This simple yeast bread recipe uses just 1 teaspoon of yeast, making it perfect for small batches. The bread is soft, fluffy, and ideal for sandwiches or toast.
With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy freshly baked bread without needing a lot of yeast or time.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Baking bread at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when the aroma fills your kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that is golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
This recipe is designed for those who want to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle of complicated techniques.
Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity.
You will need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and optionally, olive oil.
These ingredients work together to create a delightful loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter.
Preparation Steps
Start by activating the yeast.
Combine warm water with sugar and yeast, allowing it to froth for about 5-10 minutes.
This step is crucial as it ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to help the bread rise.
Next, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Whisk together the flour and salt before adding the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Rising Time
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
Let it rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
This is where the magic happens, as the yeast works to create air pockets in the dough.
Shaping and Baking
After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air.
Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes before baking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This cooling time is essential as it helps set the texture of the bread.
Slice the loaf and serve it warm with butter for a comforting treat.
The combination of a crusty exterior and a fluffy interior makes this bread irresistible.
Quick and Simple Yeast Bread
This yeast bread is made with flour, water, sugar, and a small amount of yeast, allowing it to rise nicely. The total time for preparation and baking is about 2 hours, yielding one loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Combine: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 23g