Creative Ways to Use Sturdiwheat Bread Mixes: Part 3

Part 3:  Creative Ways to Use Sturdiwheat Bread Mixes 

Once you’re comfortable using your bread machine, it’s time to start experimenting. Our mixes are great on their own but leave plenty of room to get creative.

When to Add Your Mix-Ins

For most machines, you’ll want to add your extras at the “add-in” beep, usually during the kneading cycle after the dough has come together but before the final rise.  Another somewhat overlooked use of bread machines is to produce ready to bake bread dough.  You can use your bread machine to only prepare the dough, aka kneading, mix-ins, rise, rest, and then transfer to your desired pan to bake in the oven.  This allows time for other tasks while you wait for the mix-in beep and requires zero hand kneading but will still produce a traditional artisan loaf.  This method will take some experimentation but once you try your favorites this way a few times you might not need to knead again!  We will cover more “just dough” ideas at the end.

NOTE:  Check your manual if you’re unsure of when to add mix-ins. Each machine is a little different!

Add-Ins That Work With Any Mix

These are our go-to’s for a little variety without much guesswork:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, pepper jack)
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
• Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseed)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, dill—chopped small)
• Olives or sun-dried tomatoes (chopped and patted dry)

NOTE:  Try ¾-1 cup of add-ins total to keep things balanced. Too much can make your loaf fall or stay wet inside.

Flavor Boosts to Try

Think of these like little extras to stir into the mix before the machine starts:

• A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder or Italian seasoning  
• A spoonful of honey or molasses  
• A splash of vanilla or almond extract (for sweet mixes)
• Zest of a lemon or orange

Other Ways to Use the Dough

Your bread machine doesn’t have to bake the bread for you, it can just make the dough, and you can take it from there. This is a great way to get creative with shaping, fillings and textures.

After the dough cycle finishes (usually about 90 minutes), remove the dough and shape it however you’d like. Then let it rise again (about 30–45 minutes, depending on the recipe) and bake it in your oven.

Here are a few things to try:

• Garlic knots: Twist strips of dough, brush with garlic butter and bake until golden.
• Dinner rolls: Divide into portions, shape into balls and bake in a baking dish or muffin tin.
• Rustic baguettes: Especially great with the French Baguette Mix—shape into long loaves and bake on a sheet pan for that classic crust.
• Focaccia: Press the dough into a small sheet pan, top with olive oil, herbs and sea salt and bake until golden and bubbly.
• Pizza dough: Roll it out and top with sauce, cheese and whatever you like. Bake on a hot pizza stone or sheet pan.
• Breadsticks: Shape into sticks, brush with butter or olive oil, sprinkle with salt or herbs and bake until golden.
• Pretzels: Roll into ropes, twist into pretzel shape,, dip briefly in baking soda water, and bake for a chewy, golden crust.

Mix-In Ideas by Bread Type

Golden Grain White Bread Mix

• Chopped green olives and rosemary
• Cinnamon and sugar swirl
• Jalapeno and cheddar cheese
• Dark chocolate and dried cherries

Ole’s Wild Rice Bread Mix

• Chopped cooked bacon and shredded cheddar
• Dried cranberries and toasted pecans

Sweet Cardamom Bread

• Chopped dates or dried cherries and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top
• Orange zest and mini chocolate chips

French Baguette Mix

• Roasted garlic and rosemary
• Parmesan cheese and coarse ground pepper
• Cut into cubes and dip in olive oil

Whole Wheat Bread Mix

• Sunflower seeds and grated carrot
• Garlic powder, Italian herbs and shredded mozzarella
• Fennel and golden raisins

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that humidity can impact your results. On humid days, you may need slightly less water. Try different cycles if you’re getting varied results, some mixes work better on alternate settings.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy Sturdiwheat bread mixes, these are just some ideas to keep things fun and fresh in your kitchen. Bread machines make it easy to experiment, so don’t be afraid to try something new. If you land on a combo you love, be sure to share it with us by phone or email.  If it works in our kitchen we will add it to this blog!