After many attempts of bread making, I think I have finally perfected my recipe for yeast bread. This bread is so versatile. It makes lovely loaves of bread as well as crisp and chewy pizzas. I have also used it in my Skillet Bread with Pepperoni Jalapeno Cheese Dip. This bread is so easy that you could make it everyday. It goes great with soups and stews to soak up all the lovely juices. We loved it with my Stuffed Cabbage (Lahana Dolmasi). You could shape this dough into rolls or buns as well. One important point is to put a small pan of water in the oven while it is pre-heating so steam can build up. It really makes the bread turn out great. Whether you make loaves, rolls or buns, I am sure your family will love this bread. And they will think you spent a long time making them but it will be our little secret just how quick and easy they are to prepare. Afiyet Olsun!
Start out by getting your yeast nice and frothy!
Get a large mixing bowl and combine the flour and salt.
Next add your yeast to the flour.
Mix it all up!!! This might be a little messy.
Knead the dough about 6-8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Normally you would turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to knead the dough, but the name of this recipe isn’t called Easy Yeast Bread for nothing! One less mess to clean up.
Drizzle a little olive oil in the bowl and coat the dough with the oil.
After rising, your dough will look like this.
Next, shape the dough into a loaf and place in a clay baker. If you do not have a clay baker just use a lightly greased baking sheet.
Place into a pre-heated 400 degree oven and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown. Test the dough by tapping on the crust. It should sound hollow. Butter the top of the bread and leave to cool.
And here you have the finished product, Easy Yeast Bread.
- 1½ Cups Warm Water at 110 degrees (if you don't have a thermometer, put your pinkie if you can't keep your pinkie finger in the water then it is too hot and will kill your yeast)
- 2¼ Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 3½ Cups Flour
- 11/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2-3 Tablespoons softened butter
- Sprinkle the Yeast over the water.
- Stir in the honey and place in a warm area AWAY from draught for 5-10 minutes until the yeast blooms.
- Meanwhile, place the flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix well with your hands.
- Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Drizzle the olive oil in the bowl and make sure the dough is covered.
- Cover with a slightly damp towel and place in a warm area. Again this should be AWAY from draught. Leave until dough is doubled in size or about 30 minutes.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a small pan filled half-way with water in the oven to produce steam. This will help the dough rise up while baking.
- Push the air out of the dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place in to a clay baker or on a baking sheet and cover with the damp towel.
- After 15 minutes, place the dough into the oven and bake 20 -25 minutes or until golden.
- Spread the butter over the top and sides of the bread and allow to cool slightly.
- After about 10 minutes remove from the pan and cool on a cooling rack until completely cooled. (Warning: You may not be able to wait that long! If that is the case, eat warm with some butter slathered on the bread.)
