Loaves
This simple loaf recipe uses just three ingredients—yeast, salt, and water—to create a delightful homemade bread. Perfect for beginners, it requires minimal effort and results in a beautifully baked loaf that complements any meal.
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.
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.
Loaves FAQ:
Bake the bread at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
The dough should double in size during the first rise, typically taking about 1 to 2 hours in a warm, draft-free area. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels light and puffy.
If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it becomes smooth and manageable.
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with other types like whole wheat or bread flour, but the amount of water and kneading time may vary slightly based on the flour's absorption properties.
Allow the bread to cool completely, then store it in a zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped in plastic wrap.
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.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 2.03kcal
Protein 0.25g
Carbohydrates 0.26g
Fiber 0.17g
Sugar 0.00g
Fat 0.05g