A New Recipe to Try Out: Bread Flour Goodies!

Have you ever found yourself staring at a bag of bread flour in your pantry, wondering if it’s only good for baking bread? Well, here’s some fantastic news: bread flour is way more versatile than you might think! It’s time to break free from the loaf life and discover how this mighty ingredient can level up your cooking and baking game. Ready to get creative? Let’s dive into a new recipe and explore the wonders of bread flour!

What Makes Bread Flour Special?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what sets bread flour apart. Unlike all-purpose flour, bread flour has a higher protein content, usually around 12-14%. This means it’s packed with gluten, which gives baked goods their structure and chewiness. That’s why bread flour is the go-to for, you guessed it, bread! But don’t let the name fool you. Its strength and elasticity make it perfect for a variety of recipes beyond your standard loaf.

The Recipe: Chewy Bread Flour Pizza Crust

Let’s face it: everyone loves pizza. And with bread flour, you can create a chewy, crispy crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Start out with a small bowl and mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. Mix the Dough: Then move to a large mixing bowl and combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead It Out: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. Bread flour’s high gluten content makes kneading extra satisfying—you’ll feel the dough become smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise: Get yourself a lightly oiled bowl and place the dough in. Then cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. The wait is worth it!
5. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a pizza shape (round, square, or heart-shaped for fun—your call!).
6. Preheat the Oven: Before anything, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). 
7. Add Toppings: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel. Add your favourite toppings—marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, veggies, or even some adventurous combos like figs and goat cheese.
8. Bake: Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Slice it up and serve it hot!

Why Bread Flour is the Star Here

Using bread flour for pizza crust gives it that perfect balance of chewy and crispy that’s hard to achieve with other flours. The extra gluten helps the dough stretch without tearing and creates a beautiful texture when baked. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to go back to all-purpose flour for pizza again!

Other Fun Ideas for Bread Flour

If you’re feeling inspired, here are a few more ways to use bread flour in your kitchen:

• Pretzels: Create soft, chewy pretzels that rival any bakery.
• Bagels: Make dense, chewy bagels with that signature crust.
• Fried Dough: Whip up some carnival-style fried dough as a fun treat.
• Cookies: Yes, you read that right! Using bread flour in cookies can make them extra chewy.

Tips for Working with Bread Flour

1. Measure Carefully: Bread flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour, so stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
2. Don’t Skip Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten structure. Think of it as your workout for the day!
3. Store Properly: Keep your bread flour in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It’s also a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place.

Take Away

Bread flour is a game-changer in the kitchen. Its high protein content makes it ideal for recipes that need a little extra structure and chewiness, from pizza crust to bagels and beyond. The next time you’re at the store, grab a bag and get creative. Who knows? You might just discover your new favourite recipe—and it all starts with bread flour.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and give bread flour the spotlight it deserves. Your taste buds will thank you!