How to Turn Your Microwave into a Bread Proofer

Proofing bread in your home kitchen can require creativity when you're also trying to, say, cook a week's worth of dinners on your day off so the kids don't get rickets from too many PBJs.  Since bread dough has to remain protected from drafts and nestled in a warm and moist environment, it usually makes sense to cover the dough with plastic and put it in the baking oven with the light left on to create heat.

If you own a single oven, this ties your hands in the hours that bread is proofing, and also leaves the question: where does this bread go when I'm ready to pre-heat the oven to bake it?

Answer: The microwave.  (Just don't actually turn it on!)

Well, OK you DO turn it on, but not to warm your bread.  

Here's What To Do:

1. Wipe down the inside of the microwave.  You've probably been meaning to do this anyway! (Condensation may form on the ceiling and drip on your bread, so avoid using stinky chemicals that might leave residue. For those of you that love Disinfecting Cleaners, ask yourself: do I really need to kill 99.9% of bacteria living inside a box that self-sanitizes every time I use it?  Just clean up the tomato-sauce splats!)

2. Use those microwaves to heat a mug of water until hot enough to brew tea. Leave the mug in the microwave and place your uncovered pans of dough in there.  

3. Close the door.  Now you can preheat your REAL oven while the dough continues to rise without drying out.    

Reaching the peak of plumpness in undisturbed comfort.  It's like a spa for your dough!

Now you're wondering: "Why not just do the whole rising process in the microwave?" If your bread bowl fits, yes!  Now you're thinking like a cook.

Rise and shine, yeastoids.  Namaste.