Quick Yeast Bread Recipe: A Delightfully Easy Homemade Bread
If you find yourself yearning for the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen but lack a bread machine, fear not, for this Quick Yeast Bread recipe is here to rescue you. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe requires minimal effort yet delivers a deliciously dense bread with a subtle flavor that will surely satisfy your cravings. As you embark on this culinary journey, please note that the total time indicated includes the essential rising time, ensuring you enjoy the process of crafting your own bread. With a cooking time of just 40 minutes and a prep time of 40 minutes, you’ll have two lovely loaves of bread ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients for Quick Yeast Bread
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose white flour | 5 cups |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet |
| Hot water | 2 cups |
| Olive oil (or vegetable oil) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1433.6 |
| Total Fat | 31.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1182.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 247.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 37.1 g |
Instructions for Making Quick Yeast Bread
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose white flour, one packet of active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt. This combination of dry ingredients lays the groundwork for your dough, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Carefully pour in 2 cups of hot water (not boiling) and 1/4 cup of olive oil (or your preferred vegetable oil). Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined. Be prepared for a sticky consistency at this stage—this is perfectly normal.
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Incorporate Additional Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is no longer sticky to the touch. The aim here is to achieve a smooth texture without adding too much flour, as this could affect the bread’s density.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth, indicating that the gluten has developed properly, which is crucial for the bread’s structure.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp tea towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which will take approximately 30 minutes. This is an important step that allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in a light and airy bread.
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Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen sufficiently, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. This step is crucial as it prepares the dough for shaping into loaves.
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Shape the Loaves: Roll each piece of dough into a shape long enough to fit into two well-oiled loaf pans. Make sure to shape them evenly to ensure even baking.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaves with the damp tea towel once more and allow them to rise until the dough has reached the rim of the pans. This second rise will take about 30 minutes, and it’s essential for achieving that perfect loaf shape.
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Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the loaves have risen adequately, place them in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy: As soon as the bread is out of the oven, rub the hot loaves with a little water to create steam, then wrap them in a tea towel. This technique, often referred to as “sweating,” helps to soften the crust, making each bite of bread delightfully tender.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Quick Yeast Bread has cooled slightly, slice it to reveal the warm, fluffy interior. This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of spreads, including butter, homemade jams, or even a hearty soup. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served alongside a meal, offering a delightful addition to any table.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Yeast Bread recipe is a fantastic introduction to the world of bread-making. With its straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you can easily enjoy the benefits of homemade bread without the need for complex equipment. The resulting loaves are not only delicious but also a satisfying testament to your baking skills. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the joy of creating your own Quick Yeast Bread!
This recipe is featured on Love With Recipes, where you can discover more delightful baking ideas and make your kitchen the heart of your home. Happy baking!
