There’s a good reason why we’re seeing the rise and rise of home breadmaking: there are so many health and money-saving benefits to baking your own. And even though it doesn’t last quite as long as store-bought that’s packed with preservatives, there are lots of tasty ways you can use up any leftovers to minimise waste if your hungry mob hasn’t eaten the lot in one day.
#1 Homemade bread for better health
Going home baked is one of the best ways to reduce your daily intake of unhealthy additives and preservatives. Just take a look at the label on store-bought bread wrappers and you’ll be surprised how many nasties and unwanted ingredients are hiding in there. You could be looking at 20 to 30 ingredients, but when you go back to bake-from-scratch basics it can be as simple as flour, yeast, salt and water.
#2 Relax and enjoy every allergen-free bite
Many store-bought gluten-free, dairy-free and yeast-free breads can contain other common allergens, such as soy. And they’re generally only ever good enough for toast. But even if you’re buying fresh gluten-free breads from a bakery, unless you’re paying top dollar to buy from a specialist gluten-free baker, there’s no cast-iron guarantee your bread is free from the risk of cross contamination.
By making your own homemade breads from scratch, you can easily avoid all those unwanted ingredients that can trigger allergies and intolerances. You can even enjoy sinking your teeth into a nice, soft, fresh-cut buttered slice or a sandwich, without the need to toast. Imagine that!
#3 Big savings in each rustic, fresh-cut slice
Good quality, fresh-baked sourdough and artisan-style breads cost a pretty penny. But with your Thermomix, our Fenix Dutch Oven, and a few simple ingredients, the results you can create are the real rustic deal for a fraction of the price. If you’re making bread regularly, you can save even more by buying flour and yeast in bulk.
To add the authentic artistry of breadmaking, just add some simple rattan proofing baskets to your home bread-making kit. Not only will they help you achieve a uniform shape, they’ll put a perfect ridged pattern on your crusts – giving your breads the finish you’d pay a small fortune for at a specialist bakery.
Five ways you’ll love using up your leftovers
You’ll notice home baked bread goes hard a bit quicker than preservative-packed store-bought varieties. With our trusty bread box, your homemade bread can stay fresher for longer, but in case you don’t get to it, here are some easy ways to make sure not a crumb of your bakes goes to waste.
#1 For homemade breadcrumbs
Tear up your day-old leftover bread into bite-sized pieces (3-4 cm), pop them in your Thermomix and grind into breadcrumbs (10-15 sec/speed 7). Store in an airtight container if you’re using them the same day, or freeze them for later.
#2 For adding extra flavour and texture to dishes
Make your own pangrattato (flavoured toasted breadcrumbs) to toss into salads, crumble over pastas or put some crunch on your roast vegetables. They’ll last up to three days in an air-tight container once toasted and cooled. Try out our root vegetables with hazelnut pangrattato.
#3 For homemade garlic bread
You can use up any kind of leftover bread to make your own garlic bread. Crusty ends of loaves, baguettes, burger buns, or rolls. Place them cut-side-up on a lined baking tray and cover with a generous layer of garlic and herb butter, making sure you spread right to the edges. Toast in the oven until the butter gets bubbly with a lovely golden-brown edge on the crust. You can even freeze it in an air-tight container before baking or after you’ve toasted and allowed it to cool.
#4 For bread pastry
Pastry made from bread. Yes. It’s a thing. A really easy thing (made in just 10 minutes from six simple ingredients) that reduces food waste and makes great savoury tart and pie cases. Give our bread pastry recipe a whirl, or try it with one of our favourites from the Less Waste, More Food cookbook - roast beef and rhubarb chutney pies.
#5 For bread: How to refresh day-old bread
Help your day-old bread spring back to life by giving it a quick spritz with cold water, then placing it into a pre-heated oven at 120°C. Give it just five minutes to refresh, and it’s ready to roll.
Recipes to get you started and raise your game
Tools for bread beginners to artisans on a roll
Your Thermomix makes light work off all sorts of bread baking from everyday loaves, to artisanal sourdough crusts. Check out what’s in our homemade bread box of tricks at TheMix Shop! From bread tins, loaf pans, bowls and bread proofing baskets in all shapes and sizes. And more rolling, cutting and shaping tools for beginners to advanced artisans.