This quick homemade bread recipe allows you to bake fresh bread in no time. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy warm, delicious bread straight from your oven.
Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your meals, this recipe is ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a simple bread-making process.
The Allure of Homemade Bread
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home.
The golden crust and soft, fluffy interior create a sensory experience that is hard to resist.
Homemade bread not only fills your kitchen with warmth but also invites family and friends to gather around the table, sharing moments over a slice of comfort.
Simple Ingredients for a Delightful Loaf
Creating this delightful bread requires just a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Flour, yeast, salt, and water come together to form the foundation of this recipe, making it accessible for anyone eager to try their hand at baking.
Optional ingredients like olive oil can add a touch of richness, enhancing the flavor and texture of the loaf.
The Baking Process: From Dough to Loaf
The process of making bread is as satisfying as the final product itself.
Starting with activating the yeast, the magic begins as it bubbles and froths, signaling that it’s ready to work its wonders.
Mixing the dry ingredients and combining them with the yeast mixture creates a dough that transforms under your hands as you knead it into a smooth, elastic texture.
Rising to the Occasion
Patience is key when it comes to bread-making.
Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment is essential for developing that airy texture we all love.
Watching the dough double in size is a rewarding sight, and shaping it into a loaf is where creativity can shine. You can form it into a classic shape or experiment with different styles.
Baking: The Moment of Truth
Once shaped, the loaf undergoes a second rise, preparing it for the oven.
Preheating the oven ensures that the bread bakes evenly, resulting in a crust that is perfectly golden brown.
The sound of the bread tapping hollow when it’s done is a satisfying confirmation that you’ve created something wonderful.
Serving and Enjoying Your Creation
After cooling, the bread is ready to be sliced and served.
A pat of butter melting on a warm slice is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy your homemade creation.
Whether used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own, this bread brings a touch of homemade goodness to any meal.
Easy Quick Bread Recipe
This quick bread is made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, and water. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields a soft, crusty loaf that serves 8 slices.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil (if using) into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g