Whether it's a cozy evening around the campfire, a barbecue in the garden, or the highlight of your next child's birthday party, stick bread is a must! The crispy baked dough, grilled directly over the hot embers, evokes memories of balmy summer nights and convivial gatherings.
Originally developed as a simple outdoor bread, stick bread has long since become a beloved classic for all ages. With this recipe, you'll create the perfect stick bread that's not only quick to prepare but also boasts a wonderfully soft interior and a golden-brown crust. So, grab your sticks and let's get started!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 15 minutes
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
- 400 g wheat flour (type 405)
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 300 ml warm milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
preparation
1. Prepare the dough:
Combine the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and oil. Using the dough hook of a hand mixer (or by hand), knead all ingredients into a smooth dough. The dough should easily pull away from the sides of the bowl and have a smooth consistency.
2. Let the dough rest:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until it has significantly increased in size. The warmth and the yeast will make the dough extra airy.
3. Form dough portions:
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 20 cm long. Wrap these ropes in a spiral around a stick so the dough is evenly distributed and holds together well.
4. Grilling stick bread:
Hold the stick with the dough over the hot embers and turn it regularly to ensure the bread bakes evenly on all sides. After about 10 minutes, the bread should be golden brown and easily removable from the stick.
Tips & Variations
- For more flavor: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme directly into the dough or sprinkle the dough strands with sesame or poppy seeds before wrapping.
- Sweet alternative: Replace the salt with 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar and add a handful of raisins or chocolate chips to the dough. This will turn your stick bread into a sweet temptation!
- Dip ideas: Serve the finished stick bread with various dips such as herb curd, garlic butter or hummus.
Serving suggestion
Enjoy the stick bread fresh from the fire, crispy on the outside and still slightly soft on the inside. It's especially good with grilled vegetables, salads, or as a side dish to soups. You can also cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a rustic wooden board—ideal for cozy gatherings around the campfire or at a picnic!
Conclusion
This simple stick bread recipe creates a truly romantic campfire experience and requires little effort to prepare. With fresh ingredients and a short resting time, you'll create a crispy loaf that develops a unique aroma when cooked directly over the embers.
Try it out and bring everyone together around the fire pit – this is what outdoor enjoyment tastes like!
