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
