Homemade Bread Recipe with Bread Flour

This homemade bread recipe uses bread flour to create a soft and chewy loaf with a delightful crust. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.

The process is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. With just a few steps, you can bake a fresh loaf of bread in your own kitchen.

Creating the Perfect Loaf

Homemade bread is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.

The process of making bread from scratch can be incredibly rewarding, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious loaf.

Using bread flour is key, as it provides the structure and chewiness that many bread enthusiasts crave.

Ingredients That Matter

The foundation of any great bread lies in its ingredients.

For this recipe, you’ll need bread flour, salt, sugar, instant yeast, warm water, and optionally, olive oil.

Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

The Art of Mixing and Kneading

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

This step is crucial, as it ensures even distribution of the yeast and salt.

Once mixed, add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface develops the gluten, resulting in a smooth and elastic texture.

Rising to the Occasion

After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.

Allow it to rise in a warm environment for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

This first rise is essential for developing flavor and texture.

Shaping and Second Rise

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.

Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up before baking.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.

Once ready, bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

After baking, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Easy Homemade Bread with Bread Flour

This bread recipe yields a delicious loaf that is perfect for any occasion. The use of bread flour gives the bread its structure and chewiness, making it a favorite among bread lovers. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish and serves 10 slices.

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in warm water and olive oil (if using). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 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 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 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: 3 hours

• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: 120kcal
• Fat: 1.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 24g