This American Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with your favorite spread. With a crispy crust and tender interior, it’s a versatile bread that’s easy to make at home.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients:
800 grams of flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
10 grams dry yeast
500 ml warm water
30 ml olive oil
Sunflower oil (for greasing)
Milk (for brushing)
Additional flour (for dusting)
Directions:
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour through a sieve into a large mixing bowl to soften the bread.
Add the salt, sugar, and dry yeast to the flour. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
First Rise:
Grease a bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Dough for Baking:
Punch down the dough to release the air.
Knead the dough briefly and then divide it into two equal parts.
Shape each part into a loaf and place them in greased rectangular loaf pans.
Second Rise:
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pans.
Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Brush the tops of the loaves with a mixture of milk and olive oil to help them brown and create a crispy crust.
Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes.
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for making sandwiches or toast.
Enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
Serve alongside soups or salads.
Cooking Tips:
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
For a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean cloth while it cools.
Nutritional Benefits:
Provides carbohydrates for energy.
Contains essential nutrients from yeast and flour.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian
Storage:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust.
Versatile and perfect for various uses.
Conclusion:
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This American Bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. With its soft texture and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the texture might be denser.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm but not hot. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, though it will require a bit more effort.
How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to this bread?
Yes, you can mix in herbs, cheese, or other flavorings to customize the bread.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Brush the bread with milk or water before baking and bake on a lower rack.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water first and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using.
What if I don’t have rectangular loaf pans?
You can use round cake pans or a baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
How should I store leftover bread?
Keep it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day or two in advance. Reheat slices in the oven to refresh the crust.
