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Easy Bread Recipe

While baking is a science, bread is a special kind of trial-and-error baking. This recipe offers you the basics and leaves you freedom to experiment! We hope this recipe is not only fun and delicious, but also an opportunity to reflect on the Bread of Life.

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*for a gluten-free recipe, check this one out! (recommended by our resident GF expert!)

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Ingredients:

1 package active dry yeast (equivalent to about 1 tbsp)

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4 cups flour + about 1/2 cup extra for kneading (all purpose, whole wheat or a mix of the two work well)

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1 1/4 cup warm water ( this is one situation where lukewarm is perfect - should be warm to the touch, but not hot)

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2 tsp salt

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1 tsp sugar (optional)

  • Mix yeast and sugar into 1/2 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast looks bubbly.

  • Put flour in a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer set up with dough hook) and mix in yeast mixture. Continue to add the remaining water a little bit at a time until the dough comes together into a slightly sticky ball (it's ok if you don't use all the water - or if you use extra water!)   

  • If using a stand mixer, turn on a middle-setting and "knead" for 5-7 minutes. If using your hands, flour your counter top and go to work! Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and no longer sticky. 

  • Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot  for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

  • Once doubled, return dough to the counter and shape into a ball.

  • If you have a bread pan, grease and flour the pan and place the dough ball in it (it will fill the pan as it rises the second time.)

    • If you do not have a bread pan, you can put the bread on a piece of well-floured parchment paper and place it into an oven-safe pot. (Cover with foil for a softer crust.)

  • Pre-heat oven to 410 degrees F. Leave bread to rest and rise 20-30 minutes. Bake for 50 minutes - 1 hour. (Baking time may vary, and might require an additional 10 minutes. When bread is fully baked it will sound hallow when knocked on the bottom.)​

  • Remove from oven and let bread cool on a cooling rack. Let bread cool completely before cutting.

  • Thank God and enjoy!

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Remember, much like our spiritual journey, learning to bake bread is a process! Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out as you planned the first time. It takes practice - so give your family and friends a treat by practicing a lot!

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