Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. If you’re craving the comforting taste of homemade bread but want a recipe that’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require any kneading, you’re in the right place! This Easy Homemade Bread Recipe delivers a soft and fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with your favorite spreads.
Using only a handful of pantry staples—flour, yeast, olive oil, sugar—you can whip up a loaf that’s ready in just over two hours. This easy bread recipe not only saves time but also guarantees a delicious, bakery-quality loaf every time.
🥖 Part 1: The Ultimate No-Knead Bread Recipe (With All The Essential Tips)
This no-knead bread recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy the delicious satisfaction of fresh bread without the hassle of complicated techniques. The best part? You don’t need a bread machine or any fancy equipment!
📋 Ingredients for Homemade Bread:
- Water: 200 milliliters (0.85 cups)
- Sugar: 25 grams (2 tablespoons)
- Yeast: 3 grams (1 teaspoon)
- Bread flour: 300 grams (2 cups)
- Salt: 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon)
- Olive Oil: 20 grams (2 tablespoons)
🥄 Mold Size for Perfect Loaf:
For a 450g loaf, use a mold that measures 20.8 cm long, 11.8 cm wide, and 11 cm tall. This ensures an evenly baked and well-shaped bread.
🔥 Baking Temperature and Time:
- Oven Temperature: 170°C (340°F)
- Bake for: 25-30 minutes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Bread Preparation Guide
Let’s dive into the steps and tips for making the perfect loaf of bread. Follow along, and in no time, you’ll have a beautiful loaf cooling on your counter.
1. Prepare the Liquid Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 200 ml of water, 25 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of yeast. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and yeast. This step activates the yeast, which is essential for a light, fluffy loaf. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to foam.
2. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add 300 grams of bread flour and 3 grams of salt into the liquid mixture. Stir everything until a dough starts to form. The dough will be sticky at first, but that’s perfectly fine.
3. Incorporate Olive Oil:
Next, mix in 20 grams of olive oil until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The olive oil adds a subtle flavor and helps create the soft texture that makes this bread so irresistible.
4. First Rest (20 Minutes):
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows the gluten to develop, making your bread soft and fluffy without kneading.
5. Light Knead & First Rise:
After the rest, stir or lightly knead the dough to smoothen it. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Prepare the Dough for Shaping:
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Press down on the dough to release the air and flatten it slightly. This step helps the bread maintain its structure during the second rise.
7. Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Shape each one into a ball by rolling it on the surface with your hands cupped. This helps create the perfect loaf shape for baking.
8. Final Rest Before Shaping:
Let the dough balls rest for 15 minutes before shaping them further. This short resting period makes the dough easier to work with.
🏠 Key Tips for Your Best Loaf Ever:
- Oil Substitutions: Don’t have olive oil? No problem. You can substitute with sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil—each adds a unique flavor to the bread.
- Monitor Your Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes. If it’s browning too fast, cover with foil or reduce the heat.
- Enhance Flavor: Mix in herbs (like rosemary) or seeds (like sesame or flax) for added texture and flavor.
- Watch the Proofing: Overproofing can result in a dense loaf. Keep an eye on the dough—it’s ready for baking once it has risen about 80-90% of the mold’s capacity.
🧁 Part 2: Fluffy Perfection—Ready to Serve!
But there’s more to making the perfect bread! Want to find out the secret to shaping, baking, and achieving that perfect golden crust? We’ll also explore simple ways to customize your loaf, turning it into a flavor-packed masterpiece every time. 😋
Continue reading to discover the final steps and make this easy homemade bread your household favorite! Just click page “2” below 👀
