Simple Bread Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Homemade Goodness
Baking bread might seem daunting, but this simple bread recipe proves it's easier than you think! This recipe focuses on achieving a delicious, rustic loaf with minimal ingredients and effort, perfect for beginners. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This simple bread recipe relies on just a few basic ingredients, likely already in your pantry.
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread. You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier loaf later on.
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water: Around 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it.
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise!
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt: Enhances the flavor and controls the yeast.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil (optional): Adds richness and flavor; you can omit this for a leaner bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked, homemade bread.
1. Combining Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and active! If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be old, and you'll need a fresh batch.
2. Mixing the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smoother and more elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shaping the Loaf:
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
6. Second Rise (Proofing):
Place the shaped loaf in a well-floured banneton basket (or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel). Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Baking the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully place the loaf in a Dutch oven or on a baking sheet. If using a Dutch oven, cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
8. Cooling and Enjoying:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying. This allows the crust to set and the inside to cool evenly.
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale: For best results, measure your ingredients by weight, not volume.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Adjust baking time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your loaf. Use a thermometer to ensure it's fully baked.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs, seeds, or cheese to your dough for extra flavor.
This simple bread recipe is a fantastic starting point for your bread-baking journey. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!
