Instant Yeast Bread Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Homemade Loaf
Baking bread can seem daunting, but with the right recipe and a little patience, anyone can achieve a delicious, homemade loaf. This recipe utilizes instant yeast, making the process incredibly straightforward and perfect for beginners. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields one large loaf of bread.
- 1 ½ cups (190g) warm water (105-115°F): Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- 1 teaspoon (4g) granulated sugar: Provides food for the yeast.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast: No need for proofing! Check the expiration date.
- 2 tablespoons (28g) olive oil or vegetable oil: Adds flavor and moisture.
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: Start with this amount and add more as needed to achieve the correct dough consistency. You might need a little more or less depending on the humidity.
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast (The Easy Part!)
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Gently stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough (Get Your Hands Dirty!)
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Don't over-knead, as this can result in a tough loaf.
Step 4: First Rise (Let it Rest)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shaping the Loaf
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise (Almost There!)
Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it almost reaches the top of the pan.
Step 7: Baking (The Moment of Truth!)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can use a bread thermometer to check.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying (The Best Part!)
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked, homemade bread!
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale: For the most accurate results, weigh your ingredients.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bread and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs, spices, or seeds to your dough for unique flavor combinations.
This instant yeast bread recipe is a fantastic starting point for your bread-baking journey. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards! Remember to share your baking adventures – we’d love to see your creations!
