Simple Bread Recipes: Easy Baking for Beginners
Are you dreaming of the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen? Don't be intimidated! Baking bread doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these simple bread recipes, even beginners can achieve delicious, homemade loaves. Let's get started on your baking journey!
No-Knead Artisan Bread
This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires minimal effort and yields incredibly flavorful results. The long rise time develops complex flavors and a wonderfully chewy crust.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough in a well-floured banneton basket (or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel). Cover and let it rise for another 2-4 hours, or until almost doubled.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough from the banneton to the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake: Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Easy 3-Ingredient Bread
This recipe lives up to its name – only three ingredients are needed! It's incredibly fast and perfect for a quick bread fix.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) self-raising flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan (approximately 9x5 inches). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Bread Baking Success:
- Use a kitchen scale: Measuring ingredients by weight is more accurate than using volume measurements.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough bread.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising is crucial for a light and airy loaf.
- Use a good quality oven thermometer: This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature.
With these simple recipes and tips, you'll be enjoying delicious homemade bread in no time! Experiment with different flours, herbs, and spices to create your own unique variations. Happy baking!
