The Easiest Bread You&ll Ever Make

Jill Winger - Old Fashioned on Purpose

Video Stats

Host: Jill Winger - Old Fashioned on Purpose
Published: Jul 9, 2025
Views: 3.9m

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 1

Overview

This bread recipe is a fantastic introduction to baking for anyone looking to create homemade bread without the fuss. The simplicity of the ingredients—just flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and an egg—makes it accessible for beginners. The process begins with activating the yeast in warm water, which is a crucial step for achieving that perfect rise. Mixing in the flour gradually allows you to gauge the dough’s consistency, ensuring it reaches the right texture without becoming overly sticky.

Kneading is where the magic happens; it develops the gluten that gives bread its structure. The tactile experience of working the dough is not only satisfying but also therapeutic. After kneading, the dough is left to rise, ideally in a warm environment, which can be easily achieved by placing it in a turned-off oven. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy loaf.

Once the dough has doubled in size, it can be shaped into a loaf or other forms like rolls or pizza crust. The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to your liking, whether you want a classic sandwich bread or a sweet cinnamon roll. Baking your bread fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it a rewarding experience. This recipe is not just about making bread; it’s about enjoying the process and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:45

Add two teaspoons of dry yeast into a mixing bowl.

2
00:54

Add two teaspoons of brown sugar or honey to the mixing bowl.

3
01:00

Add one and one third cup of warm water to the mixing bowl.

01:14

Tip: Use warm water to activate the yeast, but ensure it's not too hot to avoid killing it.

4
01:34

Add one teaspoon of fine sea salt and crack an egg into the mixing bowl.

5
01:49

Start adding three cups of unbleached all-purpose flour to the mixture.

02:02

Tip: Start with a lesser amount of flour and adjust by feel as you mix.

6
02:20

Mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.

7
02:38

Dump the dough onto a floured counter and begin kneading it.

03:07

Tip: Kneading doesn't have to be complicated; just work the dough until it becomes smooth.

04:11

Tip: Developing gluten is essential for the bread to rise and have the right texture.

8
04:30

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball.

9
04:39

Place the dough ball in a mixing bowl and cover it with a clean dish cloth.

10
04:44

Let the dough rise for one hour or until it doubles in size.

04:49

Tip: Turn on the oven to 350 degrees, then turn it off before placing the dough inside to rise.

11
05:04

Place the covered bowl in the turned-off oven for rising.

12
05:46

After rising, punch down the dough.

13
05:59

Shape the dough into an oval lump and place it in a loaf pan.

06:03

Tip: You can shape the dough into various bread products like pizza crust or cinnamon rolls.

14
06:25

Bake the risen dough in the oven.

Ingredients

Serves: 1
Sugar2 tsp
Water1 1/3 cup
Salt1 tsp
Egg1
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
150
kcal per serving
Protein
4
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Using warm water activates the yeast, which is crucial for the dough to rise.
  • Kneading the dough develops gluten, giving the bread its structure and texture.
  • The dough can be shaped into various forms, including rolls, loaves, or pizza crusts.
  • Letting the dough rise in a turned-off oven helps maintain a warm environment for optimal fermentation.