This easy homemade bread recipe allows you to bake delicious bread without the need for a Dutch oven. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy fresh, warm bread right from your oven.
Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires minimal equipment and can be customized with herbs, seeds, or other flavorings to suit your taste.
The Allure of Homemade Bread
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. The golden-brown crust, combined with the soft and airy interior, creates an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to take a slice.
Homemade bread not only fills the home with warmth but also offers a sense of accomplishment. The process of mixing simple ingredients transforms into a delightful loaf that can elevate any meal or serve as a comforting snack on its own.
Ingredients That Matter
The beauty of this homemade bread lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a loaf that rivals those from your favorite bakery.
All-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar form the base of this recipe. Adding warm water brings everything together, while a splash of olive oil can enhance the flavor and texture.
Feel free to customize your loaf with herbs or seeds, allowing your personal touch to shine through in every bite.
The Baking Process
Creating homemade bread is a rewarding experience that unfolds in several stages.
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring they are well combined. Gradually introduce the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough emerges.
Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness.
The Rise of the Dough
Once kneaded, the dough needs time to rise. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot.
After about an hour, the dough should have doubled in size, indicating that the yeast has done its job. Punch it down gently to release any trapped air, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased pan for a second rise.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises in the pan. This ensures that the bread will bake evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
After the second rise, bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes. The sound of the crust cracking and the golden hue will signal that your bread is ready.
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack, allowing the steam to escape and the crust to remain crisp.
Enjoying Your Creation
Once cooled, slice into the loaf to reveal its fluffy interior. The texture is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs.
The joy of homemade bread extends beyond taste; it brings people together. Whether shared with family or friends, each slice carries a story and a moment of connection.
No-Dutch-Oven Bread Recipe
This homemade bread features a soft, chewy interior with a golden crust. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g