This Bread in a Bag recipe is a fun, beginner-friendly way to make soft homemade bread with almost no mess. Perfect for families, kids, or anyone who wants fresh bread without a stand mixer. Just mix, knead, and rise — all starting in a simple zip-top bag.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BREAD IN A BAG RECIPE
This method keeps your counter clean, activates yeast perfectly, and creates a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. It’s ideal for sandwich bread, toast, or serving warm with butter.
INGREDIENTS FOR BREAD IN A BAG
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons sugar
1 packet rapid rise yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1¼ teaspoons salt
HOW TO MAKE BREAD IN A BAG
STEP 1: START THE SPONGE IN THE BAG
Add 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and warm water to a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Press out excess air, seal tightly, and gently shake or squish until combined. Push the mixture into one corner of the bag.
STEP 2: LET IT GET FROTHY
Place the sealed bag on the counter for 10–15 minutes. The mixture should become puffy and bubbly, showing that the yeast is active.
STEP 3: ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS
Open the bag and add the remaining 2 cups of flour, olive oil, and salt. Reseal and knead through the bag until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the plastic. If sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour and knead again.
STEP 4: QUICK COUNTER KNEAD
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn out the dough and knead for about 2 minutes until smooth and elastic. This helps create a taller, softer loaf.
STEP 5: SHAPE AND PAN
Shape the dough into a tight log, tuck the ends underneath, and place it into a greased loaf pan. Press gently to fill the corners evenly.
STEP 6: RISE UNTIL DOUBLED
Cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for 25–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
STEP 7: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until the loaf is deep golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 195–200°F.
STEP 8: COOL BEFORE SLICING
Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb properly.
SERVING IDEAS
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, grilled cheese, or served warm with butter and honey.
TIME & NUTRITION
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: ~150 kcal per serving