Wood Stove Brick Oven Bread Recipe

A wood-burning stove can do more than just provide warmth; it can also serve as a versatile tool for baking delicious bread. In this article, we’ll explore a brick oven bread recipe that you can create using your wood stove, while focusing on the essential technical details for both novice and experienced wood stove enthusiasts.

Technical Aspects

1. Temperature Control: Maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Before you start, ensure your wood stove is at the optimal baking temperature, around 450°F (230°C). Use an oven thermometer to verify the accuracy of your stove’s built-in thermometer.

2. Wood Selection: Choose seasoned hardwood for a clean and consistent burn. Avoid softwood as it can create excessive smoke and deposit creosote on your bread.

3. Fire Management: Arrange the wood logs evenly in your stove. A bed of hot coals provides even heat for baking. You may need to add small amounts of wood to maintain the temperature.

4. Baking Surface: Use a pizza stone, cast-iron griddle, or a brick set directly on the stove’s grates as your baking surface. Preheat it along with the stove.

Brick Oven Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of bread flour
• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• 2 tsp of salt
• ½ tsp of yeast

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
3. Gradually add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise:
6. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.
7. Allow it to rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature.

8. Preheat Your Stove:
9. Once the dough has risen, start preheating your wood stove to 450°F (230°C).
10. Place your baking surface (brick or pizza stone) inside the stove.

11. Shape the Dough:
12. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
13. Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper.

14. Second Rise:
15. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

16. Baking:
17. Slash the top of the bread with a sharp knife.
18. Slide the parchment paper with the dough onto the preheated baking surface in your wood stove.

19. Monitor and Adjust:
20. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the bread develops a golden brown crust.
21. Monitor the temperature and adjust the wood stove as needed to maintain a consistent 450°F (230°C).

22. Cool and Enjoy:
23. Remove the bread from the stove and let it cool on a wire rack.
24. Once it’s cooled, slice and savor your wood stove-baked bread.

Conclusion

Baking bread in your wood stove is a rewarding culinary experience, and with attention to the technical aspects, you can create delicious brick oven-style bread right in your home. Remember to maintain the correct temperature, select the right wood, and use a suitable baking surface to achieve the best results. Enjoy the warm, rustic aroma and taste of your homemade wood stove brick oven bread.