Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Do you dream of that satisfying crust and fluffy interior? Then look no further! This recipe for Dave's homemade bread is your ticket to bakery-quality loaves without the fuss. It's surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, and yields incredibly delicious results. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and satisfying meal option, making it a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3-3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This simple step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the olive oil and salt. The olive oil adds flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it seems a little sticky at this stage.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a chewier, more textured loaf. If you're short on time, a stand mixer with a dough hook can be used.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
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. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled again.
Step 7: Bake
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 accurate results.
Step 8: 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. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade bread!
Tips for Perfect Bread:
- Use a kitchen scale: For best results, weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale. This ensures accuracy and consistency.
- Don't overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a bread thermometer to ensure the bread is fully baked.
Variations:
- Herb bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough.
- Garlic bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet bread: Add ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of milk to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~2g
This simple, delicious recipe makes homemade bread accessible to everyone. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something so delicious and comforting from scratch! It's a wonderful addition to any meal, and a great way to enjoy healthy, homemade cooking. This easy recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules, making it a go-to for delicious dishes and best recipes. Enjoy!