Easy Bucket Bread Recipes

Steps:

• You will need to get a 6 quart plastic food storage container with lid. Drill or make a small hole in the lid. I bought 2 of them from Amazon.com for $12.34.
• Add 3 cups of 100 - 110 degree water to the bucket.
• Add the kosher salt, yeast, and powdered milk to the water and swish it around a bit.
• Add all 6 1/2 cups of the bread flour and either using your hands or a spoon mix until all the ingredients are combined but not over mixed.
• Put the lid on the bucket and place the bucket in a warm location. After approximately 2 hours the dough will have rose to within 2 to 3 inches of the top of the bucket.
• Remove the lid and lightly flour the top of the dough while still in the bucket. Lightly flour a kneading surface and dump the dough out of the bucket. Knead the dough using additional flour as needed to prevent sticking (dough is a wet dough).
• After kneading the dough for approximately 2 - 3 mins, divide the dough into 2 pieces. Form each piece into a loaf and place each one in its own well greased bread pan.
• Cover pans with a paper or cotton towel and place in a warm location ( I place mine in a lighted oven) and allow to raise until doubled in size. This may take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Once dough has rose approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the bread pan. If using the oven, remove the pans and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Bake until bread is golden brown and the inside temp is between 195 and 200 degrees. Remove the bread from the oven and bread pans. Allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before eating.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on surface. Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture; pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1-1/2 hours., Bake at 375° until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.