This American Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with your favorite spread. With a crispy crust and tender interior, it’s a versatile bread that’s easy to make at home.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients:
- 800 grams of flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 10 grams dry yeast
- 500 ml warm water
- 30 ml olive oil
- Sunflower oil (for greasing)
- Milk (for brushing)
- Additional flour (for dusting)
Directions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the flour through a sieve into a large mixing bowl to soften the bread.
- Add the salt, sugar, and dry yeast to the flour. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Grease a bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Knead the dough briefly and then divide it into two equal parts.
- Shape each part into a loaf and place them in greased rectangular loaf pans.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pans.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Brush the tops of the loaves with a mixture of milk and olive oil to help them brown and create a crispy crust.
- Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes.
- Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for making sandwiches or toast.
- Enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
- Serve alongside soups or salads.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean cloth while it cools.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Contains essential nutrients from yeast and flour.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
Storage:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust.
- Versatile and perfect for various uses.
Conclusion:
This American Bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. With its soft texture and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the texture might be denser.
- What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
- Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm but not hot. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
- Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
- Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, though it will require a bit more effort.
- How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
- The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to this bread?
- Yes, you can mix in herbs, cheese, or other flavorings to customize the bread.
- How do I get a crispier crust?
- Brush the bread with milk or water before baking and bake on a lower rack.
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water first and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using.
- What if I don’t have rectangular loaf pans?
- You can use round cake pans or a baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
- How should I store leftover bread?
- Keep it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake it a day or two in advance. Reheat slices in the oven to refresh the crust.