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A simple and fun homemade bread recipe designed for kids and families, using a plastic bag for mixing the dough. It yields two mini loaves or one large loaf with easy steps and minimal mess.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 mini loaves or 1 large loaf 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1¼ package rapid rise yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm water (105-110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • Zippered gallon-size plastic food storage bag (not counted in ingredients)

Instructions

  1. Put 1 cup flour, sugar, and yeast into a resealable plastic bag. Add warm water (105-110°F).
  2. Squeeze the air out and seal the bag tightly.
  3. Squish everything together with your hands until well mixed.
  4. Set the bag aside at room temperature for 10 minutes until bubbles form, indicating yeast activation.
  5. Open the bag and add 1 cup of flour, olive oil (or vegetable oil), and salt.
  6. Seal the bag again and squish to blend everything together.
  7. Pour in the last cup of flour, and mix thoroughly by squishing as before.
  8. Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a lightly floured surface.
  9. Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding more flour if sticky.
  10. Divide the dough in half and place each portion into greased mini loaf pans (about 5.75 x 3.25 inches) or shape one large loaf if preferred.
  11. Cover the pan(s) with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  12. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the loaves turn golden brown and smell fragrant.
  13. For one large loaf, bake for approximately 40 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overbrowning.

Notes

This recipe yields two mini loaves, perfect for smaller portions or sharing., For whole wheat variation, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep the bread light and add whole-grain flavor., The recipe can be divided in half to allow two kids to each make a mini loaf, which promotes sharing and involvement., To make gluten free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill Cup for Cup gluten-free flour., Expect and enjoy the mess when baking with kids—it contributes to the fun and creates memorable moments., The bread dough rising time is short thanks to the use of rapid rise yeast; sugars in the mix help activate yeast quickly.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (1 slice)
  • Calories: 154 kcal
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Protein: 3 g