3 Simple Savoury Bread Recipes for Summer
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Essential Summer Baking: Cosy and Simple Dough Recipes
Summer in the English Countryside is a time of simple pleasures - the warmth of the sun on my face and the taste of freshly baked bread. When I think of mature Summer, my first thoughts are of cute sundresses, golden wheat fields, and sunflowers. Very cottagecore, I know :)
Despite the long, warm days and sun high in the sky, many of us also begin to feel the subtle nudge of looming Autumn and the darker, colder days that are sure to come.
That's why I think cosy dough recipes are the perfect Summer food. First of all, they are a fantastic addition to lighter meals like salads and gazpachos. They can also become a lovely meal in themselves - a delicious sandwich made of ham, cheese, and seasonal vegetables is a perfect lunch, best eaten alfresco. A balanced diet requires all three categories: fats, proteins, and carbs, and bread and its variants are great and absolutely delicious sources of the latter.
Second, baking breads, rolls, pizza, etc., is a great way to tune in with the seasons. One of the symbols of the Summer Solstice, also known as Litha, celebrated on the 20th of June, is wheat. A bouquet of wheat or a wreath made of it are popular home decor that honor this time of the year and bring the happy, cheerful vibes of Midsummer to our homes.
Enhancing Your Kitchen's Summer Vibe with Aromatic Candles
Speaking of Summer vibes in your home, let me mention our cosy Summer candles that will be a perfect aesthetic addition to your home and kitchen (since we're on the topic of baking:). Our rustic-looking jars bring vintage charm to any space. I like to match what candles I burn with the recipe I'm making and the season.
My favorite candles to burn while baking in Summer are: "Cosy Cottage", "Farmhouse", "Herb Garden", "English Countryside", and recently also "Enchanted Forest". You can find all these candles in our Summer candle collection.
Third, which my Autumn-loving readers will probably approve the most, is that with Summer being the last season before the cold of autumn, it's high time to start gathering recipes and practicing those bread-making skills in time for the fall season.
Working with yeast and kneading the dough is not that difficult, I promise, but my experience shows that the more you bake and practice, the easier it becomes and the better the outcome.
Baking bread from scratch is not only a deeply satisfying kitchen hobby but also an art form that has been passed through the ages. The delicious, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread can transform any house into a home, inviting warmth and togetherness.
Cosy Summer Dough Recipes
Today, I am thrilled to share with you three of my favourite savoury dough recipes that you have seen me baking on my YouTube channel and Instagram. All three recipes are easy and are sure to impress: Soft Rolls, Olive and Mozzarella Rolls, and a wonderfully easy No Knead Bread.
1. Soft Rolls by Sally's Baking Addiction
A staple in any home, these soft buns are simple, light, and fluffy - perfectly complementing any dish. Ideal for any level of baking expertise, even if you've never worked with yeast before, this recipe yields buns that are golden and slightly sweet, perfect for a variety of uses.
To start, these buns require basic ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and butter. The key to their delightful softness lies in the proper mixing and kneading of the dough, which encourages gluten formation. This results in buns that are not only tender but also strong enough to hold up to burger fillings.
Soft buns are incredibly versatile. My husband and son eat them straight out of the baking tray, as they are delicious in themselves. We also use them for breakfast sandwiches with a slice of cheese and ham and as burger buns for a filling dinner. They also make excellent starters, served warm with a pat of butter.
2. Olive and Mozzarella Bread by The Food Fox
This bread not only tastes delicious but it is also visually appealing. The combination of olives, mozzarella, and thyme not only infuses the bread with Mediterranean flavours but also creates a moist and aromatic centrepiece for any table.
This recipe reminds me a lot of cinnamon rolls, but the dough is more bready and involves layering dough with slices of mozzarella, chopped olives, and fresh thyme before baking. The dough itself is enriched with olive oil, which helps to develop a soft yet chewy texture. As it bakes, the cheese melts, making it irresistibly tasty.
This tear-apart bread can be served as a standalone snack or as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or a classic lasagna. Serve it at your next dinner party or family gathering and watch as guests delight in pulling it apart.
3. No Knead Bread by Recipetineats.com
The beauty of no-knead bread lies in its simplicity. Who doesn't love freshly baked bread? I like to leave it in the fridge overnight to let the flavours develop through a long, slow fermentation. Even those new to baking can achieve spectacular results with this very simple recipe.
This bread requires mixing a simple dough. You can bake it straight away or let it sit overnight to slowly ferment. The high hydration in the dough creates an open crumb and a crispy crust, hallmarks of artisanal bread. The dough is shaped and baked in a hot oven, often in a Dutch oven, which replicates the steamy environment of a professional bakery.
No knead bread is perfect for any occasion. Slice it thickly for a rustic sandwich or toast it for a crunchy addition to breakfast. It’s also fantastic for dipping into olive oil or hearty soups.
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Simple Tips for Working with Yeast
Yeast can be a bit intimidating for many beginner bakers. For a long time, I avoided any recipes that asked for yeast, as I was worried that it was too complicated. Eventually, I began to realise that I was missing out on a world of delightful baked goods that were actually quite straightforward to make. Once you understand a few key points about yeast, you can start baking with confidence and create delicious breads and pastries. Here are some simple tips to ensure success:
1. Proofing is Key
Proofing your yeast is the first step to successful bread making. Many recipes skip it and mix the yeast with flour and other ingredients straight away, but to be on the safe side, I always proof my yeast first. It’s like making sure your baking engine is ready to run. To proof yeast, simply dissolve it in a small amount of warm water at 105°F to 110°F (about 40°C to 43°C) with a pinch of sugar. Within 5-10 minutes minutes, it should start to bubble and foam, signalling that it's active and ready to go. This test saves you from the disappointment of dough that won’t rise after you've already invested time and ingredients.
2. Watch the Temperature
Yeast is quite sensitive to temperature. Water that's too hot can kill the yeast, stopping your bread from rising before you even start. Water that's too cold won't wake the yeast up enough to start working. The sweet spot for water temperature is generally around 105°F to 110°F (about 40°C to 43°C). Use a thermometer to skip guessing.
3. Be Patient with Rising Time
Patience is not my strength, but is crucial when it comes to yeast doughs. The time it takes for dough to rise can vary widely depending on several factors: the temperature of your kitchen and the freshness of your yeast. Don't rush this step. Sometimes, it might take longer than the recipe suggests, especially on colder days. Allow the dough to rise until it's just right – usually, this means it has doubled in size. This waiting is a big part of why homemade bread is so special!
4. Keep it Consistent
Once you start baking with yeast regularly, try to be consistent with your methods. Use the same type of yeast and measure your ingredients carefully. This consistency will help you predict how your bread will turn out each time and make adjustments as needed.
5. Learning from Every Bake: Improving Your Bread-Making Skills
Every batch of bread is an opportunity to learn and improve. I had many failed breads, and each time I was able to look back and spot what I did wrong. If a loaf doesn’t turn out perfect, try to figure out why. Maybe the room was too cold, or the dough wasn’t kneaded enough. Adjust one variable at a time, and you’ll become more skilled with each loaf.
Baking bread is not only a cottagecore hype. It genuinely brings joy from the process and, of course, delicious results. It’s a calming, satisfying activity that fills your home with warmth and inviting aromas. With these simple yeast-handling tips and the savoury recipes I've shared, I hope you're well-equipped to start your journey into the world of bread making. Experiment with different flavours, enjoy the kneading and shaping, and, most importantly, relish the warm, delicious bread you’ve created. Happy baking!
Adriana x