This simple homemade bread recipe allows you to bake delicious bread without the need for a Dutch oven. Using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a crusty loaf with a soft interior.
Perfect for beginners, this recipe provides an easy way to enjoy fresh bread at home, and it can be customized with herbs, seeds, or other flavorings.
The Art of Homemade Bread
Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone, even those new to baking.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a loaf that boasts a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The satisfaction of slicing into your own freshly baked bread is unmatched, especially when it’s accompanied by a pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Essential Ingredients
The foundation of any great bread lies in its ingredients. This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and warm water.
These staples come together to form a dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a loaf that is both crusty on the outside and airy on the inside. Optional olive oil can add a touch of richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
The Baking Process
Creating homemade bread involves a few key steps, starting with mixing the dry ingredients. Once combined, warm water is added, transforming the mixture into a shaggy dough.
Kneading is an essential part of the process, allowing the gluten to develop and giving the bread its structure. After kneading, the dough is left to rise, doubling in size as it ferments. This first rise is crucial for achieving that light texture.
Shaping and Second Rise
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. This step is where you can get creative, forming the dough into a traditional loaf shape or even a round boule.
Once shaped, the dough undergoes a second rise, which helps to create a more airy crumb. Covering the loaf during this time ensures it retains moisture and warmth, promoting a successful rise.
Perfecting the Bake
Preheating the oven is essential for achieving that perfect crust. Once the dough has risen adequately, a few slashes on top allow for expansion during baking.
Baking at a high temperature creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The sound of the bread tapping hollow when done is a satisfying indicator of a job well done.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the bread has cooled, it’s ready to be sliced. The airy texture is perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter.
Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a touch of elegance, making it not just a meal but a centerpiece. Homemade bread can elevate any dining experience, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion.
No-Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
This bread features a golden crust and a fluffy crumb, made with flour, water, yeast, and salt. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and olive oil (if using). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Once the dough has risen, make a few slashes on top with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g