Here’s a simple cheap and easy oval bread recipe—requires minimal ingredients, no fancy equipment, and yields a soft, slightly chewy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients (Makes 1 medium oval loaf)
-
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 tbsp sugar
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
-
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
-
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
Instructions
-
Activate yeast:
-
In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar.
-
Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
-
-
Make the dough:
-
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
-
Add yeast mixture and oil.
-
Mix until a sticky dough forms.
-
-
Knead:
-
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Add a little flour if too sticky, but keep it soft.
-
-
First rise:
-
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
-
Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
-
-
Shape the loaf:
-
Punch down the dough.
-
Shape into an oval loaf, tucking ends under to form a smooth top.
-
Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
-
Second rise:
-
Cover lightly and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
-
-
Bake:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Optional: brush top with a little water or milk for a soft crust.
-
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
-
-
Cool:
-
Let loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing.
-
💡 Tips:
-
For a slightly crustier bread, spray a little water into the oven while baking.
-
You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a healthier loaf.