Easy Bread Recipe

Introduction

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
• 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water

Optional ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add in the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or rolls.
7. Optional: brush the dough with olive oil, honey, or sprinkle garlic powder on top.
8. Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
10. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!

Nutrition

One slice of this bread (assuming 12 slices per loaf) contains:

• Calories: 114
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits of Homemade Bread

Making your own bread has many benefits, including:

• Control over the ingredients: you can choose to use organic flour, whole wheat flour, or even experiment with gluten-free flours.
• Freshness: homemade bread tastes better and is fresher than store-bought bread.
• Cheaper: making your own bread can save you money in the long run.
• Satisfaction: there's nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment when you bake your own bread.
• It's a fun activity to do with family or friends.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bread

• Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
• Use warm water, not hot or cold, to activate the yeast.
• Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes to develop the gluten.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
• Preheat your oven before baking the bread.
• Don't overbake the bread; it should be golden brown on the outside but still soft on the inside.

Variations

This easy bread recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations to try:

• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
• Add cheese, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a savory or sweet bread.
• Experiment with different types of flour, like rye or spelt, for a different texture and taste.

Conclusion

Making your own bread at home is easy and rewarding. This easy bread recipe is a great place to start, and you can customize it to your liking. Not only will you have fresh, delicious bread, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in it. So go ahead, give it a try!