Introduction:
Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few basic ingredients, you can bake a loaf of bread that’s fresh, soft, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just as a side with your meals. This simple recipe requires no fancy equipment, and it can be made with ingredients that are readily available at a low cost. It’s ideal for anyone looking to save money while still enjoying the comfort of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour if available)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any other neutral oil
Optional:
1 tablespoon milk or butter for brushing the top after baking (for a golden finish)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and oil. Stir with a spoon until it forms a dough.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it up tightly. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also brush the top with a little milk or butter for a glossy finish.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Description
This bread is soft, airy, and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for everyday use, whether you’re making sandwiches, toasting it for breakfast, or simply enjoying it with butter. The ingredients are inexpensive, making this a cost-effective way to feed your family without sacrificing quality. The simplicity of this recipe also allows for customization—feel free to add herbs, garlic, or seeds for extra flavor.
Corrections
If you’re out of bread flour, using all-purpose flour works just as well for this recipe.
You can substitute the sugar with honey or another sweetener if you prefer.
In case you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the dough into a round or oval shape and bake it on a baking sheet. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
If you’re looking to make this bread even cheaper, skip the optional milk or butter for brushing on top after baking.