Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but intimidated by the idea of yeast? Fear not! This recipe uses Fleischmann's instant yeast, making homemade bread incredibly easy, even for beginners. This recipe delivers a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter and jam. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend bake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Fleischmann's Instant Yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ - 4 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 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 and Dry Ingredients
Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: 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. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Don't over-knead; a slightly sticky dough is perfectly fine.
Step 4: 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 hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens—the yeast is working hard, creating air pockets for a light and airy texture.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 6: 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 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. This prevents a soggy bottom and allows the crust to crisp up beautifully. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade bread!
Tips for Perfect Bread:
- Water Temperature: Ensure your water is the correct temperature (105-115°F). Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will prevent activation.
- Flour Quantity: The amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on the humidity and type of flour used. Add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewier, more textured bread.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Garlic Bread: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
This easy recipe is a fantastic introduction to the world of homemade bread. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Share your baking adventures with us using #HomemadeBread #FleischmannsYeast #EasyRecipes.