This homemade large loaf bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Made with basic ingredients, it yields a soft and fluffy texture that is sure to please everyone.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal kneading, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. You can customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains for added flavor.
The Allure of Freshly Baked Bread
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen.
The golden brown crust, perfectly crisp, invites you to take a slice.
As you cut into the loaf, the soft and fluffy interior reveals itself, promising a delightful experience with every bite.
This homemade large loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Making a large loaf of bread at home is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients.
With just flour, water, yeast, and salt, you can create a delicious bread that is perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter.
The simplicity of the recipe allows for creativity; feel free to incorporate herbs or seeds to enhance the flavor and texture of your loaf.
Step-by-Step Process
The journey to a perfect loaf begins with activating the yeast.
Combining warm water with sugar and yeast sets the stage for a beautiful rise.
Once frothy, this mixture is combined with flour and salt, forming the dough that will soon become a centerpiece in your kitchen.
Kneading the dough is an essential step, ensuring a smooth and elastic texture.
After the first rise, the dough is shaped and allowed to rise again, creating that airy quality we all love in bread.
Perfecting the Bake
Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving that golden crust.
Baking the loaf until it sounds hollow when tapped is a classic method to check for doneness.
The sight of a perfectly baked loaf is a reward in itself, and the anticipation builds as it cools on the wire rack.
Once cooled, slicing into the bread reveals its soft, inviting interior, ready to be slathered with butter or enjoyed plain.
Serving Suggestions
This large loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings.
A small dish of butter beside it is a classic choice, but consider adding fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Whether served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread is versatile and sure to please everyone at the table.
From toast in the morning to sandwiches at lunch, the possibilities are endless.
Each slice carries the warmth of home, making every meal feel special.
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking bread can be a delightful activity to share with family or friends.
Gathering in the kitchen, measuring ingredients, and kneading dough together creates lasting memories.
It’s a wonderful way to bond while creating something delicious.
Whether you are an experienced baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this large loaf recipe is accessible and rewarding.
The joy of pulling a fresh loaf from the oven is unmatched, and sharing it with loved ones makes it even more special.
Easy Large Loaf Bread Recipe
This large loaf bread features a simple combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt, resulting in a deliciously soft and airy bread. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and makes one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- Additional flour for dusting
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. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (if using). 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 damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 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, 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 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: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g