Are you craving fresh bread but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank? Look no further! This recipe for the easiest and cheapest homemade bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, crusty loaf of bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour mixture. Add the vegetable oil or melted butter. Stir until the mixture comes together to form a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased 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 the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim 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, place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- 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 delicious homemade bread!