Mini Bread Loaves Recipe

How to Make Mini Bread Loaves

1. **Prepare the Starter:** In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F) and 1 teaspoon active dry yeast. Whisk until dissolved.
2. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Whisk vigorously for 100 strokes.
3. Cover the bowl and let the starter rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. **Make the Dough:** Add 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, 6 cups warm water (105-115°F), 4 cups all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to the starter.
5. Whisk for 50 strokes and let stand for 2 minutes.
6. Using a large spoon, mix in 2 cups of flour until well incorporated.
7. Add 3 cups of flour and mix until well incorporated.
8. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and mix until the dough comes together.
9. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
10. **Knead the Dough:** Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and sprinkle with more flour.
11. Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 1 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
12. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a large bowl lightly coated with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
13. Brush the top of the dough with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
14. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-1.5 hours).
15. **Shape and Bake:** Gently deflate the dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute.
16. Divide the dough in half, then each half in half again, and finally divide those pieces into fourths (resulting in 16 pieces).
17. Shape each piece into a tight ball.
18. Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
19. Let the loaves rise for 30 minutes.
20. **Preheat and Bake:** Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Place oven racks in the center of the oven. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven.
21. Bake the loaves for 10 minutes at 450°F.
22. Lightly spray or sprinkle the loaves with water.
23. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and continue baking for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
24. **For Extra Crusty Loaves:** Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes and skip step 23. Omit water spritz.
25. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter or oil for a softer crust (optional).