This homemade bread recipe yields a delicious loaf with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or simply enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt. The dough is easy to work with, and the process of making bread from scratch is both rewarding and fun. The combination of yeast, flour, water, sugar, and salt creates the perfect balance of flavors, and with a little patience, you’ll have fresh homemade bread that fills your home with a wonderful aroma.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (320 grams) bread flour
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons (210 ml) lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) brewer’s yeast or ½ teaspoon (2 grams) dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the lukewarm water. Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is activated.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually mix the flour with the water using a spatula or your hands until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and elasticity. By the end of kneading, the dough should become smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can form it into a round loaf, a baguette-style loaf, or place it into a bread tin for a more uniform shape.
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Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf tin. Cover it again with a damp cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-40 minutes or until it has puffed up.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough is doing its second rise, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If you want a crispy crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom of the oven to create steam while the bread bakes.
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Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, make a few shallow slashes on the surface with a sharp knife or bread lame. This helps the bread expand while baking. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a bread tin, the baking time may extend slightly to ensure the bread is fully cooked through.
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Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Let the bread cool before slicing, as this helps the interior set properly.
Nutritional Facts (per slice, approximately)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Sugar: 1g
The Origins and Popularity of Homemade Bread
Bread is one of the oldest foods known to humanity, with evidence of bread-making dating back over 14,000 years. Early forms of bread were likely unleavened and cooked on hot stones or in clay ovens. The discovery of yeast and fermentation methods, however, led to the rise of leavened bread, which became the foundation of countless cultures and cuisines. In ancient Egypt, bread-making was a highly specialized craft, and Egyptians even worshipped the god of bread, Renenutet. As trade routes expanded, bread-making techniques spread across the world, evolving with local ingredients and customs.
In many parts of the world, bread is a symbol of sustenance, community, and tradition. The popularity of homemade bread has surged in recent years as more people seek to bake at home, rediscovering the joys of making fresh bread from scratch. With a rise in interest for healthier and artisanal breads, many people are now more conscious about the ingredients they use, opting for recipes that call for simple, natural ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. Homemade bread offers an unparalleled freshness that store-bought bread cannot replicate, and it allows for personalization through the use of different flours, herbs, and spices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade bread recipe is incredibly simple, yet yields such a satisfying result. The combination of bread flour, water, and yeast creates a soft, flavorful dough that bakes into a deliciously golden, crusty loaf. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a basic oven. The bread can be used for sandwiches, served alongside soups, or enjoyed with a little butter. Plus, the smell of fresh bread filling your home is a sensory experience you won’t want to miss!
Health Benefits of Homemade Bread
Homemade bread, especially when made with high-quality bread flour, is a great source of energy due to its complex carbohydrates. Unlike processed white bread, homemade bread retains more of its natural nutrients, including B vitamins and fiber, which can help with digestion. The absence of preservatives and artificial additives means that you’re consuming a cleaner, healthier product. Furthermore, baking at home allows you to control the amount of salt and sugar you include in the recipe, making it easier to create a healthier loaf. Whole grain and multigrain variations can also provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals, further enhancing the health benefits of your bread.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade bread can be served in countless ways. It’s perfect for making sandwiches with your favorite fillings like avocado, turkey, or hummus. Pair it with a hearty soup or stew for a satisfying meal, or toast it and spread on some butter or jam for a quick breakfast or snack. The bread is also ideal for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar as part of an appetizer spread. For a more indulgent treat, turn it into garlic bread or serve it with a creamy cheese dip. Whatever way you choose to serve it, homemade bread is sure to elevate any meal.
Tips
- Make sure to measure the flour correctly. Too much flour can make the dough too stiff, while too little can result in a sticky, hard-to-handle dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for the best results. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl in an oven with the light on, or use a warm spot in your home.
- If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can use honey instead of sugar for a subtle flavor.
- If you prefer a chewier bread, you can use a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour. Experiment with different flour types for unique textures and flavors.
Variations to Try
- Herb-Infused Bread: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more fiber-packed loaf.
- Garlic Bread: Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic and parsley for a delicious garlic bread variation.
- Seeded Bread: Add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flax seeds to the dough for extra crunch and nutritional value.
Conclusion This homemade bread recipe is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy fresh, warm bread without the need for fancy ingredients or equipment. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners, but also offers enough room for customization to keep experienced bakers engaged. Whether you’re making bread for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter, this recipe provides the perfect foundation for countless variations. Baking your own bread allows you to connect with an ancient tradition while creating something truly special for yourself and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! This recipe doesn’t require a stand mixer. You can knead the dough by hand, and it will work just as well.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour provides the best texture and structure for this bread, you can substitute all-purpose flour if needed. The bread may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
3. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the dough into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the second rise and baking.
4. How do I store the bread after baking?
Store your homemade bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a plastic bag.
5. Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for this recipe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, adding the ingredients in the order recommended for your bread machine.