This homemade bread recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh, warm bread without the hassle of kneading by hand. Using a KitchenAid mixer simplifies the process, allowing you to achieve the perfect dough consistency with minimal effort.
The recipe is straightforward and ideal for beginners. You can customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or other ingredients to create your desired flavor.
The Allure of Homemade Bread
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. The golden brown crust, the soft, fluffy interior, and the warmth of a homemade loaf create a comforting atmosphere that invites everyone to gather around.
Homemade bread not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a sense of accomplishment. The process of mixing, kneading, and baking transforms simple ingredients into a delightful creation. With a few basic components and a KitchenAid mixer, this experience becomes accessible to anyone, regardless of baking skill.
Creating the Perfect Dough
Using a KitchenAid mixer simplifies the bread-making process significantly. Start by combining all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in the mixing bowl. This initial step sets the foundation for a successful loaf.
As the mixer blends the dry ingredients, the next phase involves gradually adding warm water and olive oil. This combination is crucial for achieving the right dough consistency. The mixer does the hard work, kneading the mixture until it transforms into a smooth and elastic dough.
The Rising Process
Once the dough is ready, it’s time for the first rise. Transfer it to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot. This step is essential for developing the bread’s texture and flavor.
After about an hour, the dough should have doubled in size, indicating that the yeast has done its job. Punching down the risen dough releases the air and prepares it for shaping. This is where the magic of bread-making truly begins.
Shaping and Second Rise
Shaping the dough into a loaf is an art in itself. After turning it out onto a floured surface, gently form it into the desired shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. This second rise, lasting about 30 minutes, allows the dough to expand further, ensuring a light and airy texture.
Cover the loaf with a cloth during this time, allowing it to rise above the rim of the pan. This anticipation builds excitement as the oven preheats, ready to transform the dough into a beautifully baked loaf.
Baking to Perfection
With the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C), it’s time to bake the loaf. The bread will take approximately 30-35 minutes to achieve that perfect golden brown color. The sound of a hollow tap on the bottom signals that it’s ready to come out.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the bread to set and enhances its texture. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal its soft, fluffy interior. Serve it with a small bowl of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs for dipping. This simple addition elevates the experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
The rustic kitchen setting, complete with flour and baking tools, adds to the charm of homemade bread. Each slice carries the warmth of the kitchen and the love put into the baking process, making it a cherished staple in any home.
Easy KitchenAid Bread Recipe
This bread features a soft, fluffy texture with a golden crust. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
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 the bowl of your KitchenAid mixer, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto 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 minutes, or until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 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: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g