Quick German Bread
Quick German Bread is a fast and easy recipe that delivers authentic German-style bread with a crisp crust and soft, chewy crumb. Using simple pantry ingredients and minimal rise time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade loaf perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply with butter.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the water until comfortably warm (about 105-110°F). Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking, but keep the dough moist.
- First Rise: Place the dough ball in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a round or oval loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes to rise again.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat oven to 425°F. Score a few slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to set the crumb.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for best rise and texture.
- Do not skip kneading; it develops the gluten necessary for the chewy crumb.
- Proof the dough in a warm environment to speed rising.
- Place a pan of water in the oven during baking to improve crust crispiness.
- Score the dough before baking to control expansion and add the classic look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: German bread, quick bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, no long rise bread