Traditional Yeast Bread

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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There's something undeniably satisfying about making your own bread from scratch. This traditional yeast bread recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a reliable go-to loaf.

Ingredients for Traditional Yeast Bread

The backbone of any good bread is its flour. Here, all-purpose flour provides structure, making it ideal for a soft, everyday loaf. The warm water activates the yeast and helps develop the dough. Speaking of which, active dry yeast is what gives the bread its rise, transforming it from dough to a beautifully risen loaf. The salt enhances the flavor, preventing the bread from tasting bland. A touch of sugar not only feeds the yeast but also adds a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Finally, unsalted butter adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in an oven that's been slightly warmed and then turned off.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure your water is around 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading by hand is therapeutic, but a stand mixer with a dough hook can save time and effort.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delightful for sandwiches or toasted with your favorite spread. Try it with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal. It also makes excellent French toast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
How do I store leftover bread?
Store it in a bread box or an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in slices.
My bread didn't rise. What went wrong?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is right. Too hot water can kill yeast, preventing it from rising.

Traditional Yeast Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.

Next, add the melted butter and salt, then stir in half of the flour. Mix it until the mixture is smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a dough forms. You want it to be slightly sticky but manageable.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about eight minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives bread its structure.

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the gases. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it reaches the top of the pan.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. It's done when it's golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly soft and fluffy texture with a golden crust.
  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • A comforting aroma that fills the kitchen during baking.
  • Versatile enough for sandwiches, toast, or on its own.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Dissolve sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast on top, allowing it to activate and become frothy for about 5 minutes.
2. Add melted butter, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until smooth.
3. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.
7. Cover and let rise again for about 30-45 minutes until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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