Simple and Delicious Bread Recipe with Oil

Making bread at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, with this easy Bread Recipe With Oil, you can enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked bread without the fuss of traditional kneading or specialized ingredients. This guide will walk you through a simple, no-knead method that produces a wonderfully textured loaf, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil.

Why Choose a Bread Recipe with Oil?

Oil plays a crucial role in bread making, offering several benefits beyond flavor. It contributes to a softer crumb, extends shelf life by retaining moisture, and adds a beautiful sheen to the crust. Unlike butter, which can make the dough tougher if not handled correctly, oil is easier to incorporate and offers consistent results. This makes a bread recipe with oil particularly suitable for beginners. Plus, using oil opens up a world of flavor possibilities – from robust olive oil to nutty sesame oil – allowing you to personalize your loaf. This method is also incredibly versatile, letting you experiment with different flours and add-ins to create your signature bread. Thinking about skipping the oil altogether? Check out our Bread recipe no oil.

No-knead bread dough rising in a bowl

Ingredients for an Easy Bread Recipe with Oil

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a loaf whenever the craving strikes.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend with whole wheat flour)
• 2 cups warm water (around 105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (for enhancing yeast activity)

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking with Oil

1. Bloom the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar (if using). Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial for a good rise. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old and you’ll need a fresh batch.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix at this stage.
4. Add the oil: Pour in the olive oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be slightly sticky.
5. First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air and shape it into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Second rise (proofing): Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan and cover it again. Let it proof for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.

Shaped bread dough in a loaf pan ready for proofing

Baking and Cooling your Oil-Based Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can test for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf – it should sound hollow. Once baked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Letting it cool prevents the bread from becoming gummy. Interested in baking cakes with oil? We have a fantastic Cake recipe with oil.

Freshly baked bread loaf cooling on a wire rack

Tips and Variations for your Bread Recipe with Oil

• Herb bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the flour mixture. For a more intense flavor, try our guide on How to bake bread with herbs.
• Garlic bread: Incorporate 2-3 cloves of minced garlic into the dough along with the oil. For a quick and delicious garlic bread, try our Bread recipe with garlic.
• Whole wheat bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Sweet bread: Add ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a touch of sweetness.

“Using oil in bread allows for greater creativity with flavors,” says renowned baker, Amelia Hearthstone. “You can infuse the oil with herbs or spices before adding it to the dough for a truly unique loaf.”

Conclusion

This bread recipe with oil provides a simple and satisfying way to enjoy homemade bread. With its easy no-knead method and versatile nature, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and experience the joy of baking a delicious loaf from scratch! You might also enjoy our Cookie recipe with oats.

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of oil in this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or even grapeseed oil. Each oil will impart its unique flavor to the bread.
2. Why is my bread dense? A dense loaf could be due to inactive yeast, not enough rising time, or overmixing the dough.
3. How do I store homemade bread? Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? While this recipe is designed for a no-knead method, you can adapt it for a bread machine by adjusting the order of ingredients as per your machine’s instructions.
5. What can I do with leftover bread? Leftover bread is perfect for croutons, breadcrumbs, French toast, or bread pudding.
6. Can I add nuts or seeds to this bread? Absolutely! Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts or seeds to the dough along with the dry ingredients.
7. How can I tell if my yeast is still active? Test your yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams within 5-10 minutes, it’s still good to use.