Bread in Bag

by

This season we have a different kind of menu over here. A STEMs-Giving menu filled with fun and simple Thanksgiving science experiments and activities that kids will love.

Make the most of the Thanksgiving holiday and share baking bread in a bag with your kids at home or in the classroom. Explore how does yeast work in bread and share a delicious treat at the end with our easy bread in a bag recipe.

From toddlers to teenagers, everyone loves a fresh slice of homemade bread, and using a zip-top bag is perfect for tiny hands to help squish and knead.

You can also use the same type of yeast for this exothermic reaction.

BREAD IN A BAG ACTIVITY IN THE CLASSROOM
Ask these questions to get kids thinking…

What do you know about bread?
What would you like to learn about bread?
What ingredients are in bread and how do you make it?
What do you think makes the bread rise?
How does yeast work in bread?

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour, divided
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid rise yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110 to 120 degrees)
  • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 gallon-size freezer bag

Instructions

  1. In a freezer bag, add 1 cup flour, sugar, and yeast. Seal and shake together.
  2. Open the bag and pour in water. Seal and squeeze/shake the bag to mix until blended.
  3. Rest the bag for 10 minutes on the counter or until bubbles form in the bag.
  4. Re-open the bag, adding the oil and 1 cup of flour. Seal and mix by squeezing/squishing the bag.
  5. Add remaining flour to the bag and seal. Knead the bag until the flour is completely incorporated.
  6. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough bounces back easily when pressed, about 5 minutes.
  7. Shape into a loaf and place in a 9×5 inch bread pan spritzed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 60 minutes.
  8. While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  9. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Cool in the baking pan for 10 minutes before flipping out onto a wire cooling rack.