How to Knead Bread Dough

Most recipes tell you to knead dough for a specific number of minutes. Here's how to knead a basic yeast bread dough.

Difficulty Level: Easy      Time Required: 10 minutes

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Here's How:

1. Place prepared dough onto a floured work surface.
2. With your hands, form the dough into a ball, then press down and away from you with the heels of your hands.
3. Fold the dough back over itself, turn about a quarter of a turn, then press again.
4. Repeat this process for the specified time, which may be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
5. Well-kneaded dough should feel smooth and elastic. Press your fingertip into the dough; it should spring back.
6. Follow recipe instructions for rising, forming, and baking.
   

Tips:

1. If dough is too sticky, incorporate a little more flour as you knead, taking care not to add too much.
2. Keep the work surface lightly dusted with flour as you knead.
3. Put a little vegetable oil on your hands if working with a particularly sticky dough.
   

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