This easy bread recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps to achieve delicious homemade bread.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the dough with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked homemade bread!
