Discover the joy of baking with this simple and affordable bread recipe that requires no eggs and no butter. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to whip up a delightful loaf without breaking the bank. This bread is soft, fluffy, and versatile—ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with your favorite spreads.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (can be replaced with honey or agave syrup)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to the floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy Your Bread!
This easy no-egg, no-butter bread can be enjoyed fresh or toasted. Serve it with your favorite spreads, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it plain. Happy baking!