One Hour Bread Recipe
This one hour bread recipe makes homemade bread manageable, even if you’ve never worked with yeast before.
You’ll mix a simple dough, knead it by hand, and give it one short rise before baking. There’s no overnight prep or stand mixer needed.
I like serving freshly baked bread alongside soup or pasta, but a warm slice with butter works just as well for an afternoon snack.
Plan on about 65–75 minutes from mixing to taking the loaf out of the oven, plus cooling time.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting my kitchen!
What You’ll Need
Check the recipe card below for the full ingredient amounts.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in extra flour and make the dough dry.
- Instant yeast: This can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients.
- Sugar: Adds a little sweetness.
- Salt: Gives the bread flavor.
- Warm water: Use a thermometer to check the temperature and follow your yeast package’s guidance.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough.
For equipment, gather a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a sturdy spoon, a clean kitchen towel, a baking sheet, and a cooling rack.
How to Make One Hour Bread
Mix the Dough
Stir together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until the dough comes together.
Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl so you don’t leave pockets of dry flour behind.
Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes, until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky. Add flour sparingly if it sticks to your hands; adding too much can make the finished loaf heavy.
Shape and Let Rise
Shape the dough into one loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 30 minutes.
Look for the dough to become noticeably puffier. A cold kitchen can slow the rise, so use its appearance along with the timer.
Preheat the oven while the dough rises.
Bake and Cool
Bake until golden brown. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and let it cool before slicing with a serrated knife.
Cutting into bread straight from the oven can compress the center and make it seem gummy.
Tips for Your First Loaf
- Check the yeast date. Old yeast can lead to a disappointing rise.
- Keep the dough soft. A little tackiness is normal; resist adding flour until it feels completely dry.
- Choose gentle warmth. A warm spot helps dough rise, but a hot oven can damage the yeast.
- Keep the loaf size consistent. Changing its shape or dividing it into rolls will change the baking time.
Don’t Forget To…
- Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
- Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
- Save or share this recipe on Pinterest!
Yes, some yeast bread recipes use a short rise to produce a loaf in about an hour. This recipe takes approximately 65–75 minutes before cooling, so allow a little extra time if you’re making it for dinner. Kitchen temperature and how quickly you mix and shape the dough can affect the timing.
No. You can mix this dough with a spoon and knead it by hand. Kneading also helps you feel when the dough changes from rough and sticky to smoother and more elastic.
The yeast may be old, the water may have been too hot, or the dough may need more time in a cool kitchen. Check your yeast’s expiration date and package directions before starting.
Common causes include adding too much flour, not kneading enough, or baking before the dough has risen sufficiently. Measure the flour carefully and check that the shaped loaf looks puffier before it goes into the oven.
What to Serve with Homemade Bread
Serve slices with soup and stew recipes, chili, or a pasta dinner. You can also toast leftover slices for breakfast or cut them into cubes for homemade croutons.
For another way to use the loaf, try one of my French toast recipes once the bread is a day or two old.
Kitsure Wooden Bread Box for Kitchen Countertop, 1-Tier, BlackBread Warmer Basket with Stone, Bread Basket for Serving Rolls & Sourdough
One Hour Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the cup of water and olive oil to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
- If you don't have olive oil, you can use melted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute.
- Feel free to customize the bread by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even cheese to the dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Shape loaves and place it on a greased baking sheet.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes for your bread loaf to create variety in your baking.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. - Let the bread cool slightly on a cooling rack before slicing with a sharp knife and serving.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking—the bread needs a few minutes to cool and set before slicing
My kids love kneading bread. This looks so easy and delicious!
I am going to make this recipe. I would save money if I made my own bread. He did good and it’s great he is learning like this.
Omg! Fresh baked bread–what could be better?! I am stealing this recipe and think my kidlets and I will get busy baking this weekend–it is better than shopping right?!
I love this!!!! What a fun recipe to make!! I want to try this with my children!!! xoxo
NO NO NO SCHOOOOL TOMORROW!!!
Ive found out activity! 🙂
I always wanted to make bread – now I feel like I can!
I am going to make this my Monday meal. Thanks for the great recipe.
my kids have been asking if they could make bread, this s outstanding
Oh they’d love this! You will too since it is easy!
I have never tried to make bread, but it sure could be a great activity to do tomorrow while we’re stuck in the house from the snow storm!
Bread always seems so complicated – love this and I’m going to have to try it.
Very easy and absolutely delicious! It’s been added to my SAVE recipes and I will be making it again!
Love homemade bread this is great
Excellent bread recipe. Easy and very tasty. My husband enjoyed it too.