Are you dreaming of warm, crusty bread, but intimidated by the seemingly complex process? Forget everything you think you know about bread making! Killer Dave's recipe is here to rescue you from store-bought loaves and usher you into the delicious world of homemade baking. This recipe is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. Get ready to experience the joy of crafting a truly delicious, healthy meal, all from the comfort of your kitchen. This recipe is one of the best recipes for quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This simple step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. 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 about perfection at this stage; a slightly sticky dough is okay.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a chewier, more flavorful loaf.
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. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this!
Step 5: 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 again 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. Once cool, slice and enjoy your delicious homemade bread!
Tips for Killer Dave's Bread:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For best results, weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale. This ensures consistency in your baking.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bread and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Add herbs, seeds, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, nuttier loaf.
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
- Garlic Bread: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 150 Fat: Around 3g Protein: Around 5g Carbohydrates: Around 30g
This easy recipe provides a healthy meal option and a great way to incorporate homemade cooking into your routine. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking your own bread – it's more rewarding than you think! This is among the best recipes out there for easy recipes and healthy meals. It is also a great choice when looking for delicious dishes.