Quick and Easy Homemade Bread for Beginners
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. With this simple recipe, you can bake soft, delicious bread at home without any complicated steps or special equipment. Perfect for beginners, this bread comes together quickly and is great for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (not too hot, about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.)
4. Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Final Rise
- Cover the loaf with the towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
7. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Bread:
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives bread its structure.
- Don’t skip the rising times; they’re essential for soft, fluffy bread.
With this easy recipe, you’ll have a homemade loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
