Perfect Quick Bread Recipe

Making your own bread at home can be a deeply satisfying experience. This recipe for quick bread is so simple and efficient that you’ll wonder why you ever bought bread from the store. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create bakery-worthy bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter.

Ingredients

  • 5.5 cups flour (660g)
  • 600 ml water (2 1/4 cups)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (7g)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 tbsp salt (15g)
  • Butter (optional, for topping)

Method of Preparation

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast in 562.5ml of warm water. Add a pinch of sugar to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 5.5 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tbsp of salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and springs back when touched. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Letting the Dough Rise

  1. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping Your Bread

  1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions.
  2. Shape the Loaves: Roll each portion into a rectangle about 20 cm wide. Starting from the shorter side, roll the dough into cylinders to form your loaves.
  3. Prepare the Molds: Place the loaves into oiled bread molds, cover them, and let them rise for another hour, or until they have doubled in size again.

Second Rise and Preparing to Bake

  1. Preheat Oven: As the loaves undergo their second rise, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Brush with Butter: Once the loaves have risen, brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor and a beautiful golden finish. This step is optional but recommended.

Baking Your Bread

  1. Bake the Bread: Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  2. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing.

Optional Butter Topping

  1. Butter Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, brush the tops of the freshly baked loaves with a generous layer of melted butter. This adds richness and gives the bread a beautiful golden sheen.

Enjoying Your Bread

  1. Serve: Slice the bread into thick, pillowy slices. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, or use it to make your favorite sandwiches.
  2. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread fresh.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 2 loaves (about 24 slices)
  • Calories per serving: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 4g

Conclusion

This Quick Bread Recipe is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. Perfect for busy schedules, this bread is ready in just a few minutes of active preparation time and yields delicious, bakery-quality loaves. Enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home and the satisfaction of making it yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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