No-Sugar Basic Bread

There’s something magical about the smell of fresh bread wafting through the house, and with a KitchenAid mixer, the magic becomes almost effortless! Today, I decided to dive into the art of breadmaking—a tradition as old as humanity—with the help of this modern kitchen marvel. The sturdy dough hook attachment makes kneading a breeze, turning what could have been a workout into a meditative moment of anticipation. This no-sugar bread recipe is perfect for beginners, and if you’re like me it’s another reminder of how the KitchenAid brings precision, ease, and a touch of nostalgia to every culinary adventure.

Here’s a beginner-friendly bread recipe without sugar, perfect for the KitchenAid:

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter, softened)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   • In the mixing bowl of your KitchenAid, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active.
2. Add Ingredients
   • Add the olive oil (or butter), salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the ingredients start to come together.
3. Knead the Dough
   • Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour while mixing on medium-low speed. Let the mixer knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain soft. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
   • Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
6. Bake
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool
   • Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Optional Variations

• Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a flavored loaf.
• Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

This bread is wholesome and sugar-free, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own!