Start your day with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen with this incredible bread recipe. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or used as the base for your favorite breakfast sandwich, this bread is sure to become a morning favorite.
Ingredients:
- 200 milliliters warm water
- 10 grams instant yeast
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 60 milliliters vegetable oil
- 200 milliliters milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 600 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams additional flour (if needed)
- 100 grams butter
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast and sugar dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add vegetable oil, milk, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should come together and not be too sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour (up to 50 grams) as needed.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into balls or desired shapes.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Melt the butter and brush it over the top of each dough ball.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your incredible homemade bread for breakfast or any time of the day!
Nutritional Benefits
Homemade bread offers several nutritional benefits compared to store-bought varieties. It allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial bread. This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk, providing carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced breakfast.
Types of Bread You Can Make
This versatile bread recipe can be adapted to create various types of bread to suit your preferences:
- Plain Loaf: Shape the dough into a classic loaf for slicing and toasting.
- Dinner Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller portions to make soft and fluffy dinner rolls.
- Breadsticks: Roll the dough into long strips and bake for crispy breadsticks perfect for dipping.
- Sweet Bread: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating cinnamon and sugar into the dough for a delightful breakfast treat.
Tips for Success
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is active by proofing it with warm water and sugar. The frothy mixture indicates that the yeast is ready to use.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, giving the bread its structure and texture.
- Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. The doubled volume indicates that the yeast has fermented and the dough is ready for baking.
- Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature to ensure even baking and a golden crust.
Variations
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier and nuttier flavor.
- Seeded Bread: Add a mix of seeds such as sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds to the dough for added texture and nutrition.
- Cheese Bread: Fold grated cheese into the dough before shaping for a cheesy twist on this classic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your freshly baked bread in various ways:
- Breakfast: Toast slices of bread and serve with jam, butter, or avocado for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
- Sandwiches: Use slices of bread to create delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings like eggs, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Dipping: Tear the bread into chunks and serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful dipping experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain freshness. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven for a few minutes or toast slices in a toaster.