stages

  • Bulk rise
    • Rise by 2–3x
    • Forms tight gluten structure
  • Proof
    • Shape it, then let the gluten structure relax from the added tension
    • Yeast restarts
    • Rise by 50–100%
    • Crucial for airy dough
  • Bake

troubleshooting

why is my bread too dense?

  • Under-kneading: insufficient gluten to trap the gas
  • Under-proofing: not enough rising time
  • Too much flour
  • Dead yeast
  • Too-hot liquid
  • Too much salt

references & further reading