In addition to the four main ingredients used to make bread – flour, salt, yeast and water – there are often small quantities of other ingredients which are added to improve the texture, crumb structure and keeping properties of the bread.
Fat
The most common types of fat used in bread are oils, shortening, and butter. The fat coats the gluten molecules so they cannot combine as easily. This contributes to the finished products tenderness.
Yeast bread that has a high proportion of fat to flour is much more tender, doesnt rise as high, and have a very tender mouth-feel. Fat also contributes flavor to the bread and helps it brown while baking.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the breads browning. The main role for sugar in yeast bread is to provide food for the yeast.
As the yeast grows and multiplies, it uses the sugar, forming byproducts of carbon dioxide and alcohol, which give bread its characteristic flavor. Sugar tenderizes bread by preventing the gluten from forming. It also holds moisture in the finished product.
4 Ingredients! No knead bread! Everyone can make this homemade bread!
FAQ
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What are the 6 main ingredients in yeast bread and their functions?