How Spent Beer-Brewing Grains Are Used to Make Bread

Step 1

Gather the ingredients. In the bowl of a sturdy stand mixer, add flours, salt, yeast, spent grain, honey, butter, egg, and milk. Mix on low speed until dough comes together and forms a smooth ball, then knead about 5 minutes. You can mix this by hand, but it will take a bit longer. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, then shape into a ball. Place into a lightly oiled bowl, turn once to coat, cover, and let rise until double, about 1 hour.

Step 2

Divide dough in half for 2 small loaves (about 12 ounces each) or leave as is for one larger loaf (about 1 1/2 pounds). Shape into a batard on a parchment-lined baking sheet or place in a loaf pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Cover lightly with greased plastic wrap or a slightly damp, clean kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. After about 30 minutes, heat your oven to either 350 F/180 C for a loaf in a pan or 450 F/230 C for a hand-shaped batard. If you have a bread stone, place it in the oven now.

Step 3

A batard will be baked with steam in the first 15 minutes, then the oven temperature should be turned down. Shortly before baking, slash the loaves in your favorite pattern. If using a bread stone, dust it with cornmeal and carefully transfer the risen batard(s) to the stone using a peel, if you have one. Otherwise, bake it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Using steam as described for 10 to 15 minutes, lower the temperature to about 400 F and bake until the interior of the bread registers at 200 F or higher. Cool at least 30 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Step 4

Slash the top of the loaf and bake for 40 minutes or until the inner temperature is at least 200 F/95 C. Let bread cool on a rack to ensure air flows all the way around and dries out the bread. Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.