1. Straight Dough Method for Yeast Bread
  2. The Creaming Method for Cake Making
  3. The Sponge Mixing Method for Bread Making
  4. Basic Muffin Recipe
  5. The Creaming Method for Cookies
  6. How to Make Biscuits, Biscuit Mixing Method
  7. Chiffon Cake Mixing Method & Basic Recipe
  8. Intro to Bread Making: The Basic Process

Understand what the straight dough method is and how it is used to mix yeast bread dough. This method is the easiest mixing method for making yeast dough and is a great place for beginning bread bakers to start. 

yeast dough being mixed

There are three different methods for mixing the ingredients for yeast breads: The Straight Dough Method, The Modified Straight Dough Method, and The Sponge Method. The straight dough method is the easiest of all of the bread mixing methods.

The Straight Dough Method for Mixing Yeast Dough

The straight dough method is used primarily for making lean yeast doughs, meaning dough that does not contain any fat. The actual ingredient mixing part of the straight dough method is only one step, as opposed to the multiple steps of the other methods.

Here are the basic steps of the straight dough mixing method used for making yeast bread:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients for the bread together.
  2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise until the volume is double in size.
  4. Press down on the dough to release the gas (“punching” the dough).
  5. Shape the bread and let it rise again until double in volume.
  6. Bake.

Note: Some bakers prefer to hydrate their yeast in some of the water before mixing everything together. This is not absolutely necessary anymore. Modern active dry yeast is produced in smaller particles and will hydrate thoroughly even if they are not pre-dissolved. However, some bakers still prefer it for reassurance that it will be completely hydrated.

All of the dough ingredients in a bowl before being mixed

Advantages of the Straight Dough Method

The straight dough method is one of the most popular methods for mixing yeast dough. It is quick and easy and is a great introduction for those who are somewhat intimidated by making yeast bread. This mixing method creates a very quick and streamlined process for creating yeast bread.

Disadvantages of the Straight Dough Method

The straight dough method produces bread that is not as complex in flavor and texture as yeast breads produced with other methods. This method is not used by most professional bread bakers because it produces fairly one dimensional bread. However, the bread made with the straight dough method is still plenty tasty and this method has its place in the baking world especially for beginners!

Yeast Breads Made Using the Straight Dough Method