Dave’s Killer Bread Copycat Recipe: Unlock the Secret to Perfect Homemade Bread

There’s nothing quite like the hearty goodness of Dave’s Killer Bread. I’ve always loved its rich, nutty flavor and satisfying texture that makes every slice a delight. But store-bought can be pricey, and sometimes you’d rather have fresh bread straight from your own oven.

That’s why I decided to create my own copycat recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a loaf that rivals the original. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for bringing that beloved taste into your home.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups bread flour – provides a chewy texture
• 1 ¼ cups warm water – around 110°F to activate the yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey – adds sweetness and color
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances the overall flavor
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – contributes to moisture and richness
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) – essential for rising
• 2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten – improves bread structure
• 1 cup rolled oats – for added texture and authenticity
• ½ cup sunflower seeds – perfect for topping and extra crunch
• ¼ cup flaxseeds – optional, for additional nutrition

Tools And Equipment

To craft my Dave’s Killer Bread copycat, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Ensures thorough mixing of the dough, giving it that perfect, smooth consistency.

• Mixing Bowls

Use large bowls to accommodate the dough as it rises and expands.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key for the right texture and flavor.

• Loaf Pan

Shapes your bread into that classic loaf form and helps it bake evenly.

• Kitchen Scale (Optional)

For precise ingredient measurements, especially useful if you prefer weight over volume.

• Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap

Keeps the dough covered during the rising process, preventing it from drying out.

• Oven

Preheat to the specified temperature to bake your bread to perfection.

• Cooling Rack

Allows your loaf to cool evenly, maintaining its crusty exterior and soft interior.

Having these tools on hand will set you up for success and make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Directions

Bringing Dave’s Killer Bread to your kitchen is easier than you think. Follow these steps to create a delicious, homemade loaf.

Prepare The Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten. In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 1/4 cups of warm water (110°F). Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed. Once combined, knead the dough for about 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Fold in 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds if using.

First Rise

Lightly oil a large mixing bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Shape The Loaf

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges toward the center and rolling tightly. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it fits snugly.

Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise again in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it has risen noticeably above the edge of the pan.

Bake The Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As a chef passionate about baking and perfecting recipes, I understand the value of planning ahead. Here’s how you can make Dave’s Killer Bread copycat recipe ahead of time to fit your busy schedule.

Refrigerate the Dough Overnight

Preparing the dough the night before enhances the bread’s flavor and texture.

1. Prepare the Dough: Follow the recipe steps up to the first rise.
2. Cover and Refrigerate: After the initial rise, gently punch down the dough. Place it in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
3. Cold Rise: Refrigerate the dough overnight, allowing it to slowly ferment and develop deeper flavors.

Freeze the Dough for Future Baking

Freezing the dough is perfect for when you want fresh bread on demand without the daily effort.

1. Initial Rise: Prepare and let the dough rise as per the recipe instructions.
2. Shape the Loaf: After the first rise, shape the dough into a loaf.
3. Wrap for Freezing: Wrap the shaped dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Freeze: Use a marker to label the dough with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Baking from Frozen Dough:

1. Thaw: Move the dough from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
2. Proof: Let it come to room temperature and rise for about 1-2 hours.
3. Bake: Follow the baking instructions from the recipe.

Bake Ahead and Freeze the Loaf

Baking the bread in advance and freezing it ensures you have fresh-tasting bread anytime.

1. Bake the Bread: Follow the recipe to bake the loaf.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a cooling rack to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Slice and Package: Slice the cooled bread and place it in airtight freezer bags or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
4. Freeze: Store the packaged bread in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating the Frozen Loaf:

1. Thaw: Let the bread thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Refresh: To restore freshness, wrap the loaf in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Storage Duration Table

By utilizing these make-ahead techniques, you can enjoy delicious, homemade Dave’s Killer Bread anytime with minimal effort. Whether you choose to refrigerate the dough for enhanced flavor or freeze it for ultimate convenience, these methods ensure your bread remains fresh and tasty.

Storage Tips

Keeping your homemade Dave’s Killer Bread fresh requires proper storage. Here are my top tips to ensure your bread stays delicious longer.

Room Temperature

Store your bread at room temperature for up to three days. Follow these steps:

1. Cool Completely

Let the bread cool on a cooling rack to prevent moisture buildup.

1. Slice as Needed

Slice the bread just before serving to maintain freshness.

1. Use a Bread Box or Cloth Bag

Place the loaf in a bread box or wrap it in a clean cloth bag. This allows the bread to breathe while protecting it from drying out.

Refrigeration

If you need to extend the shelf life beyond three days, refrigeration is a good option. Here’s how:

1. Wrap Tightly

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from becoming stale.

1. Place in an Airtight Container

Store the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

1. Reheat Before Serving

To restore freshness, reheat slices in a toaster or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing

Freezing is the best way to preserve your bread for up to three months. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Slice Before Freezing

Slice the bread before freezing. This makes it easy to grab individual slices as needed.

1. Use Freezer-Safe Bags

Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

1. Label and Date

Label the bag with the date to keep track of storage time.

1. Thaw Properly

Remove the desired number of slices and let them thaw at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer.

Storage Duration

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Dave’s Killer Bread fresh and flavorful whenever you crave it.

Conclusion

Baking my own Dave’s Killer Bread has been incredibly satisfying. There’s nothing like the aroma of fresh bread filling the kitchen. I love how easy the recipe is, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out.

Trying this copycat recipe has not only saved me money but also allowed me to customize the flavors to suit my taste. It’s wonderful knowing I can enjoy delicious bread anytime I want.

Give it a try and enjoy the process of making something tasty from scratch. Happy baking!