Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. This classic bread recipe uses simple ingredients to create a soft, fluffy loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with butter.
The Joy of Homemade Bread
Baking homemade bread is a delightful experience that transforms your kitchen into a warm haven filled with inviting aromas. The simple act of mixing flour, water, yeast, and salt can lead to a rewarding outcome: a soft, fluffy loaf that is perfect for any occasion.
There’s something special about the process of creating bread from scratch. The anticipation builds as the dough rises, and the moment you pull a golden crusted loaf from the oven is truly satisfying. This classic recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields a delicious result that can be enjoyed fresh or used for sandwiches.
Ingredients for Success
The key to a successful loaf lies in the quality of ingredients. This recipe calls for four cups of all-purpose flour, which forms the base of the bread, along with a packet of active dry yeast to help it rise.
Warm water, sugar, and salt play crucial roles in flavor and texture, while a touch of olive oil can add richness. With these simple components, you can create a loaf that rivals those from your favorite bakery.
The Baking Process
Starting with the yeast activation is essential. Combine warm water with sugar and yeast, allowing it to froth before mixing it into the flour and salt. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Once the ingredients are combined, kneading the dough for about 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure. After kneading, the dough needs to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.
Shaping and Second Rise
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the air and transfer it to a floured surface. Shaping it into a loaf and placing it in a greased pan is the next step. Cover it and let it rise again until it surpasses the rim of the pan, which typically takes 30-45 minutes.
This second rise is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture. Patience is key here, as allowing the dough to rise properly will result in a better final product.
Baking to Perfection
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Baking the bread for 30-35 minutes will yield a golden crust that sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This auditory cue is a great way to check for doneness.
After baking, let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling period allows the bread to set, ensuring that each slice is perfect for spreading with butter or enjoying on its own.
Enjoying Your Creation
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked bread. The soft, fluffy interior pairs beautifully with a pat of butter, making it a comforting addition to any meal or a delightful snack on its own.
Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo, this homemade bread is sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. The process may take a few hours, but the result is a rewarding loaf that is truly worth the wait.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
This homemade bread features a perfect balance of flour, water, yeast, and salt, resulting in a delicious loaf that takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time. It yields one large loaf, ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- 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 damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf 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 until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g