Fun with Dough: Creative Bread Making Ideas for the Whole Family

Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread filling the house—and the joy of making bread together as a family. With a Zojirushi Bread Maker, you can create bakery-quality bread hassle-free, as the bread making machine kneads, proofs, and bakes your bread for you, allowing you to focus on the fun part: shaping, decorating, and filling your loaves! We’ve got some fun, family-friendly bread making ideas that will bring even more joy to your kitchen, so let’s dive in. 

Make Focaccia Fun! Turn Your Bread into Edible Art 

Recently, a new trend has taken over the baking world—decorated focaccia, or “deco-focaccia.” This technique transforms a simple loaf into a work of art, using fresh herbs, colorful vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cheeses to create designs on top of the bread before baking. Think of it as painting, but with flavors and textures that come to life in the oven. 

How to Make Your Own Deco-Focaccia 

• Start with the Right Dough – A good focaccia base is key! Try the Zojirushi Focaccia recipe for a perfect balance of softness and crispiness. 
• Shape & Prep – After proofing, spread the dough into a baking pan, dimple it with your fingertips, and brush it lightly with olive oil. 
• Pick Your Toppings – Choose ingredients that hold their color and shape during baking 
• Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, basil 
• Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives 
• Nuts & Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, pine nuts 
• Cheese: Parmesan, feta, or mozzarella 
• Extras: Sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or even edible flowers 
• Design & Decorate – Arrange your toppings into patterns, flowers, or abstract shapes. 
• Bake – Once decorated, bake until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing into your creation. 

Shaping Bread: A Fun and Creative Family Activity 

Shaping dough into different forms is a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Experimenting with twists, braids, and classic designs turns breadmaking into an interactive experience.  

• Bacon Pain d’Epi (Wheat Stalk Bread) with Coffee Spread is a visually stunning bread that mimics a wheat stalk, with crisp, golden layers and smoky bacon tucked inside each segment. Not only does it look impressive, but its pull-apart design makes it perfect for sharing at the dinner table. Try making your own with the Zojirushi Bacon Pain d’Epi recipe for a fun and delicious project. 

• Challah Bread (Braided Loaf) is another fun bread option for bringing family together in the kitchen. Whether you go for a three-strand or six-strand braid, this bread’s soft, rich texture makes it perfect for family meals, and it even doubles as the ultimate French toast the next morning. Follow the Zojirushi Challah Bread recipe to learn how to master this classic shape. 

• Soft Pretzels bring a sense of tradition and fun to breadmaking. The iconic looped shape of a pretzel is instantly recognizable, and twisting the dough together is a great activity for kids and adults alike. The Zojirushi Soft Pretzel Trio recipe walks you through shaping classic pretzels, as well as fun variations like Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Cheese Topping and Pepperoni Pizza Topping Pretzels. 

Tip: When shaping bread, let the dough rest for 10 minutes after dividing. This makes it easier to shape without springing back. If the dough starts to dry out while working with it, lightly cover it with plastic wrap to retain moisture. 

Fun Fillings: A Delicious Surprise in Every Bite 

Freshly baked bread is always a delight, but it’s even better when there’s something delicious inside! Filled breads add an extra layer of flavor and excitement to your baking, whether you crave something sweet or savory. 

• If you’re in the mood for something truly comforting, Choco Man (Japanese Steamed Chocolate Buns) are a must-try. These soft, pillowy buns are filled with a rich chocolate mixture that is full of sweet flavor, making them a delightful treat in Japan. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider stuffing them with red bean paste, custard, or the classic savory Nikuman (Japanese Steamed Pork Buns). 

• If you’re looking for a hearty, savory option, Artichoke and Mushroom Stuffed Calzone is a great choice. These hand-held pockets of soft, chewy dough are packed with a flavorful filling of sautéed mushrooms, marinated artichokes, and melted cheese. They make a perfect meal for busy nights or a fun way to switch up pizza night with the family. Plus, they’re easy to customize—try adding spinach, roasted peppers, or even sausage for extra variety. Follow the Zojirushi Artichoke and Mushroom Stuffed Calzone recipe to make your own. 

• Chocolate lovers will surely enjoy Chocolate Cream Heart Buns. The light, fluffy bread pairs beautifully with smooth chocolate, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can make them at home using the Zojirushi Chocolate Cream Heart Buns recipe. 

Tip: Seal the edges of filled dough properly to prevent leakage. A light egg wash on the seam can help it stay sealed during baking. Also, avoid overfilling to prevent the dough from breaking apart in the oven. 

Ready to make breadmaking more fun? Explore more at Zojirushi.com and discover how your Zojirushi Bread Maker can elevate your kitchen experience. Don’t forget to share your favorite creations by tagging @ZojirushiAmerica on Instagram and Facebook! #Zojirushi #ZoFan