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–+ servings
Easy Loaf Bread from Coleen
This Easy Loaf Bread recipe offers a simple, no-fuss approach to homemade bread, using basic pantry ingredients and minimal kneading. Likely originating in mid-century America, this recipe reflects a practical and accessible baking style popular in rural kitchens. It’s designed for home cooks seeking warm, fluffy bread with a tender crumb—perfect for sandwiches or spreading with butter. The method skips complex techniques in favor of warm water activation and straightforward mixing, making it ideal for beginners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 144 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg dry yeast
  • ¼ cup hot tap water
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for initial sponge)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate Yeast

  • Dissolve 1 packet of dry yeast in ¼ cup hot tap water.
  • Stir in ¼ cup flour. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • Add remaining 1½ cups flour, 1 egg, 2 tbsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt.
  • Gradually add sour cream (start with ½ cup) and mix until dough forms.

Step 3: Knead Dough

  • Mix in a mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand.
  • Add a little more flour as needed. Knead until soft and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 4: First Rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Shape & Bake

  • Punch down dough. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Tips

  • Let the dough rise until doubled for the best texture.
  • Replace sour cream with plain yogurt if preferred.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter for a richer loaf.
  • Mix in herbs (rosemary, thyme) for a savory version.
  • Brush the top with butter after baking for a softer crust.
  • Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter breakfast loaf.
  • Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour (up to 25%).
  • Knead lightly, this is a soft loaf, similar to batter bread.
  • Bake in a greased loaf pan for a more uniform shape.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 32mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 167IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Baking, beginner friendly, bread, comfort food, from scratch, heirloom meals, homemade, vintage recipes
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