Description
This easy Bread in a Bag recipe simplifies bread making by allowing you to mix and knead the dough inside a resealable plastic bag. The dough rises twice for a fluffy, soft loaf baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Ingredients in Bag: Add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Add Yeast Mixture and Knead: Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the plastic bag with the dry and wet ingredients. Seal the bag tightly and gently knead the mixture inside for 3-5 minutes, until the dough forms and is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Let the sealed bag rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, allowing the dough to rise and double in size.
- Shape Dough: Once the dough has doubled, carefully remove it from the bag and shape it into a loaf shape with your hands.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough for the second rise.
- Second Rise: Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside. Cover and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes until it doubles in size again.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use warm water and milk at about 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
- Ensure the plastic bag is sealed well during kneading and rising to avoid messes.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
- Optional: Add herbs or seeds to the dough for added flavor and texture.
