Making bread at home can be daunting — the precise measurements, the waiting game, not to mention the kneading! But what if I told you that there’s a recipe out there that bursts with simplicity and forgiveness, all wrapped up in one doughy package? Luke’s Outdoor Boys Bread is just that.

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How to make Outdoor Boys Bread

Outdoor Boys Bread is a homemade bread recipe popularized by the YouTube channel Outdoor Boys, hosted by Luke Nichols. The channel focuses on outdoor adventures, survival skills, camping, fishing, and DIY projects. One of the standout features is Luke’s knack for simple, practical recipes that are easy to make in outdoor settings.

Ingredients:

Bread Flour: 3 cups (for a chewier texture and a higher rise)
Instant Yeast: 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons if you have bulk yeast)
Salt: A pinch (enhances flavor and regulates yeast activity)
Sugar: 1 tablespoon (to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness)
Warm Water: Around 1 1/4 cups (start with 1 cup and add more as needed – the temperature should be about 110°F or 45°C for optimal yeast activation)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of bread flour. Make a well in the center of the flour.
Activate the Yeast: Add the packet of instant yeast, the pinch of salt, and the tablespoon of sugar to the well. Pour in 1 cup of warm water. Briefly stir to dissolve the yeast, sugar, and salt.
Mix the Dough: Slowly start incorporating the flour into the well mixture. Continue to incorporate the flour and knead the mixture in the bowl. Gradually add up to an additional 1/4 cup of warm water if the dough is too dry, 1 tablespoon at a time until you have a ball of dough that is sticky to the touch but holds together well.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean ziplock bag or a covered bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf: Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently punch down the dough and shape it into your desired loaf shape. You can form a round boule, a traditional loaf, or even dinner rolls.
Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover lightly with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
Bake the Bread: Once the dough has had its second rise and your oven is up to temperature, uncover it and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Tips for the Best Outdoor Boys Bread:

Yeast: For the best rise, make sure your yeast is fresh. If you’re using active dry yeast instead of instant, dissolve and proof it in warm water before adding it to the flour.
Kneading: Don’t over-knead. The dough is ready for rising once the ingredients are combined and smooth.
Rising: For a better rise, ensure your dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area.
Baking: If you like a crispier crust, you can create steam in your oven by placing a pan with water in it on the bottom rack or misting the oven with water just before baking.
Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

What to serve with

Outdoor Boys Bread, with its classic and comforting taste, is a versatile canvas for a multitude of dishes, ranging from simple spreads to elaborate meals.

For Breakfast

Avocado Toast: Start with a thick slice of lightly toasted Outdoor Boys Bread. Mash ripe avocado seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Spread generously over the toast. Top with red pepper flakes and a poached egg for extra indulgence.
French Toast: Dip slices of the bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook on a buttered skillet until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

For Lunch

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Elevate this classic using Outdoor Boys Bread as the base. Choose a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor—such as cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella. Add slices between two pieces of buttered bread and cook in a skillet till golden. Serve with tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Bruschetta: Top slices of bread with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This is a perfect light and refreshing starter or side.

For Dinner

Hearty Stews and Soups: Serve warm slices of Outdoor Boys Bread on the side of a hearty stew or soup, such as beef stew, minestrone, or creamy tomato. The bread acts as an excellent sponge to soak up flavors.
Pasta Dishes: Accompany Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo with garlic bread made from Outdoor Boys Bread. Brush slices with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, then broil until golden brown.

For a Snack or Appetizer

Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Create a tempting spread with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and honey. For texture contrast, include slices of Outdoor Boys Bread and crackers.
Hummus and Dips: Slice and lightly toast the bread. Serve with hummus, tzatziki, or a roasted red pepper dip.

For Dessert

Bread Pudding: Cube the bread and mix it into a custard of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Bake until set and golden. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Berry Shortcake: Use lightly toasted slices of the bread as the base for a deconstructed shortcake—layer with sweetened berries and a generous scoop of whipped cream.

Beverage Pairings

For Breakfast: Enjoy with fresh orange juice, coffee, or a smoothie.
For Lunch and Dinner: Pair with light white wines, robust reds, or craft beer depending on the meal’s richness.
For Dessert: Serve with dessert wines, a rich stout, or a warm cup of tea.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Outdoor Boys Bread can be a delightful kitchen adventure; sometimes, you might be short of an ingredient or two. Not to worry, as many of the ingredients can be substituted with alternatives that may already be in your pantry or fridge.

1. Yeast:

Instant Yeast for Active Dry Yeast: If the recipe calls for instant yeast and you only have active dry yeast, you can use it in a 1:1 ratio. However, it’s crucial to activate it first by dissolving it in a little warm water with a pinch of sugar until it starts to foam.
Sourdough Starter: For a more artisanal twist, use a sourdough starter. Replace a packet of yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) with 1 cup of active sourdough starter. Note that this will alter the flavor slightly and may require adjustments in water and flour amounts.

2. All-Purpose Flour:

Bread Flour: If the bread recipe uses all-purpose flour and you’re out, bread flour is an excellent substitute and will give your bread a chewier texture. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will make the bread denser, and you may need to add a bit more liquid.

3. Sugar:

Honey or Maple Syrup: When a recipe calls for sugar, you can use an equal amount of honey or maple syrup as a 1:1 substitute. This not only sweetens the bread but can also add a distinct flavor.
Agave Nectar: Another viable alternative is agave nectar. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but be mindful that it’s a bit sweeter than sugar, so you may want to use a little less.

4. Oil:

Butter: If the recipe lists vegetable oil and you prefer butter, use melted butter in equal amounts for a richer flavor.
Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, unsweetened applesauce can replace oil in a 1:1 ratio. This substitute works well, especially in sweeter bread recipes.

5. Milk:

Almond Milk or Soy Milk: For a dairy-free version of Outdoor Boys Bread, replace regular milk with almond milk or soy milk in a 1:1 ratio.
Water: In a pinch, you can use water instead of milk, though the bread may be a little less rich and tender.

6. Salt:

Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: If the recipe calls for table salt and you have only sea salt or kosher salt, you can use them by weight (not by volume). Remember that kosher and sea salts typically have larger crystals, so if you’re using a teaspoon measurement, you may need to adjust upwards slightly.

Final Thoughts

With this guide, you’re now ready to bake your very own loaf of Outdoor Boys Bread. The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm, inviting you to add personal touches, such as herbs or cheese, to make it uniquely yours.

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