Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but think it's too complicated to make at home? Think again! This incredibly simple white bread recipe will transform you from a kitchen novice to a bread-baking champion in no time. With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a golden, fluffy loaf that will have your family and friends wondering if you've secretly trained as a professional baker.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Baking
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the instant yeast to the water mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will activate the yeast and create a frothy layer on top.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add the olive oil and salt to the bowl, mixing well to combine.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for another 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy your homemade easy white bread!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, as extreme temperatures can kill the yeast.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your bread its perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Moisture Check: If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually. If too dry, add water by the teaspoon.
- Bread Doneness Test: Tap the bottom of the bread - a hollow sound means it's perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
