Are you dreaming of that warm, crusty, homemade bread smell filling your kitchen? Forget store-bought loaves! This recipe shows you how easy it is to bake delicious bread using a stand mixer – perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures. Even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results with this simple, step-by-step guide. This recipe delivers a wonderfully soft interior and a satisfyingly crisp crust – a true testament to the power of homemade cooking. Get ready to elevate your mealtimes with this fantastic, easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. With the paddle attachment, gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Use a bread thermometer for accuracy.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
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 delicious homemade bread! It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Tips for Bread Baking Success:
- Water Temperature: Using lukewarm water is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot will kill it, too cold will slow down the process.
- Flour Type: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour or whole wheat flour, for different textures and flavors.
- Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, resulting in a chewier texture. Don't be afraid to knead a little longer if needed.
- Rising Time: Rising times may vary depending on the temperature of your environment.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough.
- Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
This easy bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch! This healthy meal addition is a perfect addition to any quick dinner idea, and a fantastic way to improve your homemade cooking skills. It’s one of the best recipes you can find for its simplicity and delicious outcome.