I’ve always loved the art of making my own homemade bread — truly, it really is a work of art!
I love the feel of the dough between my fingers, I love the smell wafting from the oven, and of course, I love the taste of freshly-baked bread.
For the last 18 months, I’ve poured myself into baking bread, rolls, tortillas, cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, biscuits, and more from 100% whole grain that I grind fresh in my kitchen each day.
It’s one of the most fun, most rewarding, and most maddening hobbies… I don’t anticipate stopping any time soon!
RELATED READING: My recipe for 100% whole grain sandwich bread.
However, this hobby is NOT for everyone!
If you love the smell and the taste of homemade bread, but don’t want to spend half your day in the kitchen with a pile of dirty dishes to wash, the semi-homemade bread secret I’m about to share with you will BLOW YOUR MIND!
NOTE: This is also an excellent alternative if you can’t find flour or yeast in the stores!
A Quick-ish Back-Story…
When Dave and I were first married, I made lots of homemade bread from scratch using the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day.
This book shares a simple step-by-step process to make homemade artisan bread with only a few minutes of “hands-on” work every day. I talk more about the process in this post if you’re interested.
It’s DELICIOUS and much easier than almost any other homemade bread recipe.
HOWEVER… after I started having children, I quickly realized I didn’t have the mental energy to bake bread anymore.
We switched back to store-bought bread… but I missed the smell of fresh bread!
That’s when I started using store-bought logs of frozen bread dough as my 5-minute semi-homemade bread secret!
For years and years, I used logs of frozen bread dough as a time-saving, sanity-saving secret to enjoying fresh-from-the-oven bread!
I delivered countless loaves of my “homemade bread” whenever I brought meals to others, and I served it to friends and family at our own table.
Everyone raved about my homemade bread!
If only they knew my “secret”!
How to Make Semi-Homemade Bread from Frozen Bread Dough:
STEP 1: Pick up a package of frozen bread dough from the freezer section in your local grocery store (our stores carry the 5-pack for around $5.)
STEP 2: Remove one frozen log from the bag, put it in a greased bread pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise (in the fridge overnight or on the counter for several hours).
STEP 3: Bake for 20 minutes, or according to package directions!
DONE!
This bread ALWAYS turns out deliciously soft, fluffy, and so tasty.
Use this “recipe” for buns, rolls, cinnamon rolls, Stromboli, pizza and more!
Logs of frozen bread dough are an excellent way to make mini loaves of bread, buns, rolls, Stromboli, pizza, cinnamon rolls, and more!
Simply let the dough defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then use it however you’d use traditional bread dough.
Mini Loaves = 1 loaf makes 3 mini 4″ loaves
Hamburger or Hotdog buns = 1 loaf makes 8 – 12 buns
Dinner rolls = 1 loaf makes 12-15 dinner rolls
Slider Buns = 1 loaf makes 18 slider buns
Stromboli = 1 loaf makes 1 large Stromboli
Pizza Crust = 1 loaf makes 2 10″ pizza crusts (depending on how thick you want the crust)
Cinnamon Rolls = 1 loaf makes 12-15 cinnamon rolls
Whatever you can make with traditional homemade bread dough, you can make with frozen bread dough — as long as you defrost it ahead of time!
I’m confident the average person will NEVER guess that any of these recipes started with frozen store-bought dough!
What about Nutrition?
If you’re baking homemade bread for the nutritional aspect of using whole grain flour, you will not necessarily get that with the frozen bread dough.
There are often additives in this dough… and while you can buy “whole wheat bread dough” MOST frozen bread dough is made with white all-purpose flour.
However, if you simply want the smell and taste of fresh-from-the-oven bread with almost zero hands-on work, frozen bread dough is the secret you need to know! 🙂
Of course, I plan to continue baking my own bread from scratch… but for those of you looking for a much simpler alternative (or for those who can’t find flour or yeast at the grocery stores) head to the freezer section of your grocery store and pick up a bag of frozen bread dough.
It’s amazingly delicious and nearly foolproof!
Cay says
I’ve been using Rhodes frozen bread dough allot during the Covid, but mainly used it to make pizza when my children were growing up (they’re now in their 40’s). I’m having trouble lately with it flattening out after we cut it. Last time I let it set 30 min. It still fell. The first ones I made fell if I turned it out to cool on a write rack. So I stopped turning it out. Instructions doesn’t say how long to wait to cut it either. I’m baking some right now and I’m going to let it set until dinner this time. Maybe that will work. Today I found your website trying to find out if it rose in the refrigerator over night do you put it directly in the oven or leave it setting out. I didn’t find that info still. But i let it set out about 30 min. It’s now baking and has rose allot more. So I’ll see how that goes.
Andrea says
With the frozen bread dough, you only should let it rise once. So if you’re baking bread, you literally just put it in the pan (still frozen if you want) and let it rise, then bake. If you’re doing pizza crusty, you’ll want to let it defrost until it’s playable… then form it into pizza crust, top and bake — no need to rise at all.
Cay says
Yes, I did that. It’s still falling when cutting after an hour even and I have a Hinkle bread knife. I’m good at making the best pizza my kids say. Others who was around too. I load it to the edge.
Marc B says
Can you make focaccia from the grocery store frozen bread dough?
Andrea says
I’m sure you could — it would probably be less “dense” though.
You’d need to roll it out into a jelly-roll type pan, spread with oil and seasonings, and then “dimple” with your fingers. But I have a feeling it would spring up quite a bit while baking.
I’ve never personally tried it though — so you might be pleasantly surprised 🙂
I’m sure the flavor would still be good, just maybe a different texture.
Mary says
I use frozen wheat bread dough all the time. Oddly, it is one of the things that has disappeared from grocery store shelves now in the pandemic. Plenty of bread, both bakery and commercial. But no frozen bread dough. Made me sad.
Andrea says
oh wow — that’s a bummer!
We’ve had ZERO flour or yeast in any stores for the last month (and often no bread either) but I can ALWAYS find the froze bread dough.
Tammy Burns says
Having a small household, I usually buy the frozen dinner rolls. Unthawing 5 of these makes a perfect small dinner loaf of bread, mini pizzas or a small batch of cinnamon rolls, stromboli etc. We grew up with frozen bread dough and always thought it was such a treat, warm from the oven with homemade jam.
Andrea says
great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Natalia says
What?? Frozen bread dough??!! I didn’t even know such thing exists! I’ll have to look for it and keep it handy for when I’m short on time.
In the meanwhile I keep baking 2 loaves per week using your recipe. I have a batch rising right now. We’ll have soup for dinner and it’s amazing how one loaf just disappears on that very 1st day, and the other loaf lasts for a couple of days.
I don’t have big secrets…. but I do “make” top ramen soup in a pot sometimes. My oldest (adopted) daughter grew up on top ramen and that home-made touch of familiar flavors melts her soul. 🙂
Andrea says
Yes, it’s totally a “thing’!
I suppose all grocery stores might not carry it, but I’ve always seen lots of frozen dough at every store I shop at.
That said, my whole grain bread definitely has a much more “complex” flavor and texture — so if you’re happy with the whole grain stuff (and if you have access to grain and yeast) I’d probably stick with that recipe!
Trudy says
I use frozen bread dough, especially at Thanksgiving and Easter for my “homemade” bread. My family goes crazy for it….I’ve told them several times it’s frozen from the store, so I’ve done my due diligence, but it is fantastic. The fragrance, texture and taste is delicious.
Andrea says
yes, frozen bread dough is definitely a time-saver over the holidays!
Suzanne says
I cook for my elderly parents and my Mom loves soups. When I am pressed for time, I get the Progesso canned soup Broccoli Cheese for example…I add more cooked broccoli to it. All of their soups are very good but lack ingredients..so I just add meats, veggies to them..I will definitely try doing your quick bread idea to go with my soups!
Andrea says
this is a great tip — thanks for sharing, Suzanne!
ra says
I always marvel at how perfectly ‘sliced’ your bread is!..(Mine is butchered into all different sizes and shapes!)
Can you share any tips on the best way (and time) to slice your homemade bread loaves?
Andrea says
haha — thanks 🙂
I have no special tools or tricks to share — but I do REALLY like my bread knife (here’s an amazon link)
jen says
Thanks!!! This inspired me to pick up bread dough on Wednesday afternoon. I made my first loaf yesterday and it is delicious. My family was upset because we were having pulled pork sandwiches for supper and the bread was done right before so they wanted bread with their pulled pork. I already had buns bought for the meal, so they had to wait for the bread.
Walmart didn’t have a brand so I had to buy Rhodes and it is $3.47 for 3 loaves. I will have to look for better priced and hope Walmart carries a cheaper brand also.
Blanka says
I received a breadmaker for the holidays and love it. So easy to use and most important the kids like it too, even the whole wheat. And I feel good knowing exactly what is in the bread.
Tammy says
Your mother-in-law does make the best cinnamon rolls! Mine never turn out quite as well as hers.
Andrea says
haha — I know. I’ve tried them a couple times without much luck. Still good, but not AS good as hers 😉
Karen S. says
I use my bread maker to make all my doughs ~ throw the ingredients in and 1 1/2 hours later your dough is ready ~ easy peasy! I do occasionally bake bread in there, but it’s a small unit.
Jane says
Great idea! I’m going to try this. I’m at the same place in my life right now with little ones and this seems like a great, tricky alternative!
Chris says
There is an artisan type bread you can make in your crockpot, that I’ve made a time or two. You could probably find it on Pinterest. 🙂
Andrea says
Interesting — thanks for sharing! I’ll have to look this up.
Christina says
Did you say pizza crust?! That’s one of go to’s on the weekends, usually leftovers for interesting combinations! I have a pizza recipe, but lately it just hasn’t been setting up well. Pizza crust too! Yeah!
Andrea says
Yes, this bread is great for stromboli and pizza crust. Keep in mind that it will be a thick, puffy crust — nothing flat and crispy if that’s what you prefer.
JJ says
I’ve never thought of doing that! I will definitely have to try that. I’ve always used my bread machine I’d I make homemade bread. My grandma(Cherokee) made something called dough dodgers. Oh. My. Word. I found a “recipe” online that was close, but my grandma would thaw the frozen bread loaf; let the dough rise; punch it down; let it rise again; punch it down; then roll it out, fry it, and top it with jam/jelly. She was not one to cook or bake, but my mom had her make these one time. They were amazing! Here’s a link I found with a similar “recipe”: https://www.familycookbookproject.com/recipe/2660575/dough-dodgers.html
Andrea says
Thanks for the link — the recipe looks yummy! And yes, give the frozen dough a try!
Rose says
Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!! I’m going to give this a try—
And, Yes…..PLEASE share the cinnamon roll recipe you have for this dough.
Sandy says
I often use frozen bread dough….mainly for Stromboli that is much like yours, but I don’t bake it into loaves of bread very often as I know I’d eat WAY too much of it! We’re serious carb lovers in this house. I’m mainly curious on whether you prefer Spartan’s frozen loaves over Meijer’s as I know you’re mainly a Meijer shopper. I very rarely shop at Spartan these days but if you feel their price is better or the dough is just better than Meijer’s, I might have to make an extra stop once in a while.
Andrea says
haha — I KNEW someone would ask about the Spartan dough 🙂
I get meijer bread dough almoust 100% of the time as that’s really the only store I shop at. However, meijer was out of the 5-pack the last time… and we have a Family Fair that’s walking distance from our house, so I just stopped by and picked up a pack of spartan dough this time.
The prices (from what I remember) were exactly the same — and I’ve noticed no difference in taste.
Sandy says
LOL! I guess I was the ‘predictable’ one today. 🙂 Yes, Meijer can be out of their 5 pack loaves too often, in my opinion, but thanks for confirming you don’t notice a difference…in price OR flavor. 🙂
Andrea says
well at least you asked right away, so hopefully others with the same question will read my response and save me some time today 🙂
Tammy @ SkipperClan says
Could you make the artisan recipe then freeze it? Then, do the same thing you’re doing with the store bought? i ask for myself – while I’m not having any bread during Lent, my family still eats it and I have the time to make it up but I haven’t purchased the book yet. I’ve heard great things about it so I’m curious now after reading this…thanks!
Andrea says
Tammy, I’m sure you could make regular bread dough and freeze it — but I personally wouldn’t try that with the artisan bread recipe. The reason I say that is because the purpose of the artisan bread recipe is to be able to store the dough in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and quickly make a loaf of bread when it’s convenient. One batch makes 4 loaves (I think) so in 2 weeks time, our family could easily eat 4 smaller loaves of bread.
From what I remember, you pull out a chunk of the refrigerated dough, add a little flour, let it rise, and bake. So I’m not sure how that whole process would work with frozen dough — but you could certainly try it. I’d definitely recommend getting the book though (even if you just get it from your local library!)
Tammy @ SkipperClan says
oh great tip, I am going to the library this afternoon and just checked, it’s on the shelf! thanks
Stephanie says
Frozen bread dough is amazing. As for dinner rolls, I have not found an easy recipe that tastes better than frozen rolls. (I never thaw my bread dough in time so I just by the premade rolls.). I need another loaf pan though. So I haven’t been doing much bread around here.
I’ve never tried the artisan dough, but have realized, one of the biggest things that keeps me from making bread is my mind thinks it is a lot of work, when in reality it isn’t. Especially since I use my mixer for all the kneading. My fingers don’t even need to get dirty if I don’t want them too.
Thanks for the reminder of frozen dough. I really have forgotten how simple and nice it is to have that in the house!
Andrea says
yes — it’s SO good.
I love the dense artisan bread too, but there is something about the super soft dinner rolls and bread made with the frozen dough that is hard to beat!