The Outdoor Boys Bread Recipe isn’t just your average loaf—it’s a rustic, fail-proof bread designed for adventurers like you and me. Inspired by the resourceful spirit of the popular YouTube channel Outdoor Boys, this bread combines simplicity, adaptability, and downright deliciousness. It’s perfect for anyone who loves getting their hands dirty (or doughy!) while proving that great food can be made just about anywhere.
Table of Contents
How to make Outdoor Boys Bread
Outdoor Boys Bread is a simple, rustic, campfire‐style bread popularized by the YouTube channel Outdoor Boys, hosted by Luke Nichols.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Outdoor Boys Bread:
- 3 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour works too, but bread flour gives a chewier texture!)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons salt (to bring out the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (fast-acting yeast speeds things up)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (not too hot—just warm enough to activate the yeast)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and yeast) in a large bowl or even in a resealable plastic bag for easy mixing outdoors.
- Gradually add the warm water while stirring. The goal is to form a rough dough that is slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean surface (or directly into the plastic bag if you’re outdoors).
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add small amounts of flour.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl or inside the floured plastic bag. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or seal the bag loosely.
- Allow it to rest in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. If you’re in the wilderness, leave the dough near the sun or a warm rock for a natural rising!
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release trapped air.
- Shape it into a round loaf or any shape you prefer—it’s your bread!
Step 5: Cook the Bread
Now here comes the fun part—baking your bread outdoors! There are several methods:
Option 1: Dutch Oven Baking
- Heat your Dutch oven over a campfire or hot coals. Make sure it’s evenly heated.
- Place the dough inside the Dutch oven (greased or lined with parchment for easy removal).
- Cover it with the lid and bake for 25–35 minutes, checking occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Option 2: Campfire Coals
- Shape the dough into smaller flat pieces, like rustic rolls or a flatbread.
- Lay them carefully over hot coals (use tin foil to prevent sticking).
- Flip halfway through cooking, ensuring both sides are evenly toasted.
Option 3: Indoor Oven
- Of course, you can make this bread indoors! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your shaped dough on a baking sheet, and bake for about 30–35 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Test Your Yeast: If you’re unsure whether your yeast is active, let it bloom in a small bowl of warm water and sugar for 5–10 minutes before adding it to your flour.
- Keep it Warm: For rising dough outdoors, find a sunny spot or keep the dough near the heat source (but not too close!). The warmth speeds up the process.
- Add Variations: If you want to get creative, try adding herbs, grated cheese, or even chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor.
- Be Patient: Bread-making is an art, especially outdoors. If the dough doesn’t rise quickly, don’t stress—just give it a little more time.
- Bring Tools: If you’re camping, pack reusable parchment paper, a collapsible whisk, and a portable Dutch oven to make your outdoor baking easier.
What to serve with
Outdoor Boys Bread is rustic, hearty, and versatile, making it the perfect loaf for pairing with an array of outdoor-friendly dishes.
1. Soups and Stews
Unleash the bread’s potential as a dip or side dish with comforting soups and stews. Tear off a piece, dunk it, and enjoy the soft, chewy bread soaking in the bold flavors of your broth.
Suggestions:
- Campfire Chili: A smoky chili loaded with beans and ground meat pairs beautifully with the bread for scooping or dipping.
- Chunky Vegetable Stew: A hearty vegetable stew adds balance, especially for vegetarians or vegans.
- Classic Chicken Soup: Warm chicken soup is the ultimate comfort combo.
2. Grilled Meats and BBQ
Outdoor Boys Bread works wonders for wrapping around, pairing with, or scooping up grilled meat and BBQ flavors. The smoky, charred aromas match the bread’s rustic style!
Suggestions:
- Pulled Pork: Make a sandwich or stuff the bread with tender, juicy pulled pork.
- Grilled Sausage or Bratwurst: Serve bread as a roll or slice alongside flame-charred sausages.
- Campfire Kabobs: Bread can act as a starchy complement to the skewered veggies and meat.
3. Spreads and Dips
Transform the bread into the star of the table with flavorful spreads and dips. This approach works especially well in group settings or picnics!
Suggestions:
- Garlic Butter or Herb Compound Butter: Whip up some garlic or herbed butter for slathering on warm bread.
- Hummus: Pair with creamy, spiced hummus for dipping.
- Cheese Fondue: Melt cheese in a pot and dip bread chunks—perfect for group gatherings.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A creamy, cheesy option for dipping or spreading.
4. Eggs & Toppings
Serve bread as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch with eggs cooked any way you like.
Suggestions:
- Egg and Avocado Toast: Simple scrambled eggs or a fried egg over smashed avocado works beautifully on a slice of bread.
- Egg-in-a-Hole: Cut a hole in the bread, crack an egg in the center, and cook it directly on a griddle or skillet.
- Bacon and Eggs: Pair bread with fried bacon and scrambled eggs for a filling morning meal.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor Boys Bread is incredibly versatile, and the options for accompaniments are endless.
More Bread Recipes:
- Copycat French Toast Crumbl Cookie Recipe
- Homemade Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe
- Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread Recipe
- Banana Bread with Three Bananas
- King Arthur No-Knead Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and yeast) in a large bowl or even in a resealable plastic bag for easy mixing outdoors.
- Gradually add the warm water while stirring. The goal is to form a rough dough that is slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean surface (or directly into the plastic bag if you’re outdoors).
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add small amounts of flour.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl or inside the floured plastic bag. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or seal the bag loosely.
- Allow it to rest in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. If you’re in the wilderness, leave the dough near the sun or a warm rock for a natural rising!
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release trapped air.
- Shape it into a round loaf or any shape you prefer—it’s your bread!
Step 5: Cook the Bread
Now here comes the fun part—baking your bread outdoors! There are several methods:
Option 1: Dutch Oven Baking
- Heat your Dutch oven over a campfire or hot coals. Make sure it’s evenly heated.
- Place the dough inside the Dutch oven (greased or lined with parchment for easy removal).
- Cover it with the lid and bake for 25–35 minutes, checking occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Option 2: Campfire Coals
- Shape the dough into smaller flat pieces, like rustic rolls or a flatbread.
- Lay them carefully over hot coals (use tin foil to prevent sticking).
- Flip halfway through cooking, ensuring both sides are evenly toasted.
Option 3: Indoor Oven
- Of course, you can make this bread indoors! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your shaped dough on a baking sheet, and bake for about 30–35 minutes.
