Looking to bring the hearty flavors of Germany into your kitchen? With this easy German bread recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of freshly baked Brot right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe promises simplicity and authenticity, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour (Weizenmehl)
- 300ml lukewarm water (lauwarmes Wasser)
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast (Trockenhefe)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Salz)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (Zucker)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (Pflanzenöl)
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional: Sesam- oder Mohnsamen zum Bestreuen)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water with the sugar until dissolved.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the vegetable oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let it Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Final Rise and Preheat:
- Cover the shaped loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising for the final time, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen for the final time, brush the top with water and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve your freshly baked German bread with butter, cheese, cold cuts, or your favorite spreads. Enjoy!