A simple, reliable yeast bread recipe perfect for beginners, yielding a soft and fluffy loaf with minimal effort.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:2 hours 5 minutes
Yield:1 loaf 1x
Category:Baking
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is the only kneading required for this simple recipe.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has crested about 1 inch over the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
If your kitchen is cold, place the rising dough in an oven that is turned off but has the light on to create a warm environment.
This recipe uses pantry staple ingredients, making it a great option for quick baking.