Bread basics
What is the main leavening agent in yeast breads?
What is yeast?
What are the two main types of yeast used in baking?
What are active dry yeast and instant yeast?
What ingredient strengthens gluten and controls yeast growth?
What is salt?
What does the word “artisan” mean in baking?
Bread made by hand using traditional methods, often in small batches.
This French bread is known for its long, thin shape and crispy crust.
What is a baguette?
What process develops gluten and gives bread structure?
What is kneading?
What ingredient feeds the yeast so it can grow?
What is sugar?
What ingredient adds tenderness and flavor to bread?
What is fat (oil or butter)?
What baking method uses steam to create a crispy crust?
What is steam baking?
This Italian flatbread is often topped with olive oil and herbs.
What is focaccia?
What gas does yeast produce during fermentation that makes bread rise?
What is carbon dioxide?
What happens to yeast if the water is too hot?
It dies, and the dough won’t rise.
What does flour provide to bread?
What are structure and gluten?
What term describes cutting slits on top of bread before baking?
What is scoring?
This German bread is dense and made with rye flour.
What is pumpernickel?
What do we call the resting period when dough rises before baking?
What is proofing (or fermentation)?
What type of fermentation gives sourdough its tangy flavor?
What is lactic acid fermentation?
What liquid can be used instead of water to make a richer dough?
What is milk?
What is a preferment such as a poolish or biga used for
To enhance flavor, texture, and rise
This Middle Eastern bread puffs up to form a pocket when baked.
What is pita?
What temperature should water be when activating yeast?
What is warm water (about 105–115°F)?
What happens during “punching down” the dough?
The air is released and the yeast is redistributed for a second rise.
What ingredient helps brown the crust and adds sweetness?
What is sugar?
What is the ideal baking temperature range for artisan loaves?
Around 425–475°F depending on the recipe.
This traditional sour bread from San Francisco uses wild yeast.
What is sourdough?