Water Yeast Bread
A classic homemade bread with a soft crumb and crusty exterior, perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter, suitable for bakers of all levels seeking warm, fresh bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lukewarm water and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add bread flour, mixing until a 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.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a better rise, make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the texture may be slightly less chewy. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough. Additionally, if you want a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
Serving Suggestions
This water yeast bread is delightful on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Curried Chicken Skillet Dinner or can be used for sandwiches. For a unique twist, serve with Sweet Pickled Cauliflower as a side. Enjoy with a warm bowl of soup or as a base for bruschetta.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in a toaster or wrap the loaf in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Yeast Bread contains roughly 169 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the lukewarm water with the sugar and let it sit until frothy, similar to the original instructions. This may take a little longer than instant yeast, usually about 10-15 minutes.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as garlic powder or onion powder. Additionally, incorporating seeds like sesame or poppy seeds can add texture and taste to your bread.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
If your bread did not rise, it could be due to expired yeast or inconsistent temperatures. Make sure your water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast, or too cold, as it can slow activation. Also, ensure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free environment to encourage rising.
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).