This bread has come to be known as perhaps the easiest yeast bread in the entire world. I can’t imagine it getting ANY more simple than this recipe. I have heard about this recipe for years, but finally thought I’d give it a try. I am now hooked!! The best part about it is you don’t have to have a large mixer or bread machine to make this bread. All you need is flour, salt, yeast, hot water, a mixing bowl and a spoon. How easy is that?! Not sure who is exactly the author of this recipe, but here’s the link to where I adapted it from 😉
Seriously, you need to give this recipe a try. If you love homemade, artisan bread, don’t look any longer. You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp. Instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 105 degrees
- 3 cups all purpose flour or bread flour
- 2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- DOUGH:
- Place the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Add one cup of flour to the water and yeast and stir until combined. Let this mixture rest for 10 minutes.
- Next add the next 2 cups of flour and continue to stir until the dough is no longer lumpy. The dough should be sticky, but add a Tablespoon or two more if it's too sticky to handle. Once the flour is all mixed in, cover with a towel or plastic wrap for up to 3 hours, but can wait as little as one hour. However the longer you let it rise, the better.
- SHAPE: Generously flour your hands and turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. The dough will be sticky. Do not punch it down, knead it or roll it out. Gently work the dough into your preferred shape. I typically work it into a French boule (round circle).
- Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Place the dough ball onto the cookie sheet. Use a bread knife to add 1-4 lines across the top. Let the loaf rise for 30 minutes, or until about doubled.
- BAKE: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake for 25 minutes or until browned.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack and then slice the bread and serve. Store in a paper bag so it doesn't soften. (RECIPE ADJUSTED FROM IHEARTNAPTIME.COM)DOUGH:
