This easy homemade bread recipe requires just five ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for beginners. With a crispy crust and soft interior, this bread is ideal for sandwiches or as a side with meals.
The recipe is straightforward and uses basic pantry staples. You can enjoy fresh bread in just a few hours with this simple method.
The Charm of Homemade Bread
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen.
The sight of a golden crust, perfectly sliced to reveal a soft, airy interior, creates an inviting atmosphere.
This simple bread recipe captures that essence, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients You Need
This recipe requires just five basic ingredients, making it accessible for anyone looking to try their hand at baking.
With all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast, salt, and sugar, you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery’s offering.
These pantry staples come together to form a delicious bread that serves as a versatile base for various toppings or spreads.
The Baking Process
Making homemade bread is a straightforward process that can be completed in about two hours.
Start by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with sugar, allowing it to froth and signal that it’s ready to work its magic.
Mix this with flour and salt, knead the dough until smooth, and let it rise until doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Shaping and Rising
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf.
Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then form it into a loaf shape and place it in a greased pan.
Allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes, giving it that final boost before baking.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for the magic to happen.
Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
This is the moment when your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma, making it hard to resist slicing into the warm bread.
Serving Suggestions
Once your homemade bread has cooled, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Slice it up and serve with a small bowl of butter, perfect for spreading on each warm piece.
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply as a standalone treat, showcasing the joy of homemade goodness.
Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Bread
This homemade bread features a blend of flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar, resulting in a delicious loaf that can be baked in about 2 hours. It serves as a great foundation for various toppings or spreads.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and stir 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 1 hour 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 and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: 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: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g