The joy of baking fresh bread at home is unmatched, and with this simple recipe, you can achieve soft, delicious loaves in just five minutes of prep time. With only a few pantry staples, this bread is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you need fresh bread for breakfast, sandwiches, or a comforting side for soups, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Mix the Dough: Add flour and salt to the bowl. Using a wooden spoon, spatula, or your hands, mix until all ingredients are fully combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- No Kneading Required: Unlike traditional bread recipes, this one doesn’t require kneading. The minimal mixing time helps maintain a light texture while still developing gluten.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Loaf Pans: Grease two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Second Rise: Divide the dough into two equal portions and gently shape them into loaves. Place each portion into the prepared loaf pans. Let them rest for another 10-15 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Baking Time: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
- Enjoy Fresh: Slice and serve your homemade bread with butter, jam, or any topping of your choice. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.