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Homemade Instant Yeast Bread Recipe

4.7 from 123 reviews

This easy bread recipe with instant yeast produces soft, golden loaves perfect for sandwiches or toast. The quick-rise method with rapid yeast and warm water allows for a simple homemade bread with minimal waiting time. The dough is kneaded until elastic, then allowed to rise before baking in the oven to a delicious golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups very warm water (tap water)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 packet rapid rise yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • cups all purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Proof the Yeast: Place the warm water, rapid rise yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes until it forms a creamy foam on top, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add the vegetable oil, half of the flour (2 1/4 cups), and salt to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing with a dough hook attachment if using a mixer, or by hand. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the Dough: Using the dough hook or on a floured surface if mixing by hand, knead the dough for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Cover the dough with a dish towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 20 minutes, or until the dough has almost doubled in size.
  5. Shape and Prepare for Baking: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Lightly spray two loaf pans with non-stick spray and place each dough half into a pan, shaping gently to fit.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. A hollow sound when tapped on the top indicates the bread is fully baked.
  7. Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 5-10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.
  8. Serve and Store: Slice the bread into ½ inch slices for sandwiches or toast. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Store the bread in an airtight container or zipper bag at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
  • This bread freezes well for up to 3 months; ensure it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to maintain freshness.
  • For best texture, allow bread to cool fully before slicing.

Keywords: homemade bread, instant yeast bread, easy bread recipe, quick bread, sandwich bread, soft bread loaf