Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed, making it accessible even for novice bakers. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can have fresh, homemade bread without the need for special equipment or extensive kneading. The result is a tender, airy loaf with a crisp crust, perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If too sticky, add a bit more flour as you knead.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused Bread: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dry ingredients for a flavorful twist.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Cheese Bread: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese during the kneading process for a cheesy delight.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap and freeze the bread for up to a month.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. For individual slices, toasting works well.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary, and additional binding agents like xanthan gum may be necessary.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients to activate it properly.
3. How can I achieve a softer crust?
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking. This adds flavor and softens the crust as it cools.
4. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Incorporate up to 1 cup of add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds during the kneading process to customize your bread.
5. How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the rise. You can perform the “finger poke test”: gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
6. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Adjust baking time as needed.
7. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine by following the manufacturer’s instructions for the order of ingredients and appropriate settings.
8. Why is my bread dense and not fluffy?
Dense bread can result from insufficient kneading, not allowing the dough to rise fully, or using water that’s too hot or cold for the yeast. Ensure precise measurements and proper techniques.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
10. How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190–200°F (88–93°C) also indicates doneness.
Conclusion
Baking your own bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and delightful aromas.
baked bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make your kitchen smell heavenly with this Quick and Easy Homemade Bread recipe! Perfect for beginners, this soft, fluffy loaf with a chewy crust is made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with extra flour if needed.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the baked bread with melted butter.
- Customize with herbs, cheese, or whole wheat flour for variations.
- Ensure water is warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
