🍞 Cheapest Basic Bread Recipe (No-Knead Option)
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
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1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1¼ cups warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C)
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1 tsp salt
🥣 Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
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In a large bowl, stir yeast into the warm water.
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy (this means the yeast is alive and ready).
2. Mix the Dough:
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Add flour and salt to the bowl.
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Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms (don’t overmix — no kneading needed).
3. Let It Rise:
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Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.
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Let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape & Second Rise:
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Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a ball or loaf shape.
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Place on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
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Let it rest for another 30–45 minutes while the oven preheats.
5. Preheat Oven:
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400°F (200°C)
6. Bake:
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let cool on a rack before slicing.
💡 Optional Add-ins (budget-permitting):
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1 tbsp sugar for a slightly sweeter loaf
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1 tbsp oil for a softer crumb
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Herbs or garlic powder for flavor
🧊 Storage:
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Keeps for 2–3 days at room temp in a sealed bag.
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Freeze slices for longer storage.
Would you like a no-yeast flatbread, a skillet bread, or a 2-ingredient emergency bread next?