come with the machine. Instead I replicate the stretch and fold method using a mixer.

How to use a mixer to make bread

1. Use the dough hook
2. Place the ingredients in the mixing bowl
3. Mix the ingredients on speed 1 until well mixed.*
4. Turn the machine off. Lift the dough out of the bowl and check that there are no dry bits of flour lingering at the bottom of the bowl. If there are, add a splash more water and mix again until the dough is well mixed. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.
5. Make the dough into a ball and place back in the mixing bowl. I leave the dough hook in the bowl.
6. Place a large clean plastic bag over the entire mixer
7. Leave the dough to rest for at least ten minutes up to an hour depending on what is going on in your day
8. Remove the plastic bag
9. Turn the mixer on to speed 1 and mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute
10. Leave the dough hook in the dough, cover the machine with the bag again
11. Leave to rest for at least 10 minutes up to an hour and repeat steps 9-11 two more times.
12. Take out the dough hook
13. Make the dough into a ball, place back in the bowl and cover the bowl with the inflated plastic bag.
14. Leave the dough to ferment at room temperature until light and airy and ready to shape. You can also put the dough in the fridge for several hours or overnight and shape when you are ready.

*My preference is to use cool water to allow for a longer fermentation and to leave a longer resting time between each mix.

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