This fun, hands-on recipe is perfect for beginners (and kids!). No stand mixer required — you mix and knead the dough right inside a zip-top bag.

📝 Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (divided)

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C – not hot!)

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix in the Bag

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine:

   • 1 cup flour

   • Yeast

   • Sugar

2. Seal and shake to mix.

Step 2: Add Liquids

1. Add warm water and oil to the bag.

2. Seal tightly and squeeze/mix with hands until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 3: Add More Flour

1. Open bag and add:

   • 1 more cup flour

   • Salt

2. Seal and mix again by squeezing.

3. Add remaining 1 cup flour gradually until dough pulls away from sides of bag.

Step 4: Knead in the Bag

• Knead by squeezing and folding inside the bag for 5–7 minutes.

• Dough should feel smooth and elastic.

• If sticky, add 1–2 tbsp flour.

Step 5: First Rise

• Remove dough from bag.

• Shape into a ball.

• Place in a greased bowl and cover.

• Let rise 30–45 minutes (until doubled).

Step 6: Shape & Second Rise

• Punch down dough.

• Shape into loaf.

• Place in greased 8×4 inch loaf pan.

• Cover and let rise 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

• Internal temp: about 190°F (88°C).

• Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

💡 Tips for Perfect Bread

✔ Water must be warm, not hot (hot kills yeast)
✔ If dough doesn’t rise, yeast may be old
✔ Brush top with butter for soft crust
✔ For whole wheat version: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat

🧊 Storage

• Room temp: 3 days (airtight)

• Freeze: Up to 2 months (slice before freezing)

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! Skip proofing — mix directly with flour.

Q: Can kids make this?
Absolutely! Great hands-on learning recipe.

Q: Can I make rolls instead?
Yes — divide into 8–10 balls and bake 15–18 minutes.

Points Per Serving

If sliced into:

• 12 slices → 5–6 points per slice

• 10 slices → 6–7 points per slice

• 8 thick slices → 7–8 points per slice

(Oil and sugar are what increase the points.)

🔄 How to Lower the WW Points

✔ Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce → saves ~9–12 points per loaf
✔ Reduce sugar to 1 tbsp → saves ~4 points
✔ Make smaller slices