Simple Bread
A versatile and easy-to-make bread with a soft texture and classic flavor, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside hearty meals. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike seeking warm, homemade bread anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the dry milk, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to activate the yeast properly. If you don't have instant non-fat dry milk, regular milk can be used; just reduce the water slightly. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though you may need to adjust the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This simple bread is perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Spinach Squish for a hearty meal or alongside a warm bowl of soup. Consider serving it with a side of Parmesan Peas for a delightful vegetarian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Bread contains roughly 662 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 746mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my bread not rise properly?
If your bread didn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is correct. If the dough is too cold, it may not rise as expected. Also, ensure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I make this bread without gluten?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already include it. The texture will differ slightly, but it should still be delicious.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is typically done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F. If you're unsure, it's better to bake it a few minutes longer than to take it out too soon.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).