Effortless Homemade Bread Recipe

Introduction

This effortless homemade bread recipe produces a warm, crusty loaf with minimal ingredients and fuss. It’s perfect for beginners and makes a tasty companion to any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl.
3. Step 3: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they form a sticky dough.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
7. Step 7: Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
9. Step 9: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to the dough.
• Try incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory twist.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
• To create a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking to generate steam.

Storage

Store leftover bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crustiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

This usually means the yeast is inactive or the environment is too cold. Ensure the water is warm (not hot) and your yeast is fresh. Also, keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area for rising.

Effortless Homemade Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 540 reviews

This Effortless Homemade Bread recipe guides you through making a simple, delicious loaf from scratch using basic pantry ingredients. With minimal kneading and an easy rise, this bread has a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior—a perfect companion for any meal or for sandwiches.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bowl with dry ingredients.
3. Mix the dough: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, stir until the mixture forms a sticky, cohesive dough.
4. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size, which allows fermentation and flavor development.
5. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bread.
6. Shape the loaf: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without deflating it excessively.
7. Prepare for baking: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Score the loaf: Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes across the top of the loaf, allowing steam to escape and the bread to expand properly during baking.
9. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, which helps set the crumb structure.

Notes

• Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You may substitute bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Ensure the dough doubles in size during the rise for the best texture.
• For a crisper crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven to create steam while baking.
• Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness.

Keywords: homemade bread, easy bread recipe, no knead bread, bakery style loaf, simple bread