Making bread at home without an oven is easier than you think! This No-Oven Stovetop Bread recipe is perfect for those who don’t have access to an oven or simply want to try a unique way of baking bread. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create soft, fluffy, and golden-brown bread right on your stovetop. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying fresh with butter, this recipe is a must-try for any bread lover.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for softer texture)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. If using milk, add it at this stage for an extra soft texture. Mix well until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep it soft.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round or rectangular loaf, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the Stovetop Setup: Preheat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over low heat. If you have a heat diffuser, place it under the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Grease the pan lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough in the pan and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat. Allow it to rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the Bread: Once the dough has risen, turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cook the bread for 20-25 minutes on one side, then carefully flip it using a spatula. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to cut.
Enjoy your homemade stovetop bread fresh with butter, jam, or as a base for sandwiches. This recipe is versatile and can be customized by adding herbs, garlic, or seeds to the dough for added flavor.