Freezing bread dough is a great way to enjoy fresh bread with little preparation. While you will probably need to tweak your favorite recipe slightly, most of them can be easily adapted to make the dough freeze-free. At that point, you just have to shape it into the shape of ciabatta or sandwiches and freeze it, so you can make fresh bread in half the time.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Adapting the Bread Dough Recipe
Step 1. Use the one you like best as a basic recipe for the dough
While you will need to make adjustments to make sure the bread rises properly after being frozen, you can start with the recipe you normally use as a base. As a result, start by following the usual instructions for making the dough, modifying the flour and baking powder to achieve the desired result.
You may be able to freeze the dough without making any recipe changes. However, the only way to know is to try. If the dough does not rise and does not cook properly after you freeze it, you will need to make adjustments to the flour and yeast to get the flavor and texture you want
Step 2. Replace plain flour with a high protein one to get the right texture
When you freeze bread dough, the cold can weaken the gluten contained within, making the bread thicker and flatter. To avoid this problem, use a high-protein flour, such as wholemeal, durum wheat or rye flour. The high protein content will prevent the dough from losing too high a percentage of the gases produced during fermentation (levitation).
Many bread recipes suggest using low protein flour, such as traditional 00 or bread. In most cases, you can replace the flour suggested by the recipe with another one that is high in protein, without changing the quantities
Step 3. Double the amount of yeast needed to make sure the dough is leavening
By freezing the dough, you can damage some of the yeast, which will no longer be active. To make sure the bread rises after being frozen, you can double the amount of yeast used in the recipe, especially if it is a long-leavening bread.
If your bread does not have a long rise, it may not be necessary to double the amount of yeast
Step 4. Let the dough rise for 45 minutes
Place it in a lightly oiled bowl or on parchment paper at room temperature for about 45 minutes, so it has time to rise. In this way, you can give the bread the shape of ciabatta or sandwiches and save time when you defrost it.
Some bread recipes require double leavening. In this case, you will probably need to wait another 45 minutes for the dough to finish rising after thawing
Step 5. Knead the dough and shape it into the desired shape
Follow the instructions of the specific recipe you are using, kneading the dough after it has risen for about 45 minutes. At that point, divide it into several parts and make sandwiches if you have decided to freeze it in that form.
If you have decided to freeze the dough in a bread pan, you do not need to shape it after you have worked it, as it will take on that of the mold
Step 6. Transfer the dough to an oiled dripping pan or into a bread pan
If you have divided the dough into sandwiches, arrange them on a lightly greased pan. If, on the other hand, you want to make a particular type of loaf, put the dough in the mold lightly coated with oil, pushing well into the corners to take up all the space and remove the air.
If you have decided to freeze the sandwiches, be sure to divide them, so they don't touch and stick together when frozen
Part 2 of 2: Storing, Defrosting and Baking Frozen Bread Dough
Step 1. Move the dough and leave it uncovered in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours
Once you have divided it into sandwiches or put it in a mold, immediately transfer it to the freezer, so that it does not continue to rise. At that point, leave it in the freezer until it is completely frozen in the desired shape.
Rising a second time, the dough can become too hard and tough to freeze. Consequently, it is important to put it in the freezer as soon as you have finished giving it the desired shape
Step 2. Store frozen dough in freezer bags or lined with plastic wrap
Take the dough from the freezer. If you've split it into buns, you can transfer them to a large airtight freezer bag so they're easier to store. If, on the other hand, you have frozen the dough in a mold, remove it and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 3. Write the date on the plastic so you know when to use the dough
Use a permanent marker to do this. This way, you will know when you have made and packaged the dough and how long you can keep it before cooking it.
Step 4. Leave the dough in the freezer for up to 6 months
Put it back in the freezer right away, before it starts to thaw. Thaw it and bake it in the oven within 2-6 months.
While the dough can keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months, keep in mind that the longer it stays in the freezer, the more likely the cold is to ruin it. Consequently, you should plan to defrost and cook it as soon as possible, perhaps within 2 to 3 months
Step 5. Let the dough thaw for at least 4 hours at room temperature
Before baking the frozen dough, remove it from the freezer. If you have split it into sandwiches, let them thaw for about an hour in the plastic, then arrange them on a sheet of parchment paper until they are completely thawed. If, on the other hand, the bread was in a mold, place it back inside the mold and put it out of the freezer to defrost.
- The defrosting time depends on the size of the dough and the room temperature. As a result, start checking it after about 4 hours.
- Some recipes require the dough to rise a second time after defrosting it. If this is the case, place it in a lightly oiled bowl or on parchment paper for about 45 minutes when it has completely thawed so it can rise again.
Step 6. Cook the dough according to the recipe instructions
In many cases, you will have to stick to the original times. Consequently, once the dough has thawed and risen a second time (if necessary), follow the instructions in the recipe you made it with.
- In some cases, you will need to cook the thawed dough for longer than normal. As a result, if the bread isn't ready after the allotted time, continue baking it for another 10-15 minutes.
- Once the dough has thawed, you can use it to make fresh sandwiches or a delicious loaf.
