Kids Can Cook: Homemade Bread

Help kids learn how to knead dough for delicious homemade bread.

The staff at Basics Market finds kneading to be a great way for kids to build muscles and practice fine-motor control; it’s also a relaxing activity that supports mindfulness and focus, and builds confidence.

For little ones, break off a piece of dough and let them practice by making a tiny, bite-size loaf just for them — they’ll glow with pride. And kids of all ages will enjoy watching the dough double in size. It’s even more fun to “punch” it down and see it rise up again. This recipe is such a forgiving dough, there’s no way to mess up. 

This simple loaf of old-fashioned, homemade bread is great for sandwiches, toast, or fresh from the oven slathered with soft butter and jam! That smell of fresh bread baking is one your child (and you!) will always remember — that and spending time in the kitchen learning this rewarding life skill. 

How to Knead

Demonstrate how to press the dough with the palm of your hand, and then push and pull to make a smooth ball. Here’s how:

• Push the dough away from you using the heel of your hand.

• Pull it back toward you.

• Fold it in half.

• Repeat until the dough becomes soft and pliable and is no longer sticky.

• Form into a ball.

Sandwich Bread

Makes one loaf

Ingredients 

1 ¼ cups warm water, about 110° F 
2 tablespoons sugar
1 package dry yeast (¼ ounces)
3 cups unbleached, white all-purpose flour, additional as needed for kneading
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
2 tablespoons room-temperature unsalted butter, such as Lulubelle’s Creamery™ unsalted butter

Instructions

Place water, sugar and yeast in a small bowl and set aside for yeast to bloom (about 5 minutes).  

Place flour and salt in a large bowl, whisk to combine and then add butter and yeast mixture. Mix well to combine using a large spoon or your hands (which is more fun!). Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead until smooth, elastic and no longer sticky.

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with lightly oiled foil and a tea towel and place in a warm spot and let rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

Punch dough down in the bowl, cover and let rise again until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Generously grease a loaf pan with butter or vegetable shortening — be sure to get it into all the corners! Preheat the oven to 375º F.

Put dough in the prepared loaf pan and let rise until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes.

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Basics Market is a locally owned grocery market with a purpose: nurturing strong, healthy communities through food with simplified selection, fresh ingredients and healthful recipes. Find more info and recipes at basicsmarket.com.

For more great recipes like this one, check out our PDX Parent Recipe Files.