Cheapest Bread Recipe

This Cheapest Bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake a simple, budget-friendly loaf of bread that’s both delicious and easy to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and it’s a great way to enjoy homemade bread without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe gives you a soft, fluffy loaf that can be used for sandwiches, toasts, or served alongside your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) 🌾
• 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 🌟
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C) 💧
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any oil you have 🧴
• 1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. The mixture should become frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt through the flour.
2. Once the yeast mixture is ready and frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or a spatula until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky, but try to use as little as possible to avoid a dry loaf.

2. If kneading by hand feels difficult, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes on low speed.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can place it in the oven with just the oven light on or near a warm stove.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can also shape it into rolls if preferred.
3. Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased loaf pan. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes or until it has risen slightly above the top of the pan.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
2. Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your freshly baked budget-friendly bread!

Why You’ll Love This Cheapest Bread Recipe:

1. Budget-Friendly: This bread uses basic, inexpensive ingredients that are often already in your pantry. No need for expensive specialty flours or fancy ingredients. 🍞💸

2. Simple and Quick: With just a few steps, you’ll have a loaf of homemade bread without complicated instructions. Perfect for beginners and those short on time! ⏱️

3. Customizable: You can add your own twists to this bread by incorporating ingredients like herbs, garlic, or seeds. Feel free to get creative if you have extra ingredients to work with. 🌿🧄

4. Fresh and Delicious: There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of fresh, homemade bread. The soft, fluffy texture of this loaf makes it perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just with a pat of butter. 🧈😋

Pro Tips for the Best Budget-Friendly Bread:

1. Don’t Rush the Rise: Letting the dough rise properly is key to achieving a soft, airy loaf. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough near a warm oven or on top of a warm appliance to help it rise.

2. Knead Well: Kneading the dough properly helps develop the gluten, giving you that soft, chewy texture. If you’re not sure, you can test the dough by doing the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it forms a thin membrane without tearing, it’s ready.

3. Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf after baking. If it sounds hollow, it’s done! If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes.

4. Storage: Keep your homemade bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight bag at room temperature. For longer storage, you can slice and freeze the bread.

Conclusion:

This Cheapest Bread recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of time to make delicious homemade bread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake a fluffy, comforting loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re on a budget or just love fresh bread, this recipe will become your go-to. Enjoy the simple joy of homemade bread! 🍞💕

Happy baking! 😋