Description
This simple and delicious yeast bread recipe yields a soft, golden loaf perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or enjoying fresh out of the oven. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an easy baking project for beginners and bread lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients and Form Dough: Add salt and olive oil (if using) to the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Lightly flour a surface and turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch bread pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the loaf with water before baking or place a shallow pan of water on the oven bottom to create steam.
- Olive oil is optional but adds a subtle richness to the bread.
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing.
- Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy yeast bread, homemade bread, simple bread recipe, basic bread, baking bread, yeast loaf
