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Home » Recipes » Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe Your Friends and Family Will Love

Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe Your Friends and Family Will Love

Filed Under: From Scratch November 9, 2023

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Baking your own bread is a rewarding endeavor, and it doesn’t have to strain your budget. In this article, I’ll walk you through a Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe that’s not only delicious but also easy on your wallet. It’s all about creating affordable, homemade bread right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

bread sitting on a cutting board

Why Choose Budget-Friendly Homemade Bread?

Homemade bread offers numerous benefits, including cost savings. This Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe is designed for those who want to enjoy the simple pleasure of baking without breaking the bank.

The Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 and 1/4 cups of warm water
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 1 tbsp of instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Approximately 5-6 cups of bread flour

Instructions:

bread baking in the oven
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, yeast, and salt. If using active dry yeast, wait until it starts foaming.
  2. Add olive oil and about 3 cups of flour. Mix together until the dough comes together.
  3. Gradually add 2 and 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.
  5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size.
  6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan.
  7. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise for another hour.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the loaf for about 20 minutes, turn the oven up to 400 and bake for another 5 minutes or until it’s golden brown.
  9. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
bread coming out of the oven on a baking sheet

Tips for Perfect Budget-Friendly Bread

  • Utilize affordable ingredients found in your pantry.
  • Knead the dough until it’s soft and smooth.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a cozy spot at home.
  • Experiment with different shapes and sizes for your loaf.

Anyone Can Do It!

Creating budget-friendly homemade bread is not only cost-effective but also incredibly satisfying. With this Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe, you can experience the joy of baking your own bread without straining your finances. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe simplifies the art of bread-making, making it accessible to everyone.

So, don your apron, preheat your oven, and embark on an enjoyable journey of crafting affordable, homemade bread. It’s a delightful treat for you and your family that won’t put a dent in your budget. Enjoy!

FOR MORE EASY HOLIDAY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

  • Easy Breezy Holiday Recipes
  • Christmas in Your Crock Pot!
  • 4 Ingredients or less Holiday Recipes!

MORE HOMEMADE BREAD RECIPES TO TRY:

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bread baking on a pan

Budget-Friendly Bread Recipe


  • Author: Maria Ronan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves 1x
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Description

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own bread. The crunchy crust and soft, airy interior make them perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoyed on their own. By making your own bread, you have complete control over the ingredients, and you get to enjoy that warm, just-out-of-the-oven goodness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 and 1/4 cups of warm water
  • 2 tbsp of sugar
  • 1 tbsp of instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Approximately 5–6 cups of bread flour (see details in the instructions)

Instructions

  1. In a mixer with a dough hook, combine warm water, sugar, yeast, and salt. If using active dry yeast, wait until it starts foaming.

  2. Add olive oil and about 3 cups of flour. Mix together with the dough hook.

  3. Gradually add 2 and 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

  4. Knead the dough with the dough hook for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.

  5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size.

  6. Divide the dough in half and shape it into two rectangles approximately 13×9 inches.

  7. Roll up the dough from the long side and pinch the edges to seal it.

  8. Place the loaves seam side down on a greased baking sheet and score the tops with a sharp knife.

  9. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for another hour until it’s puffy and almost doubled in size.

  10. Preheat the oven to 375°F  bake the loaves for about 20minutes, turn the heat up to 400 and bake for 5 more minutes or until they’re golden brown.

  11. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure your yeast is fresh and activates properly.
  • Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area.
  • Score the tops of the baguettes to create that classic appearance.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag Meals With Maria — I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: bread, christmas, dinner, easter, thanksgiving

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Welcome to Meals with Maria! I’m Maria, a passionate home cook and mom on a mission to help you make everyday healthy meals simple, and holiday indulgence special. As a wife and mother of three boys, I know how important it is to balance nourishing your family with meals that are easy to prepare and budget-friendly — while still savoring the joy of holiday treats and meals out. Read More…

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