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Homemade Easy Yeast Bread Recipe photo

Easy Yeast Bread Recipe

Bake up some magic with this Easy Yeast Bread Recipe! Simple ingredients yield a warm, crusty loaf perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt NOT table salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1.5 cups very warm tap water about 130°F

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet or loaf pan
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
  2. Pour in the 1 ½ cups of very warm tap water. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the mixture until it forms a shaggy dough.
  3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Dust your work surface with a little flour. Pour the dough out onto the floured surface and shape it into a loaf or round shape.
  5. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  6. While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  7. Once the oven is hot, place your bread in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Incorporate herbs or cheese into the dough for added flavor.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm oven with the light on if you're short on time.
  • Don't skip the cooling step; it improves the texture and makes slicing easier.