Ingredients
Scale
The key to this bread’s deliciousness lies in selecting quality, fresh ingredients — just like my mom taught me. I always keep my pantry stocked with good all-purpose flour and active yeast, and I prefer using warm water to help the dough come together quickly. Sometimes, I swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or add a sprinkle of herbs for a little twist. The simplicity of this recipe really lets each ingredient shine, making it a wonderful base for so many meals.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups all-purpose + ½ cup whole wheat flour)
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer crust)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix evenly.
- Pour in the warm water and olive oil (if using). Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until smooth and elastic, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry about perfect kneading here — the goal is a soft, workable dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour in a warm spot — it’ll puff up nicely.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and shape it into a loaf or round boule.
- Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan. Optionally, score the top with a sharp knife to allow for expansion.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is key to avoid a gummy crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: 5-Minute Bread Recipe, recipe, cooking, food
