Can you leave bread dough to rise overnight?

Leaving bread dough to rise overnight is generally not recommended, as it can result in over-proofing and lead to a dense and undesirable texture. Yeast, which is responsible for the rising of dough, consumes the sugar in the dough and produces gas. When dough is left to rise for too long, the yeast will consume all the available sugar, resulting in a dough that lacks structure and flavor. Additionally, leaving bread dough at room temperature for an extended period can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and spoilage.

A better practice is to follow the recommended rising time specified in the bread recipe. If you need to delay the baking process, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Refrigerated dough can be stored for up to a few days, allowing you to bake it at a more convenient time. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking according to the recipe instructions.