Homemade Bread Recipe

This simple homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust and delicious flavor. Whether you’re making sandwiches or enjoying it warm with butter, this bread is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and easy to follow, ideal for beginners.
• Requires just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have.
• Versatile—enjoy it as a sandwich bread, toast, or a side for soups.
• The texture is soft and fluffy with a perfectly crisp crust.
• Homemade bread is free from preservatives and additives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Warm water
• Olive oil or melted butter

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan.
6. Second rise: Cover the dough and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it puffs up and fills the pan.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rise time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Bake time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and more fiber.
• Herb Bread: Add chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant and flavorful loaf.
• Garlic Bread: Mix in a tablespoon of minced garlic for a garlic-infused bread.
• Honey Bread: Substitute sugar with honey for a naturally sweetened bread.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your bread in a sealed plastic bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or toast them in a toaster. If frozen, thaw the bread at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. There’s no need to activate instant yeast in water beforehand; just mix it with the dry ingredients.

2. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the dough into a free-form round loaf and bake it on a baking sheet.

3. How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size. You can also perform the “poke test”—press your finger gently into the dough. If the indentation stays, the dough has risen sufficiently.

4. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour. Bread flour will give the bread a slightly chewier texture.

5. How can I make the crust softer?

To make a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.

6. What is the best way to freeze bread?

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

7. Can I add seeds to this bread?

Yes! You can add seeds like flaxseeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

8. Why didn’t my bread rise?

This could be due to expired yeast or water that’s too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is between 105-110°F for the best results.

9. How do I get a golden, shiny crust?

For a golden crust, brush the dough with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking.

10. How can I tell if my bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—fully baked bread should have an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).

Conclusion

Making homemade bread is a rewarding process that yields delicious results. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the smell and taste of fresh bread from your own kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try the variations and experiment with flavors to make it your own!

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