Why You’ll Like This Recipe

This Homemade Bread is not just quick and straightforward; it’s also a delightful way to enjoy freshly baked bread at home! With just a handful of simple ingredients and steps, this recipe produces a loaf that’s soft, fluffy inside, and has a beautifully chewy crust. Whether you’re preparing sandwiches, enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, or indulging in warm bread with a pat of butter, this loaf is sure to impress. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aromatic scent of bread baking in the oven to bring the whole family together!

Recipe: Quick and Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough

   In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Next, add the warm water and olive oil, mixing them together until a shaggy dough begins to form.

2. Step 2: Knead the Dough

   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Begin kneading it for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky; if it’s sticking too much to your hands, add a little more flour as you knead.

3. Step 3: First Rise

   Once you’ve kneaded the dough to perfection, place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm spot for around 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

   After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Step 5: Bake the Bread

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap it. Once done, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: This bread is the perfect companion to any meal, whether enjoyed fresh with butter, spread with jam, or as the foundation for delicious sandwiches. It’s wonderful toasted as well for breakfast.

Storage: To keep any leftovers fresh, store the bread in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can wrap it securely and freeze it for up to a month.

Helpful Notes

• Water Temperature: Ensure the water you use is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast effectively without harming it.
• Kneading Time: Remember that kneading is essential! Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for a light, airy texture.
• Alternative Flours: If you’d like a chewier texture, feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for this recipe.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, the texture might be a bit different from traditional bread.

Q2: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water along with the sugar and wait for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before mixing in the dry ingredients.

Q3: How do I achieve a softer crust?
To get a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.

Q4: Can I add herbs or cheese to this bread?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite dried herbs or shredded cheese into the dough before shaping it for an extra burst of flavor.

Q5: Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easily doubled! Just remember to adjust the baking time if you’re preparing multiple loaves.