Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stovetop bread is the epitome of simplicity—no fancy equipment required! All you need is a sturdy skillet and a dash of patience to create something truly delightful. The dough is versatile, inviting you to incorporate herbs, cheeses, or even dried fruits if you feel adventurous. Plus, it’s a faster alternative to traditional bread-making methods, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a fresh loaf without the fuss. Ready to get started?

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic, soft but not sticky. If it clings to your hands, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First rise: Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the dough: Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a round loaf.
6. Second rise: Place the formed loaf on a piece of parchment paper, cover it again, and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes until it looks puffy.
7. Preheat the skillet: Heat a heavy-bottomed or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Gently place the loaf in the skillet along with the parchment paper.
8. Cook the bread: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes on one side, or until the bottom turns a lovely golden brown. Carefully flip the loaf, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until browned on the other side and it sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the skillet and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Slice it up and enjoy your freshly made stovetop bread!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: The bread is delightful served warm, slathered with butter, drizzled with honey, or spread with jam. It also makes a fantastic base for sandwiches and pairs beautifully with soups and stews.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in a skillet over low heat.

Helpful Notes

• Make sure to preheat your skillet to achieve an even golden crust on your bread.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush a bit of melted butter on the bread right after it’s done cooking.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or sprinkling sesame seeds on top before the second rise.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that this will give the bread a denser texture, so adjust the water as needed.

3. Why did my bread turn out dense?
A dense loaf might occur due to under-kneading or using too much flour. Ensure that the dough is well-kneaded until it feels smooth and elastic, and try not to add excessive flour while kneading.

4. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and cooking.

5. How can I make a garlic herb version?
Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder and your choice of dried herbs like rosemary or oregano into the dry ingredients. Optionally, brush the finished loaf with garlic-infused butter for an extra flavor boost.