Are you dreaming of that warm, crusty loaf of bread straight from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma? Homemade bread, once considered a daunting task, is surprisingly accessible, even for beginner bakers! This post offers a curated collection of delicious and easy bread recipes inspired by the classic Better Homes and Gardens style, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their homemade cooking. From quick dinner rolls to impressive artisan loaves, we've got something for every skill level. Let's get baking!
Simple Dinner Rolls: A Quick & Easy Bread Recipe
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a soft and fluffy roll that complements any meal. It's a fantastic starting point for those new to baking bread, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
Yields: 12 rolls Prep time: 15 minutes Rise time: 1 hour Bake time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and salt.
- Add flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- Second rise: Place the rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool & serve: Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite meal!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Yeast activation: Ensure your water is the correct temperature for optimal yeast activation. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will slow down the process.
- Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewier texture.
- Rising time: Rising times may vary depending on the ambient temperature. A warmer room will result in faster rising.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked rolls will be dry. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
Variations:
- Herb rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Garlic rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet rolls: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to the dough and brush the baked rolls with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutritional Information (per roll):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
This simple dinner roll recipe is just the beginning of your bread-baking journey. With a little practice, you'll be creating delicious and impressive loaves in no time. Stay tuned for more Better Homes and Gardens inspired bread recipes coming soon! Happy baking!