When I think of freshly baked bread emerging from the oven, my mind drifts to warm slices slathered in butter, a sprinkle of sea salt, or perhaps a generous spread of my favorite jam. Nothing quite compares!
Whether you’re matching it with a hearty stew, a vibrant salad, or simply savoring a piece with your morning coffee, this 1 lb bread recipe is the perfect companion for any meal. Let me guide you through making your own irresistible loaves that will have everyone running to the kitchen.
Homemade bread has a way of making a house feel like a home. The aroma wafting through the air can instantly brighten anyone’s day. This 1 lb bread recipe is my go-to for creating fluffy, delicious loaves that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking on straight out of the oven.
It triumphs over store-bought because it’s fresh, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll find this recipe straightforward enough for even novice bakers.
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What is 1 lb bread recipe?
This bread recipe is designed to yield two loaves, each weighing approximately one pound. Using a combination of warm water, yeast, flour, and a few basic pantry staples, you’ll create a soft and fluffy loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity while delivering delightful results that even superstar bakers would appreciate.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other 1 lb bread recipes?
What sets my 1 lb bread recipe apart from the multitude of others is the balance of sweetness and simplicity. By incorporating honey alongside the yeast, you give the bread a subtle hint of sweetness, which complements the savory profile beautifully. Additionally, the mixture of flour ratios allows for optimal texture—offering both fluffiness and slight chewiness. Plus, this recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a trusty bowl, some elbow grease, and your enthusiasm!
How Does It Taste Like?
Expect a bread that strikes a perfect balance—it’s soft, slightly sweet, and has a delightful chew. The edges become beautifully golden while the interior remains light and airy, making every bite satisfying yet not overwhelming. Whether topped with savory toppings or enjoyed plain, each slice is pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To create this scrumptious 1 lb bread, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water (between 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit)
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup honey (or you can substitute with sugar)
– 2 teaspoons sea salt
– 2 tablespoons canola oil
– 4 cups all-purpose flour (you might need a little more for adjusting the dough’s stickiness)
– 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs (for an added flavor kick)
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
Ingredients From : tastesbetterfromscratch.com
How to make 1 lb bread recipe?
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, let’s transform them into two beautiful loaves of bread. Making bread may seem intimidating, but I promise that it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and your kitchen will soon be filled with the delectable scent of homemade goodness.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of honey. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want to see it foam and bubble up. This is the yeast working its magic. If it remains flat, you’ll need fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix in Ingredients
Once your yeast is frothy, add in the remaining honey, salt, canola oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 3: Add More Flour
Now, gradually add another cup of flour, mixing to incorporate. If you’re using a stand mixer, continue mixing while adding more flour, about ½ cup at a time. You want the dough to begin pulling away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel smooth and elastic but may still stick slightly to your finger. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour—just a bit at a time!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes on medium speed with the mixer or 5-8 minutes by hand on a floured surface. You’re looking for a soft, pliable dough that feels great to touch.
Step 5: First Rise
Take a large bowl and grease it lightly with oil or non-stick spray. Place your dough in the bowl and turn it so it gets coated all around. Cover it with a dish towel or plastic wrap, then set it in a warm spot to rise until it’s doubled in size. This typically takes about 1 and a half hours.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pans
While the dough is rising, spray two 9×5 inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray. For extra safety, you can line the bottoms with parchment paper if you’d like.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
When the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Divide it into equal portions—two pieces. Shape each piece into a log, making sure it fits snugly into the prepared pans.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the loaves with a lightweight towel or the same plastic wrap, and allow them to rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour. At this point, you want them to rise about an inch above the edges of the pans.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has finished rising, pop the loaves in the oven and bake for about 30 to 33 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top. If you tap the top lightly, it should sound hollow.
Step 10: Cool the Bread
Once baked, carefully remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. For a little extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter. Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks On Making 1 lb bread recipe
– Mind the Water Temperature: Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for warm to the touch.
– Humble Adjustments: If the dough seems too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour during the kneading process.
– Don’t Rush the Rises: Proper risen dough leads to fluffy bread. If your kitchen is cool, it might take longer, so be patient!
– Flavor Boost: Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for savory flavors, or include seeds for added crunch.
– Perfect Storage: Allow the bread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Once the bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This can keep your bread fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to prolong its life, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to five days. Alternatively, slice it and freeze it; it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
– Savory Sandwiches: Use slices of this bread for any kind of sandwich, from classic deli meats to vegetarian alternatives.
– Artisan Toast: Toast slices lightly and top with avocado, olive oil, and spices for a delightful breakfast treat.
– French Toast Base: Make a batch of French toast by dipping the slices in an egg mixture. Delicious drizzled with syrup!
– Soup Companion: Pair warm slices with your favorite soup, be it a hearty chili or a light tomato basil.
– Cheese Board Addition: Serve with a selection of cheeses and dips for a perfect appetizer.
What other substitutes can I use in 1 lb bread recipe?
– Honey to Maple Syrup: Swap honey with the same amount of maple syrup for a fun flavor twist.
– Dried Herbs to Fresh: Use fresh herbs if available, just chop finely and double the amount for a really fresh taste.
– Canola Oil to Olive Oil: For a little extra flavor, consider using olive oil instead of canola.
– All-Purpose to Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
– Parmesan to Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of honey. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want to see it foam and bubble up. This is the yeast working its magic. If it remains flat, you’ll need fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix in Ingredients
- Once your yeast is frothy add in the remaining honey, salt, canola oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 3: Add More Flour
- Now gradually add another cup of flour, mixing to incorporate. If you’re using a stand mixer, continue mixing while adding more flour, about ½ cup at a time. You want the dough to begin pulling away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel smooth and elastic but may still stick slightly to your finger. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour—just a bit at a time!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes on medium speed with the mixer or 5-8 minutes by hand on a floured surface. You’re looking for a soft pliable dough that feels great to touch.
Step 5: First Rise
- Take a large bowl and grease it lightly with oil or non-stick spray. Place your dough in the bowl and turn it so it gets coated all around. Cover it with a dish towel or plastic wrap then set it in a warm spot to rise until it’s doubled in size. This typically takes about 1 and a half hours.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pans
- While the dough is rising spray two 9×5 inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray. For extra safety, you can line the bottoms with parchment paper if you’d like.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
- When the dough has risen punch it down to release any trapped air. Divide it into equal portions—two pieces. Shape each piece into a log, making sure it fits snugly into the prepared pans.
Step 8: Second Rise
- Cover the loaves with a lightweight towel or the same plastic wrap and allow them to rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour. At this point, you want them to rise about an inch above the edges of the pans.
Step 9: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C. Once the dough has finished rising, pop the loaves in the oven and bake for about 30 to 33 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top. If you tap the top lightly, it should sound hollow.
Step 10: Cool the Bread
- Once baked carefully remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. For a little extra flavor, brush the tops with melted butter. Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
measuring cups and spoons
bread pans
whisk or wooden spoon
dish towel or plastic wrap
Cooling rack
Serving: 2gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 196mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
– Mind the Water Temperature: Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for warm to the touch.
– Humble Adjustments: If the dough seems too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour during the kneading process.
– Don’t Rush the Rises: Proper risen dough leads to fluffy bread. If your kitchen is cool, it might take longer, so be patient!
– Flavor Boost: Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for savory flavors, or include seeds for added crunch.
– Perfect Storage: Allow the bread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can use instant yeast. Just mix it with the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step—combine it directly with the flour.
2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it’s often due to inactive yeast. Double-check that your yeast was fresh and that the water temperature was correct.
3. Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, you can! Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine instructions. Adjust the settings for a basic white bread loaf.
4. How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
In addition to the hollow sound when tapped, a digital thermometer can help—aim for an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).
5. Can I mix in other flavorings or ingredients?
Sure! Feel free to add ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or nuts to personalize your bread.
Conclusion
Bread baking is more than just a culinary task—it’s a delightful adventure that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas. With this 1 lb bread recipe, you get the satisfying experience of making something from scratch that tastes far better than anything from the store.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create some bread that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Happy baking!
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