This homemade bread is a staple at every meal, whether you’re at work, school, or enjoying time at home. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a warm, crusty loaf that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, homemade bread!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour (divided)
- Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 100 ml warm water
- 8 g (1 teaspoon) sugar
- 8 g (1 teaspoon) dry yeast
- 50 g (about 3 tablespoons) bread flour
- 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
- 8 g (1.5 teaspoons) salt
- 350 ml warm water
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, mix 100 ml warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon dry yeast. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g bread flour and 8 g salt. Make a well in the center.
- Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture along with 350 ml warm water and 30 ml olive oil.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise:
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm place.
- Moisten your hands with oil, then fold the dough 6-7 times. Cover again and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Shape the Bread:
- Dust your work surface with flour. Gently scrape the dough out of the bowl and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece without pressing too hard and shape them as desired.
- Final Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Place a bowl of boiling water in the oven for steam.
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crusty.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy fresh slices with butter or olive oil.
- Use as a base for sandwiches or serve with soups and salads.
Cooking Tips
- For a crustier loaf, add steam to the oven by placing a pan of boiling water inside while baking.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
Nutritional Benefits
- This bread is made with simple ingredients, providing carbohydrates for energy and healthy fats from olive oil.
- Using whole grain bread flour adds fiber and nutrients to your diet.
Dietary Information
- Vegan: Yes
- Nut-Free: Yes
- Gluten: Contains gluten (bread flour)
Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients.
- The resulting bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
- You can customize it by adding herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- A great way to involve kids in cooking!
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Bread is sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Its simple preparation and delightful taste make it perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to lunchboxes. Bake a batch and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma filling your home. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. - 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 add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Dried herbs like rosemary or thyme work great. - What can I use if I don’t have dry yeast?
You can use fresh yeast; just adjust the quantity accordingly. - How can I get a soft crust?
Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust. - Is this recipe suitable for bread machines?
Yes, you can use a bread machine on the basic setting. - Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will vary. - How long can I store this bread?
It can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months. - What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is active and that the dough is in a warm environment. - Can I use olive oil instead of butter for brushing?
Yes, olive oil is a great alternative for brushing the top of the bread.
Enjoy making your Easy Homemade Bread! 🍞✨