HOW TO TELL IF BREAD IS DONE BAKING: 5 WAYS
Making homemade bread is a labor of love, and knowing the perfect time to take it out of the oven is integral. You don't want to take it out too early or worse, let it burn. The good news is that there are several ways to tell when your bread is finished baking. Read on to learn five techniques to help ensure your loaf comes out soft, warm and ready to enjoy.
HOW LONG DOES BREAD TAKE TO BAKE?
The time it takes bread to bake will vary depending on the recipe and type of bread, and the baking vessel or method. Basic bread can be baked in as little as 20-25 minutes, while other breads may require more time. No matter what kind of bread you make, following the instructions carefully is important.
AT WHAT TEMPERATURE IS BREAD DONE?
Bread is typically done when it has an internal temperature of 190°F. Testing your bread with a food thermometer a few minutes before the recipe suggests it will be done can help ensure that it is baked to your desired doneness and ready to be made into a delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich or dipped in a warm cup of soup.
HOW TO TEST BREAD FOR DONENESS
Testing for doneness is a crucial part of baking homemade bread. No matter if it’s an indulgent loaf of cinnamon roll bread or a fresh homemade crusty bread, you want to make sure that it comes out ready to serve. From checking the crust color to tapping the bottom of the loaf, these methods will help you make delicious homemade bread for your next picnic or family gathering.
1. CHECK THE BREAD’S INTERNAL TEMPERATURE
Insert a kitchen thermometer an inch or two into the middle of your bread and read the internal temperature. 190°F is typically the recommended temperature, but this will vary based on your type of bread. If you use an instant-read thermometer, do this step carefully with the bread still in the oven. If you insert the thermometer from the side or at an angle, you may be able to reduce the appearance of the hole left behind.
2. CHECK THE BREAD’S COLOR
Another way to determine if your homemade bread is done baking is by checking the bread’s color. Bread that is fully baked will be golden brown. Remember that different types of bread may have different appearances when fully baked. If the outside of your bread is very pale, it should go back into the oven.
3. CHECK THE BREAD’S TEXTURE
If your bread is done baking, it will have a firm texture. The bread will appear dry and will have pulled away from the pan around the edges.
The KitchenAid® Bread Bowl with Baking Lid traps steam when baking to create an environment similar to a traditional steam oven, which helps form a crusty finish. Remove the lid with 10 minutes remaining in your bake time to allow the crust to brown.
4. TAP THE BOTTOM OF THE BREAD
You can check your bread for doneness by removing it from the pan and tapping the bottom. When you tap the bottom of a loaf of bread that is done baking, the sound will be hollow. If you haven’t used this technique before, try taking the bread out of the oven every few minutes toward the end of baking to hear how the sound evolves.
5. TESTING WITH A TOOTHPICK
This is likely a technique you are familiar with if you have enjoyed baking other things like cakes and cupcakes. Inserting a toothpick into the center of a baked good is a tried and true method to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is likely fully baked. It needs a bit more time if it comes out wet with dough or crumbs.
SHOP KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS, ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES
Whether you’re making homemade rolls for a holiday gathering or fresh crusty bread to dip in your favorite soup, a KitchenAid® stand mixer is an essential tool. Enhance your breadmaking process with attachments and accessories* like the dough hook or Sifter + Scale.
*Attachments and accessories sold separately.
HOW DO YOU TELL IF BREAD IS UNDERCOOKED?
Your homemade bread may be undercooked if it still looks and feels doughy, is pale in color or is not pulling away from the sides of the pan.
CAN YOU RE-BAKE UNDERCOOKED BREAD?
Undercooked bread can be put back in the oven and baked for a short time, even if it has already cooled. Tent aluminum foil over the bread if you are concerned about the outside burning.
HOW LONG SHOULD BREAD REST AFTER BAKING?
Typically, bread should rest for about 45 minutes or more before being sliced, but for denser loaves, the amount of time could be up to 6 hours. Cutting into bread that is still too warm will make the bread collapse, tear, or be too dense. Remember to refer to your recipe to know exactly how long to allow your homemade bread to rest.
SHOP KITCHENAID® OVENS
From fresh pumpernickel bread to delicious ginger banana bread, KitchenAid® ovens can keep up with your creativity. Shop select models with features like a Proofing Drawer or Steam Rack.
