Simple Homemade Puff Pastry Bread

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Here’s a detailed guide for Simple Homemade Puff Pastry Bread in the format you seem to like:

Introduction

This simple homemade puff pastry bread is flaky, buttery, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a base for sweet or savory fillings. Making it from scratch may take a bit of time, but the result is far more satisfying than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
  • 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for a slightly sweet dough

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients
    In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
  2. Add the butter
    Add the cold cubed butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
  3. Add water
    Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep it flaky.
  4. Chill the dough
    Form the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Roll and fold
    On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds (like a letter). Rotate 90 degrees, roll again, and fold into thirds. Repeat this process 3–4 times, chilling for 10 minutes between folds if the butter becomes too soft.
  6. Shape the bread
    Roll the dough into your desired shape—loaf, twists, or small rolls.
  7. Bake
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with a little milk or egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

How to Make It Extra Flaky

  • Keep all ingredients cold.
  • Don’t overwork the dough; gentle folding is key.
  • Chill the dough between folds to prevent butter from melting.

Variations

  • Savory: Add herbs, cheese, or cooked bacon into the folds.
  • Sweet: Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon before folding for a sweet puff pastry treat.
  • Filled: Use chocolate, jam, or cream cheese as a filling before rolling.

Tips

  • Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
  • Use cold water and chill your mixing bowl if possible.
  • Store leftover dough in the freezer for up to a month.

Conclusion

Homemade puff pastry bread may take a bit of patience, but the flaky, buttery layers make it absolutely worth it. Once you master the folding technique, you can create endless variations for breakfast, snacks, or desserts.

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