Created on November 21st, 2025 at 11:14 am
Fresh, homemade bread in under an hour
Baking bread can often feel like a daunting task reserved for lazy weekends. But with this quick one-hour bread recipe, you can fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread any day of the week. This recipe yields a loaf that is crisp on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside, embodying the heartwarming essence of homemade bread. The golden crust, coupled with the warm steam that escapes as you slice into it, makes it nearly impossible to resist enjoying a warm piece slathered with butter straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. With just a handful of ingredients and a little kneading, you’ll have a warm, crusty loaf in no time. The dough rises quickly, which means less waiting and more enjoying. Once baked, the loaf will have a beautiful golden hue that invites you to break off a piece. The incredible aroma that wafts through your kitchen is perhaps the best way to remind you that homemade is always worth it.
Serve it with soups, stews, or enjoy it on its own. If you manage to have any leftovers, it makes for delightful toast the next day, adding a warm and rustic touch to your breakfast.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients List
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional, for added richness)
- Optional: flour for dusting
Kitchen Tools
This recipe is designed to be straightforward, requiring just a few essential kitchen tools. You likely already have these on hand to keep your cooking stress-free.
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional for easy release)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Whisk them together until well blended. The flour should appear light and airy, creating a perfect base for your dough.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the warm water. If using, add the olive oil at this stage. Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a rough dough begins to form. The dough will feel sticky and slightly clumpy.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, adding a little flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic, with a slightly tacky surface when finished.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about 20 minutes. The dough should rise noticeably during this time.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while the dough is resting. If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Optionally, you can make a few shallow cuts on top of the loaf for decorative purposes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The crust should turn a rich golden brown, and tapping on the bottom should produce a hollow sound.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The warm, tender interior will beckon to be enjoyed fresh.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature water to give the yeast a kickstart without killing it.
- Avoid over-kneading; stop when the dough feels elastic but still soft.
- To add flavor, consider incorporating herbs or cheese into the dough.
- If you prefer a softer crust, cover the loaf with a kitchen towel as it cools.
- This bread can be easily sliced and frozen to preserve freshness for later use.
Fresh Baking Made Simple
This quick one-hour bread recipe allows you to savor the pleasures of homemade bread without the long wait. The delightful combination of a crisp crust and a warm, airy center brings comfort and nourishment to any meal. Enjoy it as a side dish, a base for sandwiches, or simply with butter for a treat at any time of day. This recipe reaffirms that baking can be both satisfying and accessible, allowing for moments of indulgence in your daily life.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Quick One-Hour Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional, for added richness)
For Dusting
- flour (optional for dusting)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the warm water. If using, add the olive oil at this stage. Mix until a rough dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it and let it rest in a warm spot for about 20 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while the dough is resting.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a prepared baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
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