Quick and Fluffy Homemade Bread

This Quick and Fluffy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for those who want fresh bread without waiting hours for it to rise. Using instant yeast speeds up the process, making it quicker while still yielding soft and flavorful bread!

Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg (optional, for extra moisture and richness)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Sprinkle 2 ½ tsp of instant yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. The mixture should start to foam—this shows the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ tsp salt.
  2. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1 large egg (if using).
  3. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. If needed, add an additional 1-2 tbsp of warm water if the dough is too dry.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for faster results.

Step 4: First Rise

  1. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  2. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  1. Once risen, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf, rolls, or braided bread.

Step 6: Second Rise

  1. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a greased bread pan.
  2. Cover the dough and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake the Bread

  1. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. To check if it’s done, tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

  1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success:

  • Instant Yeast: Since you’re using instant yeast, you don’t need to let it activate for long. Simply ensure the water is warm, not too hot.
  • Flour Choice: You can use all-purpose flour for a soft bread or mix in a little whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Storage: This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Conclusion:

This Quick and Fluffy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for those craving fresh bread with minimal time and effort. With quick-rising yeast and simple ingredients, you’ll have a fluffy, delicious loaf ready to enjoy in under an hour!

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