| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
About Bap
The Bap bread is a staple element of many kitchens across the globe and is a delicious treat in and of itself. Originating from Ireland, this soft, fluffy loaf is easy on the palette and high on taste, making it the perfect addition to any meal of the day. It often goes hand in hand with bustling breakfast scenes, warm soups, or as buns for burgers and sandwiches. Sure to delight your taste buds, our recipe for the Bap bread is not only easy but downright scrumptious.
Bap: The Soul of Many Dishes
You can pair Bap bread with a variety of dishes. Use it as a base for making delicious sandwiches filled with your favourite ingredients. Or replace regular bread in a classic eggs benedict with bap for a delightful morning treat. For peckish evenings, team it up with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or go for a traditional Irish Stew. The texture of the Bap soaks up the flavours beautifully, enhancing your gastronomic experience beautifully. You can view a variety of similar dishes that pair well with Bap bread here.
Baking The Perfect Bap
To bake the perfect bap, careful considerations to a few essential steps are required. One significant aspect is the worth of yeast dough. As with any yeast dough, you need to give the bap dough the proper time and warmth to rise. A great tip here explains the importance of this process. Next, making and applying the right egg wash can significantly impact the final appearance and taste of your Bap bread. Achieving that ideal golden-brown crust requires just the right components and application.
The beauty of Bap bread is its simplicity and the delightful texture it offers. The aroma of freshly baked bap bread is a heart-warming experience sure to make your home feel cozier. Delve into the delightful world of baking with this perfect Bap bread recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 750g/1lb 10oz Strong White Flour
- 15g/0.5oz Salt
- 30g/1oz Caster Sugar
- 15g/0.5oz Instant Yeast
- 30g/1oz Unsalted Butter (Softened)
- 450ml/15fl oz Warm Water
- 1 Egg (For Egg Wash)
Method
Step One
Begin by sifting the strong white flour into a large bowl. Then add in the salt and caster sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Two
In a separate small bowl, add in the instant yeast. Slowly pour in half of the warm water while stirring the yeast until it completely dissolves. Let this yeast mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step Three
Next, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture, the softened unsalted butter, and the rest of the warm water. Mix these ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
Step Four
Transfer the dough onto a clean, flour-dusted surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, or if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Step Five
Once the dough is well kneaded, place it back into a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area. This process should take about 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knock it back on your flour-dusted surface. Then shape your baps and place them onto a prepared baking tray. Cover again with a damp towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Beat the egg and lightly brush it over the baps to give them a beautiful, shiny finish when they bake. Once the oven is ready, bake the baps for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step Eight
Finally, remove the baps from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them while they’re still warm and fresh!
