Easy Panera Bread Recipe

Have you ever craved that delicious Panera Bread, but didn’t want to leave your house to get it? Well, I’ve got some great news for you! With this simple Panera Bread recipe, you can now enjoy fresh, homemade bread right from your kitchen. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special skills.

Ingredients for Panera Bread

Before you start, make sure you have all the basic ingredients ready. These are probably items you already have in your kitchen, so no need for a grocery run! Here’s what you’ll need:

– 4 cups of all-purpose flour – 1 tablespoon sugar – 2 teaspoons salt – 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – 1 1/2 cups warm water – 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mixing the Dough

First, take a bowl and combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and start foaming. Once you see bubbles, you’re ready to move to the next step.

Add in the salt and olive oil, then slowly begin mixing in the flour, one cup at a time. When it gets too tough to mix with a spoon, switch to kneading it by hand on a floured surface.

Kneading the Dough

Kneading might sound intimidating, but it’s actually easy! Push the dough with the heel of your hand, fold it over, and push again. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour to make it easier. Just don’t add too much, or your bread might turn out too dense.

Letting the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

This step is crucial because it helps make the bread light and fluffy. Skipping it will leave you with a dense, flat loaf.

Shaping the Dough

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can make one large loaf or smaller individual rolls, depending on what you prefer.

For a Panera-style look, go for a rustic round or oval shape. Place your shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Second Rise

Let your dough rise again for about 30 minutes. While it’s rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This second rise will ensure the bread is soft and airy when baked.

Baking the Bread

Now it’s time to bake! Place your bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. If you tap the bottom of the loaf and it sounds hollow, it’s ready!

For an extra crispy crust, you can place a small dish of water in the oven while the bread bakes. The steam will give it that perfect Panera-style crunch.

Cooling the Bread

Once the bread is out of the oven, place it on a wire rack to cool. This helps the inside set properly and prevents it from becoming gummy. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before slicing into it—though it’s hard to resist!

Serving Ideas

Now that your homemade Panera Bread is ready, the possibilities are endless! You can enjoy it with butter, olive oil, or even pair it with your favorite soup or salad. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches—just like at Panera!

Storing the Bread

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container or wrap the bread in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature, or you can freeze it for up to three months.

Tips for Perfect Bread

Here are some quick tips to make sure your bread turns out great every time: Make sure your water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast. – Knead the dough well for the best texture. – Don’t rush the rising time. Patience is key! – Have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes and sizes!

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