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Quick and Easy Bread Recipe

5 from 80 reviews

This Quick and Easy Bread recipe delivers a basic homemade loaf using just four simple ingredients. With minimal rising time and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone needing fresh bread in a hurry. The result is a golden, crusty bread with a soft, chewy interior — ideal for sandwiches, toasting, or accompanying any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated.
  2. Let rise briefly: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This shorter rising period allows the yeast to activate and the dough to become slightly puffy but keeps the process quick.
  3. Bake until golden: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread has turned golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

  • For a chewier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
  • If you have more time, letting the dough rise for 1-2 hours will improve texture and flavor.
  • You can add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Store bread in a paper bag or cloth to maintain crust crispness.
  • Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast to skip the proofing step.

Keywords: quick bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, no knead bread, basic bread