Bread Recipe With Instant Yeast Recipe
This easy and classic bread recipe uses instant yeast for a quick and fluffy homemade loaf. Perfect for sandwiches or toast, it features a soft crumb and golden crust made with simple pantry ingredients, ideal for beginner bakers.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 loaves (about 12 slices per loaf) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Yeast Mixture
- 2 cups very warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet rapid rise yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Dough
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the very warm water, rapid rise yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it stand for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and creamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Form the Dough: Add the vegetable oil, half of the flour (about 2 1/4 cups), and salt to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing with a dough hook or by hand. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, then knead either with the hook or on a floured surface for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean dish towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 20 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Divide the risen dough into two equal portions. Place each portion into a loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with non-stick spray, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. To test doneness, tap the top of the bread—if it sounds hollow, the bread is fully baked.
- Cool the Loaves: Remove the pans from the oven and let the loaves cool inside the pans for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a cooling rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Serve and Store: Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces once cooled. Use immediately for sandwiches or toast. Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use water that is warm to the touch but not hot, ideally around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust the flour amount slightly depending on humidity and flour type to achieve a manageable dough that is not too sticky or too dry.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm but draft-free environment helps yeast develop better.
- For a crustier loaf, you can bake it on a baking stone or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
- Slice bread only after it has completely cooled to avoid squashing the loaf.
- You can add herbs or seeds to the dough for extra flavor or texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/2 inch thick)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade bread, instant yeast bread, easy bread recipe, sandwich bread, quick yeast bread