This classic homemade bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water, it’s a rewarding baking project for both beginners and experienced bakers.
The process is straightforward and requires minimal equipment. You can customize the bread by adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade bread is a delightful project that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. The process begins with simple ingredients that transform into a golden loaf, perfect for various meals.
To achieve that soft, fluffy interior, the key lies in the balance of flour, yeast, and water. Each component plays a vital role in the bread-making process, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor.
Essential Ingredients
The foundation of this bread includes all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, and warm water. These basic ingredients are often found in most kitchens, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
For those who wish to add a twist, consider incorporating herbs or seeds. These additions can elevate the flavor profile, allowing for a personalized touch that suits your palate.
The Baking Process
Starting with the dry ingredients, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This mixture sets the stage for the dough.
Next, gradually introduce warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Kneading the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Rising to the Occasion
Once kneaded, the dough needs to rise. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. This step allows the dough to double in size, typically taking 1-2 hours in a warm environment.
After the first rise, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. A second rise of 30-45 minutes will ensure the loaf is puffy and ready for baking.
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. The bread should bake for 30-35 minutes until it achieves a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential to allow the bread to set properly before slicing.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
After cooling, slice into the loaf to reveal its soft, fluffy interior. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
Serve it warm with butter or use it for sandwiches. The versatility of homemade bread makes it a staple that can complement any meal or occasion.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
This homemade bread features a golden crust and a soft interior, perfect for any meal. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and makes one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy 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 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, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or 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: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g