What is oven proofing?
Oven proofing is a great time saving technique when making dough recipes that contain yeast. If you are short on time, but still want to make a yeasted dough recipe you can use this technique to expedite the process.
How long does oven proofing take?
Oven proofing takes about 5 minutes of active time and about 20-30 minutes of inactive time for the dough to rise.
How does oven proofing work?
Yeast loves a warm and moist environment. In the oven proofing method, water is boiled on the stove and then poured into a pan. Place that pan in the oven with the bowl of covered dough on the oven rack above it. The oven door is then closed, trapping in the warmth and steam rising from the water. This environment makes the yeast happy and they multiply and rise more quickly.
Step by Step how to oven proof
- Fill a medium sauce pan with water and bring it to a boil on the stove.
- Meanwhile place a 9 by 13 inch pan on the bottom rack of your oven.
- Place your covered dough on the top rack of your oven.
- When the water comes to a boil, open your oven and carefully pour it into the 9 by 13 pan on the bottom rack.
- Close the oven door. Try not to peak for 20 to 25 minutes.
The slight heat and steam from the water will cause the dough to rise more quickly, cutting down on proofing time.
- After 20 to 25 minutes check on your dough. If it has doubled in size, it is ready to proceed with your recipe. If it still hasn’t risen to double its size. Leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes.
