Proper proofing: how to work with yeast doughs

The most important technique to master when learning how to make bread and other yeasted treats is proofing, where all the rising happens. Today we’re going to learn how to proof bread dough for the best homemade loaves!

There are few pleasures greater than homemade bread, but if you’re new to baking with yeast, getting the rise right can feel intimidating. The key to the best homemade bread is proper proofing, so let’s break down what proofing actually is. The term proofing can apply to three separate steps in a bread recipe, and these same principles also apply to pizza, buns, bagels, and more. We’ll explore each proofing step below.

Proving Yeast

If a recipe calls for active dry yeast, most often the instructions will ask you to mix together the yeast with some liquid--usually water or milk--and possibly a sweetener such as sugar or honey. Bubbles should appear on the surface after a few minutes, proving the yeast is alive and viable. If not, start over with new, unexpired yeast and make sure your liquid is just lukewarm, no hotter than 110°F/43°C if you have a thermometer.

This step usually doesn’t apply to recipes with instant yeast or sourdough starter.

The First Proof

The first proof, also known as bulk fermentation, is the initial rise time after a dough is mixed or kneaded, and completion of this proof is measured by look and feel. Check for volume: did your dough double in size, is it domed on top, and does it feel light and airy? A recipe will list a general time range and the amount of volume that should be gained, but don’t be afraid to add time if the dough hasn’t hit the desired volume at that time mark.

Using a clear-sided container such as a glass bowl or food-safe plastic bucket is helpful because you can both measure the volume gained from the side and look for telltale signs of good proofing like bubbles throughout the dough, from top to bottom.

The first proof can happen at room temperature, in a warm place, or in the refrigerator. The warmer the temperature, the faster the dough rises. Colder temperatures yield a slower rise but this pays off handsomely in terms of flavor development. It’s also useful to note that when a dough is enriched with anything like milk, eggs, or butter, it will rise slower than plain white flour dough, and whole wheat doughs will rise more quickly than plain dough.

The Second Proof

The second proof happens after shaping the risen dough and allowing it to rest, whether it be in a banneton or proofing basket, loaf pan, or individually shaped such as for buns or bagels. This step can also happen at room temperature, in a warm place, or in the refrigerator depending on the recipe.

The dough will rise again, feeling wobbly and light at the end, but it can also be helpful to gently poke the dough to know when it’s ready to bake. Well-proofed dough will slowly fill back in where you poked, leaving a small indentation on the surface. This is the best point to put the bread in the oven so the yeast can make the final push in rise during the first few minutes of baking. If you’re not sure and want to time it right, start doing this “poke test” at the early end of the time listed for the final proof but allow it to keep rising until it behaves as just described.

If you press down into the dough and it completely springs back, the yeast is still working and the dough is not fully proofed. If your fingermark stays completely sunken with no spring back, it’s gone too far and is overproofed, which usually yields a dense product.

Diagnosing Issues After Baking

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bread dough can get away from us and yield a less-than-ideal finished product. Below are some ways to figure out what went wrong to fix for next time.
If you see stretching and large cracks along the surface of your bread or your crust is very pale and not browning any further even after long periods of baking, it’s likely underproofed. The gases from the yeast burst through the dough in the oven because they had too much power left.

If the dough sinks flat and is dense after baking, it’s most likely overproofed, which means the yeast didn’t have enough activity left to provide any rise in the oven, and the gluten network in the dough has started to collapse. Overproofed bread can also taste overly sour, having fermented too long.

The crust of properly proofed bread will be shiny and smooth, sometimes even blistery, and will be deep golden brown. The crumb, or interior, is even throughout, whether it has large holes or a tighter texture.

5.5 Quart Dutch Oven

The Dutch Oven: A Must-Have Bread Baking Tool

Learning about proofing is the best way to start baking great bread at home, but you're also going to need the tools to try it out for yourself. A Dutch oven conducts heat evenly for consistent baking, and has a heavy lid that traps any steam released by the bread while it cooks. In fact, many no-knead and other artisan-style breads are actually better when baked in a Dutch oven, compared to a sheet tray or bread tin.

Practice always proves effective in learning a new skill, so start with this Overnight Artisan Bread and enjoy the process!

CLASSIC DUTCH OVEN

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