We’ve always been captivated by the rustic charm of homemade bread, and fresh milled flour takes it to a new level with its nutty flavor and nutrient-packed goodness. It’s a simple way to elevate our baking game using grains we grind ourselves for that just-milled freshness.
With a bread machine it’s easier than ever to whip up a loaf that’s worlds apart from store-bought options. We’re excited to guide you through this straightforward recipe that brings authentic, wholesome taste right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our fresh milled flour bread machine recipe, we focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that enhance the bread’s nutty flavor and nutritional profile. By using fresh milled flour, we ensure a superior loaf that’s packed with whole-grain goodness, building directly on the homemade appeal we discussed earlier.
To prepare your bread machine, add the ingredients in this specific order: liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, and yeast last. This sequence helps activate the yeast properly and promotes even mixing.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively and create the perfect dough consistency)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter, for added moisture and a tender crumb)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar, to feed the yeast and enhance the bread’s subtle sweetness)
- 4 cups fresh milled flour (freshly ground from whole grains like wheat or rye, sifted for a finer texture to ensure optimal rising and flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (fine sea salt, to balance flavors and strengthen the dough structure)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet, placed in a small well on top of the dry ingredients to prevent premature activation)
For best results, measure all ingredients precisely using a kitchen scale for accuracy, as fresh milled flour can vary in density based on the grain type. If you’re experimenting with variations, such as adding seeds or herbs, incorporate them after the base ingredients for customization.
Equipment Needed
To bring our fresh milled flour bread machine recipe to life, we rely on a few essential pieces of equipment that ensure precision, ease, and the best possible results. In our experience, having the right tools simplifies the process and helps achieve that nutty, wholesome flavor profile from freshly milled flour.
Key Equipment List
We have compiled a straightforward list of the must-have equipment, ordered by the sequence of use in the recipe preparation. Each item plays a crucial role in milling, measuring, and baking:
- Bread Machine: This is the heart of our recipe, allowing us to automate kneading and baking for a superior, fresh loaf. We recommend a model with at least a 1.5-pound capacity to handle the dough’s expansion.
- Grain Mill: Essential for milling your own flour, which enhances the bread’s nutritional value and taste. Opt for an electric mill for efficiency if you’re new to this.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to yeast activation and dough consistency. We suggest a set that includes both dry and liquid measures for versatility.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: For precise weighing of ingredients like flour and yeast, which impacts the bread’s texture. This tool helps avoid common pitfalls in baking with fresh milled flour.
- Thermometer: To check the temperature of liquids like warm water, ensuring it’s between 100°F and 110°F for optimal yeast performance. In our tests, this prevents overheating and ensures even rising.
By gathering this equipment, we make baking with fresh milled flour in a bread machine not only accessible but also consistently rewarding. This setup seamlessly transitions from the ingredient preparation discussed earlier, setting the stage for flawless execution.
Instructions
With our ingredients and equipment prepared, we can now guide you through baking this fresh milled flour bread in your bread machine. Let’s ensure each step leads to a loaf with a nutty aroma and tender crumb that elevates your homemade bread experience.
Prepare the Fresh Milled Flour
First, we mill the flour fresh to capture its full flavor and nutritional benefits. Using your grain mill, grind whole grains such as wheat berries into fine flour—aim for about 3 cups to yield the required amount for our recipe. Ensure the flour is at room temperature to promote even mixing and yeast activation, as fresh milled flour can retain warmth from milling that might affect the dough.
Mix and Measure Ingredients
We begin by accurately measuring each ingredient to guarantee consistent results in our fresh milled flour bread. Start with the liquids: measure 1 1/4 cups of warm water (around 110°F) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in separate bowls. For the dry ingredients, use a digital scale to weigh 3 cups of fresh milled flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Finally, measure 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast—keep it separate to prevent premature activation. This precise approach ensures the dough develops the ideal texture and taste.
Add Ingredients to Bread Machine
Adding ingredients in the correct order is crucial for optimal yeast performance and even mixing in our bread machine. Pour the liquids first: add the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Next, layer in the dry ingredients: sprinkle the fresh milled flour and salt evenly over the liquids followed by the honey. Lastly, create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast directly into it. This method, as we’ve outlined, prevents the yeast from contacting liquids too early and ensures a well-risen loaf.
Run the Bread Machine Cycle
Now we activate the bread machine to handle the kneading and baking for our fresh milled flour bread. Select the basic or whole wheat cycle on your machine—typically lasting 3 to 4 hours—and choose a medium crust setting for a golden exterior that complements the soft interior. Press start and monitor the initial mixing for the first 5 minutes to confirm the dough forms a smooth ball; if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water. As the cycle progresses, the machine will knead, rise, and bake the bread, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread.
Cool and Store the Bread
Once the bread machine cycle completes, we carefully remove the loaf to preserve its texture and flavor. Immediately take the hot bread out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour—this prevents sogginess and allows the crumb to set. For storage, wrap the cooled loaf in a breathable cloth or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If freezing, slice it first and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months to maintain that fresh milled flour freshness for later enjoyment.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this fresh milled flour bread machine recipe with us. It’s a simple way to bring wholesome, flavorful loaves into your kitchen, elevating everyday meals with nutrition and taste we all crave.
By baking your own, you’ll discover the satisfaction of fresh ingredients and effortless results, making it a staple in our routines. Give it a try and enjoy the homemade difference that keeps us coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fresh milled flour and why should I use it?
Fresh milled flour is flour ground from whole grains right before baking, offering a nutty flavor and higher nutritional value than store-bought options. It retains more vitamins, minerals, and natural oils, leading to tastier, healthier bread. Using it at home enhances the overall bread experience and reduces reliance on processed foods.
How does a bread machine simplify baking bread?
A bread machine automates kneading, rising, and baking, making the process effortless and consistent. It saves time compared to hand-kneading and helps achieve a superior loaf with minimal effort, allowing beginners to enjoy fresh bread without mastering advanced techniques.
What are the key ingredients for this bread recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 1/4 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cups fresh milled flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. These simple, high-quality items create a nutritious, flavorful loaf, with options to add seeds or herbs for customization.
What equipment do I need for baking with fresh milled flour?
You’ll need a bread machine for mixing and baking, a grain mill for fresh flour, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a digital kitchen scale for precise weighing, and a thermometer to check liquid temperatures. This setup ensures reliable results and makes the process accessible for home bakers.
How do I add ingredients to the bread machine correctly?
Start by adding liquids like warm water, olive oil, and honey first, followed by dry ingredients such as flour and salt, and end with yeast on top. This order prevents premature yeast activation, ensuring even mixing and optimal rising for a perfect loaf.
How should I store homemade bread to maintain its freshness?
Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it in a breathable cloth for short-term storage at room temperature. For longer freshness, use an airtight container or freeze slices in a bag. Proper storage helps preserve texture and flavor for up to a week in the fridge or months in the freezer.
Can I customize the bread recipe with additional ingredients?
Yes, you can add seeds, herbs, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and nutrition. Experiment after the basic recipe works, but keep additions to about 1/4 cup to maintain dough consistency. This personalization makes your homemade bread uniquely yours while keeping it wholesome.