Ingredients (1 loaf):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat for fiber)
- 1 cup warm water (~100–110°F / 38–43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps yeast)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Instructions:
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Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Mix the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until it forms a sticky dough.
- No kneading needed! Just make sure all flour is moistened.
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First rise:
- Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours, until it roughly doubles in size.
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Shape the loaf:
- Transfer the dough to a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
- Smooth the top lightly.
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Second rise:
- Let it rise another 30–40 minutes.
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Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool & serve:
- Let the bread cool 10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy plain, with jam, or as a sandwich base.
💡 Extra tips:
- Add seeds, oats, or herbs to the dough for flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze slices.
- Using warm water is key—too hot will kill the yeast.