Baking & Pastry > Bread Baking > Quick Breads > Biscuit Recipe (American)

Easy Homemade Bread

This simple bread recipe requires minimal ingredients and produces a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. Learn the basics of bread making with this foolproof recipe.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings
1 loaf
Ingredients
  • 3 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp Instant dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Warm water
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much flour, as this will result in a dry bread.

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A good test to see if the dough is ready, is by poking it. If the indent slowly fills back, the dough is ready.

Shaping and Second Rise

Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.

Cooling

Remove the bread from the loaf pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

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FAQ

  • Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast?

    Yes, but you'll need to proof the active dry yeast first. Dissolve it in the warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour.
  • What if I don't have a warm place to let the dough rise?

    You can preheat your oven to its lowest setting, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise. Make sure the oven isn't too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
  • How do I store the bread?

    Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.