This easy homemade bread recipe yields one delicious loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toasting. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread in your home.
The process is straightforward, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers. You can customize the bread by adding herbs, seeds, or other flavorings to suit your taste.
The Joy of Baking Bread at Home
Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.
The process is simple and can be done with just a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, the satisfaction of pulling a freshly baked loaf from the oven is unmatched.
Ingredients for Success
To create a perfect loaf, you will need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, and olive oil or melted butter.
These ingredients come together to form a dough that transforms into a golden brown masterpiece.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or seeds to customize the flavor to your liking.
The Baking Process
The journey begins with activating the yeast, which is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Once the yeast is frothy, mix it with the dry ingredients and knead the dough until smooth.
This step is vital, as kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
Rising to the Occasion
.Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
This first rise is essential for creating the airy interior that everyone loves in homemade bread.
After shaping the loaf, let it rise again before baking, ensuring it reaches the perfect height.
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven and bake the loaf until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
The sound of tapping the bottom and hearing a hollow echo indicates it’s done.
After baking, allow the bread to cool before slicing to maintain its soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it with a small bowl of olive oil and herbs for dipping.
This simple addition enhances the bread’s flavor and makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Enjoy your homemade creation with family and friends, making every meal a little more special.
One Loaf Homemade Bread Recipe
This homemade bread features a soft, fluffy interior with a golden crust. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves as a perfect accompaniment to any meal or as a base for your favorite sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. 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 clean 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, then shape it into a loaf. 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 until it rises above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g