Ingredients
Scale
- 500g Bread Flour
- 320ml Warm Water (approx. 1 ¼ cups)
- 7g Instant Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. Stir in the melted butter.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until nearly doubled. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) during this second rise.
- Step 5: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches 93-96°C (200-205°F).
- Step 6: Carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan immediately after baking and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Keep your cooled Easy Dutch Bread fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or slice and freeze portions for a quick toaster treat later.
- To revive its comforting warmth, lightly toast individual slices or wrap a larger piece in foil and gently heat in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes until soft and warm through.
- This wonderfully simple bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast with butter and jam, alongside a hearty Dutch pea soup, or as a sturdy base for open-faced sandwiches topped with cheese and cold cuts.
- For a beautifully light and airy loaf, always ensure your initial warm water is just right for activating the yeast, and truly commit to the full 8-10 minutes of kneading until your dough is smooth and springy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American