Bread Recipe

Easy Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Simple Homemade Bread 🍞👩‍🍳🌟

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. If you’ve ever felt the urge to bake your own loaf but were held back by intimidation, this easy bread recipe is tailor-made for you. This comprehensive guide will lead you through a simple bread recipe, accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The result? A scrumptious, homemade loaf that elevates sandwiches, transforms toast, and delights on its own. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro in search of a dependable recipe, this quick bread recipe is destined to become a staple. So, fire up that oven, and let’s embark on a journey to create the ultimate homemade bread recipe! Perhaps you could even explore other culinary adventures after, like learning about the most eaten food in the world!

2. What Makes This Bread Recipe Easy?

This easy bread recipe prioritizes simplicity and guaranteed success. It features a short list of ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, making it the perfect starting point for beginner bakers. In contrast to more complex recipes that demand specialized equipment or expert techniques, this recipe relies on common kitchen essentials and straightforward steps. The aim is to provide a simple bread recipe that removes the mystery from bread-making, enabling you to revel in the fulfillment of baking your own homemade bread recipe, minus the stress. What’s more, it qualifies as a quick bread recipe compared to traditional methods that necessitate lengthy proofing periods. You might even consider pairing your freshly baked bread with something from our lunch category!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

Prior to commencing, assemble these crucial ingredients for your easy bread recipe:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, to enhance flavor)

These ingredients constitute the building blocks of our simple bread recipe. It’s important to ensure your yeast is active to guarantee proper leavening. The optional sugar or honey not only introduces a subtle hint of sweetness but also aids in activating the yeast, though it is not strictly essential for a successful homemade bread recipe. While all-purpose flour is ideal for this quick bread recipe, you can experiment with bread flour to achieve a more robust, chewier texture. For those who prefer visual guidance, resources like this bread recipe offer helpful step-by-step instructions and videos.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a spacious mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar (or honey, if using) in warm water. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes, or until it develops a foamy layer. This step confirms that the yeast is active and prepared to leaven the dough for your easy bread recipe.

2. Mix the Dough

Incorporate the salt and flour into the yeast mixture. Stir until a coarse, shaggy dough begins to form. If utilizing a stand mixer, employ the dough hook attachment. For a truly simple bread recipe experience, mixing by hand is equally effective. Expect the dough to be somewhat sticky at this stage – this is perfectly normal.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes, until the dough transforms into a smooth and elastic consistency. If the dough proves too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until manageable. Kneading plays a vital role in gluten development, which provides the bread with its essential structure. This homemade bread recipe greatly benefits from thorough kneading. Have you tried our no-knead bread recipe too?

4. First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning to ensure all sides are coated. Cover the bowl with either plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free location for approximately 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the quick bread recipe truly shines, as the yeast diligently works its magic.

5. Shape and Second Rise

Gently punch down the risen dough to deflate it. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it within a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan and allow the dough to rise once more for 30-45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it achieves a golden-brown color and its internal temperature registers at 200°F (93°C). If the top of the bread begins to brown prematurely, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final portion of the baking process. Don’t forget to explore our dinner options!

7. Cool

Remove the baked bread from the oven and allow it to cool within the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing the bread while it is still warm may result in a gummy texture, so patience is key.

5. Tips for the Perfect Loaf

• Use a Thermometer: Verify that your water temperature falls between 105-115°F (40-46°C) to properly activate the yeast.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading can lead to tough bread. Knead only until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Warm Environment: Ensure a warm, draft-free setting for optimal dough rising.
• Oven Temperature: Confirm that your oven maintains the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely: Always allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

6. Variations and Additions

This easy bread recipe offers incredible versatility. Here are a few exciting variations to explore:

• Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to impart a nutty flavor and boost fiber content.
• Herb Bread: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Cheese Bread: Fold 1 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, into the dough for a delightful cheesy experience.
• Sweet Bread: Add 1/4 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon to create a sweeter, dessert-like bread, such as a cinnamon Sugar Pizza .

7. Serving Suggestions

Savor your freshly baked homemade bread recipe in countless ways:

• Sandwiches: Utilize it as the foundation for your favorite sandwich fillings.
• Toast: Toast slices and spread with butter, jam, or avocado. What is America’s number one dish? It might be the perfect filling!
• Garlic Bread: Brush with garlic butter and bake for a savory side dish.
• Croutons: Cube and bake for homemade croutons to top salads and soups.
• Soup Companion: Serve alongside comforting warm soups or hearty stews.

8. Troubleshooting

• Bread Doesn’t Rise: Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is correct. Verify that the rising environment is sufficiently warm.
• Dense Bread: This issue may arise from under-kneading or insufficient rising time.
• Gummy Texture: This often occurs when the bread is sliced prematurely, before it has fully cooled.
• Burnt Crust: Slightly reduce the oven temperature or loosely cover the bread with foil during the latter stages of baking. Also, make sure your diet contains the the six basic foods!.

9. Conclusion

Bravo! You have successfully baked an easy bread recipe, resulting in a delectable and deeply satisfying loaf. This simple bread recipe serves as an excellent gateway for anyone seeking to explore the world of bread baking. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can experience the unparalleled pleasure of a homemade bread recipe. Now, go forth and impress your friends and family with your newly acquired baking prowess. Happy baking! Or maybe you can check some dessert after that amazing bread!

Bread Recipe

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers! Learn how to make a simple and delicious homemade loaf with minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. Enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread from your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, for added flavor)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar (or honey, if using) in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the salt and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Mixing by hand is just as effective. The dough will be sticky, which is normal at this stage.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour at a time.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has almost doubled.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use a Thermometer: Ensure your water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading can result in tough bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Warm Environment: Provide a warm, draft-free environment for the dough to rise.
• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
• Calories: 180 Kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bread recipe, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, simple bread recipe, baking, loaf, bread making, quick bread recipe