This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners looking to bake their own bread at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious loaf that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether served with butter, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, this bread is sure to impress. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread!
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Rest time: 1 hour
- Bake time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- Warm water: 375 ml (1½ cups)
- Sugar: ½ tablespoon (7 g)
- Dry yeast: 7 g (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- Flour: 500 g (4 cups), plus extra for dusting
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6 g)
- Sunflower oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
Directions:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a bowl, combine 50 ml warm water, ½ tablespoon sugar, and 7 g dry yeast. Mix thoroughly and let sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until frothy. - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with 375 ml warm water. Gradually add 500 g sifted flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until a dough forms. - Knead the Dough:
Add sunflower oil and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed. - First Rise:
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Dough:
Once risen, sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Stretch and fold the dough as shown in the video, then form it into a ball. Dust with flour. - Second Rise:
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and dust it with flour. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, cover it, and let it rise again until doubled. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). - Make Cuts and Bake:
Once the dough has risen, make slashes on the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool the Bread:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with butter or olive oil.
- Use for sandwiches or toast.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a better texture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Homemade bread contains no preservatives and can be tailored to your dietary preferences.
- Whole wheat flour can be used for added fiber.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Can be made vegan by substituting oil for butter.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Protein: 4 g
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple ingredients and minimal effort yield delicious results.
- Baking your own bread fills your home with a comforting aroma.
- It’s a satisfying and rewarding experience to enjoy bread made from scratch.
- Perfect for any meal or occasion!
Conclusion:
This easy homemade bread recipe is a delightful way to introduce baking into your routine. With just a few simple steps, you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery. The crispy crust and soft interior make this bread a wonderful addition to your meals. Enjoy the process and savor the taste of freshly baked bread!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast; skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour. - What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm enough. - Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can enhance the flavor. - Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary. - How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Can I bake this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, follow your bread machine’s instructions, using the same ingredients. - What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture. - How can I make my bread more flavorful?
Adding ingredients like honey, olive oil, or spices can enhance the flavor. - What should I do if my dough is too dry?
Add a little warm water gradually until the dough reaches the desired consistency. - Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough before the second rise and bake it directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.