This classic homemade bread recipe is perfect for baking in a loaf pan, resulting in a soft and fluffy loaf ideal for sandwiches or toast. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy fresh bread right from your oven.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires basic baking techniques. Customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or nuts to enhance the flavor.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade bread offers a delightful experience that begins with simple ingredients. The combination of flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt creates a base that transforms into a warm, inviting loaf.
When making bread in a loaf pan, the goal is to achieve a golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy interior. This classic recipe is designed to yield a loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed fresh with butter.
The Ingredients You Need
To embark on your bread-making journey, gather the essential ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and a touch of olive oil or melted butter.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in the bread-making process. The flour provides structure, while the yeast is responsible for the rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, and salt enhances the flavor. The olive oil or butter adds richness to the final product.
Preparation Steps
Start by activating the yeast. Combine warm water and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to sit until frothy, which indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Next, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Once the yeast mixture is ready, combine it with the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface for kneading.
Kneading and Rising
Kneading is a crucial step that develops the gluten in the dough, giving the bread its structure. Spend about 8-10 minutes kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is essential for achieving a light and airy loaf.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover the pan with a cloth and allow it to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it rises above the rim of the pan.
This second rise is important for developing the final texture of the bread. While it rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Baking to Perfection
When the dough has completed its second rise, it’s time to bake. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the bread to set properly, making it easier to slice.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
After cooling, slice the bread to reveal its tender crumb. The warm, inviting aroma fills the room, making it hard to resist a slice with butter.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or as part of a sandwich, this homemade bread is sure to become a favorite. The satisfaction of baking your own loaf adds to the experience, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Easy Loaf Pan Bread Recipe
This homemade bread features a tender crumb and a golden crust, made with flour, yeast, water, and a touch of sugar and salt. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a total time of approximately 2 hours including rising and baking, yielding one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g