Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. If you’ve always wanted to try making your own bread but have been intimidated by the idea of working with yeast, fear not! This recipe for “No Fail Yeast Bread” is designed to guide even the most novice bakers to success. You’ll be rewarded with a golden loaf of bread that’s soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, perfect for slicing, toasting, or enjoying with a pat of butter.
No Fail Yeast Bread
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready for use.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the dough until it comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen in the pan, bake it for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked No Fail Yeast Bread on its own, with your favorite spread, or alongside a bowl of soup.
Baking your own bread can be such a rewarding experience, and with this simple recipe, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time. The process of making bread from scratch may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought bread. Give this recipe a try and fill your home with the delicious aroma of homemade bread.