There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This classic homemade bread recipe yields a delicious, fluffy loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistently great results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful homemade bread!
Ingredients:
- 300g (2 cups) bread flour or wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 38g (3 tbsp) sugar
- 150ml (0.62 cup) milk
- 3g (1 tsp) instant yeast
- 3g (1/2 tsp) salt
- 28g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- Additional butter for greasing
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- First Rise Time: 1 hour
- Second Rise Time: 30-45 minutes
- Bake Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15-30 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg and mix it with the milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the 28g of unsalted butter and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth again.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf mold of size 8.9″x4.4″x2.2″ (22.8×11.3×5.8cm).
- Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and fills the mold.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Brush the top of the loaf with egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the mold for a few minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sandwiches: Use this homemade bread to make delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
- Toast: Slice and toast the bread, then top with butter, jam, or avocado for a tasty breakfast.
- Soup Companion: Serve slices of this bread with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Kneading: Ensure you knead the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
- Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. Covering the dough with a damp cloth can prevent it from drying out.
- Baking: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, as this can affect the final outcome of your bread.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Flour: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.
- Egg: Adds protein and helps bind the dough.
- Milk: Adds calcium and moisture, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the bread.
Dietary Information:
- This bread contains gluten from the flour and dairy from the milk and butter.
- It can be made dairy-free by substituting plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- For a whole grain version, substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Delicious: This recipe uses basic ingredients to create a delicious, fluffy loaf that can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite soup.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s a special satisfaction in baking your own bread, and this recipe makes it accessible to everyone.
Conclusion:
Baking your own bread is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results. This classic homemade bread recipe is simple to follow and produces a fluffy, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying a slice with butter, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of fresh homemade bread!