Loaves
Discover the simplicity of homemade bread with this easy 3-ingredient loaf recipe. Just yeast, salt, and water combine to create a delicious, fresh loaf that's perfect for any meal. Ideal for beginners!
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 130 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp yeast1 tsp salt
1 cup water
This simple loaf recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just three basic ingredients—yeast, salt, and water—you can create a delightful homemade bread that pairs well with any meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a beautifully baked loaf with minimal effort.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of yeast with 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C). Stir until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Add Salt:
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast and water mixture and stir until it is fully dissolved.
- Gradually add flour to the mixture, mixing continuously until a sticky dough forms. The exact amount of flour can vary, so keep adding it tablespoon by tablespoon until you achieve the right consistency.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a little at a time, to make it more manageable.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it up tightly from one short end to the other. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under to create a taut surface.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise again in a warm, draft-free area for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is undergoing its final rise.
- Once the loaf has risen, uncover it and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf 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.
Tips:
- Ensure your water is at the right temperature (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal results.
- If you want a crustier loaf, consider placing a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like herbs or seeds to add more flavor to your loaf.
- Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for consistent results.
Congratulations! You have successfully baked a homemade loaf with just three basic ingredients. Enjoy your freshly made bread with butter, jam, or your favorite topping. Baking bread from scratch can be a rewarding experience, and this recipe is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of bread making.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 2.03kcal
Protein 0.25g
Carbohydrates 0.26g
Fiber 0.17g
Sugar 0.00g
Fat 0.05g