Stop buying bread at the store. Try this recipe at home instead

There's something magical about the process of making bread from scratch. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, the warm and inviting texture, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something delicious with your own hands—all of these make bread-making a truly special experience. But for many people, making bread can seem daunting, especially when it involves kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. That's where the beauty of "Bread in a Bag" comes in—a simple, no-fuss method that brings the joy of bread-making to everyone, regardless of their experience level in the kitchen.

I'll never forget the day I first stumbled upon this recipe. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was feeling nostalgic for the days when my grandmother would bake bread in her cozy kitchen. I didn't have all the tools she used, but I was determined to recreate that feeling. That's when I came across the concept of "Bread in a Bag." To my delight, it was incredibly easy to make, and the results were absolutely scrumptious. The best part? It brought back cherished memories and reminded me of the love and warmth that can be shared through food. I encourage you to save this recipe and make it on a day when you need a little extra comfort, or when you simply want to share the joy of baking with loved ones.

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
Non-stick cooking spray or additional oil for greasing

1. In a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup of the flour, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm water and seal the bag. Shake the bag until the ingredients are well mixed.

2. Add the vegetable oil and salt to the bag, along with an additional 1 cup of flour. Seal the bag again and shake until the mixture is combined.

3. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour to the bag, and continue to shake and knead the bag until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a clean, floured surface.

5. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Once the dough has risen, remove the towel and bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of homemade bread!