For me, a few things capture this spirit better than Outdoor Boys Bread. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a simple, hearty tradition that transforms basic ingredients into warm, rustic happiness.
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How to make Outdoor Boys Bread
Outdoor Boys Bread is a simple, rustic campfire bread that gained popularity through the Outdoor Boys YouTube channel. It’s made with basic ingredients—flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water—and cooked over a fire or in a pan instead of an oven. The dough is easy to mix (even in a plastic bag), left to rise, and then fried or baked until golden.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour works just fine)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp if measuring from a jar)
- 3/4 cup warm water (approximately 100–110°F, warm but not hot — perfect for activating yeast)
- Honey butter: Mix equal parts honey and softened butter for a delicious topping.
- Herbs or spices: Throw in a pinch of rosemary, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a more savory twist.
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it gets frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to go.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
3. Bring it all together: Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of flour and mix using a fork or your hands. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 1–2 hours, depending on the temperature. It should double in size — the longer you let it rise, the fluffier your bread will be.
5. Prep for cooking: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a flat disc or into the desired shape that suits your cooking method.
6. Cook your bread: Heat a well-oiled cast iron skillet over your campfire or stovetop. Cook the bread on medium-low heat for about 3–5 minutes per side, flipping once it gets golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Keep it warm for yeast activity: The yeast thrives in warm environments. If it’s too cold outside, find a sunny spot or use a warm towel to cover the dough while it rises.
- Don’t rush: Letting the dough rest and rise adequately is the secret to soft, fluffy bread.
- Adjust flour as needed: Depending on the humidity or your location, the dough may feel too sticky or too dry. Add a small amount of flour or water until you get the right consistency.
- Explore flavors: For a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 2 tsp. For a heartier, savory loaf, toss in your favorite dried herbs or sprinkle coarse salt over the dough before cooking.
- Serve while warm: This bread tastes best when fresh out of the oven or skillet. Pair with honey butter, jam, or even a bit of olive oil for dipping.
What to serve with
Outdoor Boys Bread is a versatile and hearty loaf that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, dips, spreads, and dishes.
- Honey Butter: The golden pairing for Outdoor Boys Bread is honey butter, which is rich, sweet, and indulgent. To make it, simply mix equal parts softened butter and honey until smooth. Spread it generously over your warm bread for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Jam or Preserves: Bring a fruity burst of flavor with your favorite jam or preserves. Berry, apricot, or peach jams are especially delicious with the rustic nature of the bread.
- Nut Butters: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a protein-packed snack that’s earthy and filling.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Outdoor Boys Bread is all about embracing simplicity and versatility. But what if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or you want to experiment with different flavors? No worries
1. Flour
The type of flour you use has a direct impact on the texture and flavor of the bread. If you don’t have bread flour or all-purpose flour, try one of these alternatives:
Whole Wheat Flour: Swap up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and denser texture.
Self-Rising Flour: If you use self-rising flour, omit the salt and yeast in the recipe because the flour already contains leaveners. The bread will rise quicker but may be less rustic.
Gluten-Free Flour
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the structure.
Oat Flour (DIY Option): Blend oats in a food processor to make oat flour. Mix it with an equal portion of all-purpose or bread flour (e.g., 1 cup oat flour + 1 cup all-purpose) to retain some structure.
2. Yeast
If you’re out of yeast or looking for an alternative, here’s how to work around it:
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda (Quick Bread): Replace the yeast with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. This eliminates the rising period, and the bread will be closer to a flatbread or soda bread.
- Sourdough Starter: If you have sourdough starter on hand, use 1/2 cup of active starter in place of the yeast. You may need to experiment with timing since sourdough rises more slowly.
- Beer: Replace some of the water with beer. The natural fermentation in beer can act as a leavening agent and add a subtle tangy flavor.
3. Water
Warm water is needed for activating yeast, but there are plenty of other options:
- Milk or Buttermilk: Swap water for an equal amount of warm milk for a softer crumb and slightly creamier taste. For tanginess, use buttermilk and adjust the sugar (reduce it by half).
- Plant-Based Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a vegan-friendly substitution for water. Warm it slightly before mixing.
- Beer or Plain Yogurt: For a more rustic flavor, you can replace the water with beer or plain yogurt—thin yogurt with a small amount of water to match the consistency.
4. Salt
Salt is critical for flavor and controlling yeast activity, but if you need to skip or adjust it:
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Use a coarse salt variety for a different texture, but measure carefully. Reduce the amount slightly, as coarse salt can taste stronger than table salt.
- Reduced Sodium or Herbal Salt Alternatives: If you’re cutting back on sodium, consider using no-salt seasoning blends or low-sodium salt substitutes. Just be cautious, as the flavor may be less traditional.
5. Sugar
Sugar activates the yeast, but alternatives work equally well:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Use 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup in place of 1 tsp of sugar. These options add a subtle sweetness while still feeding the yeast.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and slightly deeper caramel notes. Use the same measurement as white sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: For a natural sweetener with a mild caramel taste, swap in coconut sugar. Use it in equal proportions to regular sugar.
- Skip It: While sugar speeds up yeast activation, you can omit it for a slightly less fluffy bread. The natural sugars in the flour will still feed the yeast, but the rising time may be longer.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor Boys Bread is incredibly versatile and shines when paired with both sweet and savory elements.
More Recipes:
- Baja Blast Pie Recipe
- Biscoff Nothing Bundt Cake Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flourÂ
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeastÂ
- 3/4 cup warm waterÂ
- Honey butter
- Herbs
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it gets frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to go.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
3. Bring it all together: Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of flour and mix using a fork or your hands. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 1–2 hours, depending on the temperature. It should double in size — the longer you let it rise, the fluffier your bread will be.
5. Prep for cooking: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a flat disc or into the desired shape that suits your cooking method.
6. Cook your bread: Heat a well-oiled cast iron skillet over your campfire or stovetop. Cook the bread on medium-low heat for about 3–5 minutes per side, flipping once it gets golden brown.
