Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This homemade bread recipe is easy, requiring only a few basic ingredients to produce a soft, airy loaf with a golden crust. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toasting it for breakfast, or serving it with dinner, this versatile bread will quickly become a staple in your home baking repertoire.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 inches)
- Kitchen towel
- Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This shows the yeast is active. - Mix the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. - Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft. - First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. - Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it rises slightly above the edges of the pan. - Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve sliced with butter, jam, or honey for a simple and delicious snack.
- Use as sandwich bread or toast it for breakfast with avocado or eggs.
- For a rustic touch, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
Tips:
- Use warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast, as water that’s too hot can kill the yeast.
- Make sure to knead the dough well; this develops gluten for a light, airy texture.
- Store the bread in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices to keep them fresh.
Homemade bread is a delightfully easy recipe with amazing results – soft, fluffy, and perfect for all occasions. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make freshly baked bread any time, filling your home with that irresistible aroma. This recipe is a true classic that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy your homemade loaf!
Homemade Bread Recipe
This homemade bread recipe is simple, soft, and delicious with a golden crust and fluffy interior. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it’s ideal for sandwiches or a cozy snack!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 inches)
- Kitchen towel
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it rises slightly above the edges of the pan.
- Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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