Baking Basics: Simple Recipes to Whip Up with Bread Flour

When most people hear “bread flour,” they automatically think of baking loaves of bread. But did you know that bread flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes? Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for fun ways to use that bag of bread flour in your pantry, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll share some easy and delicious recipes that use bread flour as the star ingredient. These recipes are simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive in!

What Is Bread Flour?

Before we get into the recipes, let’s quickly talk about what makes bread flour special. Bread flour has a higher protein content (usually around 12-14%) compared to all-purpose flour. This higher protein helps develop more gluten, which gives baked foods a chewier texture and helps them rise better.

That’s why bread flour is perfect for recipes that need structure—like bread, pizza dough, pretzels, and even certain cookies!

1. Classic Homemade Bread

Let’s start with the most obvious (but always satisfying) option—classic homemade bread.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups bread flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.

2. Add the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

4. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.

6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.

7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.

8. Cool before slicing.

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked bread in your kitchen!

2. Easy Pizza Dough

Craving homemade pizza? You’ll love this chewy and crispy pizza dough made with bread flour.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups bread flour

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.

2. Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil.

3. Mix and knead until smooth (about 7–8 minutes).

4. Let it rise for 1 hour.

5. Roll it out, add toppings, and bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Bread flour gives the dough that perfect stretch and a chewy bite.

3. Soft Pretzels

Soft, golden pretzels are easier to make than you think, especially with bread flour.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bread flour

• 1 packet yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it foam.

2. Add bread flour and salt. Knead into a smooth dough.

3. Let it rise for 1 hour.

4. Shape into pretzels.

5. Boil each pretzel in water with baking soda for 30 seconds.

6. Place on baking sheet, brush with beaten egg.

7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Delicious with mustard or cheese sauce!

4. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, cookies! Using bread flour gives chocolate chip cookies a chewier texture that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups bread flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 2 eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar together.

2. Add eggs and vanilla.

3. Mix in bread flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Stir in chocolate chips.

5. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

The result? Soft centers and crispy edges—yum!

5. Flatbread

Flatbread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or pizza base.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bread flour

• ¾ cup warm water

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix everything together into a soft dough.

2. Let it rest for 20 minutes.

3. Divide into small balls, then roll flat.

4. Cook on a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.

Top with herbs, garlic butter, or cheese!

Why Use Bread Flour?

You might be wondering—why not just use all-purpose flour for everything? While all-purpose flour works in many cases, bread flour adds that extra chew, better structure, and improved rise to certain recipes. It’s especially great for yeast-based recipes where gluten development is key.

So, if you have a bag of bread flour sitting in your pantry, it’s time to start experimenting. From cookies to pizza to soft pretzels, there’s so much more you can do than just bake bread.

Take Away

Bread flour is more versatile than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create bakery-quality food right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking a loaf, rolling out pizza dough, or trying your hand at homemade pretzels, bread flour can make a big difference in texture and flavor. So go ahead—grab that bag of bread flour and start whipping up something delicious today!