Bread Flour
Bread flour is a high-protein flour, typically milled from hard wheat, and is specifically designed to create chewy and structured baked goods. Its higher gluten content (typically 12-14%) allows it to develop strong gluten networks when kneaded, resulting in a dough with excellent elasticity and strength. This gives bread made with bread flour a characteristic slightly coarse texture and a satisfyingly chewy crumb, along with a crisp crust. Bread flour appears off-white to slightly cream-colored and has a slightly nutty aroma. Using bread flour ensures a good rise and a superior texture in yeast breads and other baked items where structure is crucial.
Common Uses
- Bread flour is ideal for making artisan loaves, providing the necessary gluten development for a robust and flavorful crusty bread. The high protein content ensures that the loaf holds its shape well during baking, resulting in a professional-looking finish.
- Use bread flour to create pizza dough with a satisfyingly chewy texture. The strong gluten structure prevents the dough from becoming too thin or tearing easily when stretched, allowing for a perfectly crisp and slightly airy pizza crust.
- Bread flour is perfect for bagels, helping to create their distinctive chewy interior and firm exterior. The high gluten content provides the necessary structure to withstand boiling and baking, resulting in bagels with a dense and substantial crumb.
- Utilize bread flour in pretzel recipes to achieve the characteristic chewy bite and slightly dense texture that is desired. The strong gluten development is crucial for holding the pretzel shape and creating the traditional pretzel crust.
- Bread flour can improve the texture of certain cakes where a stronger crumb is needed such as pound cake, helping create the right balance between a delicate crumb and a solid slice-able texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
364.0kcal (18.2%)
Protein
10.3g (20.6%)
Carbs
76.3g (27.75%)
Sugars
0.3g (0.6%)
Healthy Fat
0.8g
Unhealthy Fat
0.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
364.0kcal (18.2%)
Protein
10.3g (20.6%)
Carbs
76.3g (27.75%)
Sugars
0.3g (0.6%)
Healthy Fat
0.8g
Unhealthy Fat
0.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Provides carbohydrates for energy, fueling daily activities and brain function.
- Offers dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.
- Contains protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.
- Fortified bread flour can be a source of iron, supporting red blood cell production and preventing iron deficiency.
- May contain B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and nerve function.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Bread flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent it from absorbing moisture and odors. Properly stored, bread flour can last for 6-8 months at room temperature. For longer storage, especially in warmer climates, consider refrigerating it to extend its shelf life to about a year. Freezing bread flour is also an option; it can last for up to two years when properly sealed in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Before using flour that has been refrigerated or frozen, allow it to come to room temperature to prevent condensation from affecting your dough.
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