The Easiest Loaf of Bread You’ll Ever Bake

King Arthur Baking Company · 13 min

Good learning pick; surface the long inactive time clearly and do not mark proof/bake timers confirmed until video-reviewed.

Good techniqueBaking timerBeginner-friendlyBreadBaking basicsTechnique Ingredients added Steps added

Loading private actions...

Main ingredients

Step 1

Mix the dough

Mix the bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt and lukewarm water into a rough, shaggy dough.
Step 2

Knead until smooth

Knead by hand until the dough is smooth and bouncy, or use a mixer until smooth and elastic.
Step 3

First rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.
Step 4

Divide and shape loaves

Deflate the dough, divide it in half, pat each half into an oval and shape into logs.
Step 5

Second rise

Place loaves seam-side down on a cornmeal-coated pan and let rise until puffy.
Step 6

Slash, steam and bake

Dust and slash the loaves. Add steam carefully, then bake until golden and hollow-sounding.
Step 7

Rest and cool

Turn off the oven, crack the door and let bread sit briefly, then cool on a rack before slicing.