What is a bread “hot box?”

A bread hot box is a moist, warm, draft free area that is designated specifically for you to place your yeast bread while it rises.

In order for yeast bread to rise properly it must have the right temperature and atmosphere. If the bread is placed in an area where the temperature continually changes or is cold the bread will not rise properly. Creating a “hot box” helps your bread to rise fully and quickly.

How To Turn The Oven Into A Bread Hot Box

Preheat oven to 210 degrees. Place one oven rack on the lowest track of the oven. Place second oven rack on the track above the first oven rack. Make sure to leave room in between the two racks to be able to fit a casserole dish on the bottom rack.

Pour 6 cups of VERY HOT water into a 3 quart casserole dish. Place the casserole dish on the bottom rack in the oven.

When you’re ready to let your bread rise, place the bread on the rack above the casserole dish and let it rise according to the bread recipe