Name: The Only Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Need Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C); 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Description

This classic homemade bread recipe is simple, straightforward, and yields a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the perfect go-to bread recipe you’ll ever need to keep on hand.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir to combine until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Initial Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until it nearly doubles in size.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter for a soft crust. Bake the loaf for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a softer crust, brushing the loaf with melted butter after baking is recommended.
If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the dough into a freeform loaf and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
This recipe can be doubled easily to bake two loaves.