Are you dreaming of warm, crusty bread with a delightful olive oil aroma, but short on time? This easy olive oil bread recipe, perfectly designed for your bread machine, is the answer! Forget complicated kneading and proofing – let your trusty appliance do the work while you relax. This recipe delivers a delicious, healthy loaf, perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or simply enjoying on its own. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour can be substituted, but bread flour yields a chewier loaf)
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Grease the bread pan lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your freshly baked loaf.
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Add ingredients: In the order specified by your bread machine's manual, add the warm water, olive oil, sugar, salt, yeast, and flour to the pan. Most bread machines require liquids first, followed by dry ingredients. Always check your machine's instructions to avoid any issues.
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Select the setting: Choose the "basic" or "white bread" setting on your bread machine. The baking time will vary depending on your machine, usually between 3-4 hours.
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Let it bake: Sit back and relax! Let your bread machine do its magic. The wonderful aroma of baking bread will fill your kitchen.
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Cool and enjoy: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the internal structure to set, resulting in a better texture and preventing a gummy loaf.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Water temperature is crucial: Ensure your water is within the 105-115°F range. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fresh yeast is best: Using fresh yeast will ensure a better rise and a tastier loaf. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Don't over-mix: While the bread machine does the mixing, over-mixing can lead to a tough loaf. The recipe's ingredients are balanced to avoid this, but be mindful if you add extra ingredients.
- Experiment with flavors: Once you master this basic recipe, add your own creative flair! Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some grated cheese for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Herbed Olive Oil Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (rosemary, oregano, or thyme) to the flour.
- Garlic Olive Oil Bread: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the olive oil before adding it to the bread machine.
- Cheesy Olive Oil Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the flour.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This homemade olive oil bread is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delicious dish from the comfort of your kitchen using simple, easy recipes. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are achievable even for beginners in homemade cooking. It's a true testament to the power of simple, yet effective, best recipes.