Nothing beats the aroma of fresh homemade bread baking in the oven. This Homemade Bread recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden-brown crust. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create the perfect loaf for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water (not too hot, around 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- For the Top (optional):
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- A sprinkle of flour for dusting
Directions
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter).
- Stir the ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
3. First Rise
- Grease a clean bowl with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it around so it’s coated in oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can also divide it into smaller portions and shape them into rolls if desired.
- Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Place the shaped dough into the pan, pressing it down gently to fit.
5. Second Rise
- Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
6. Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil for a golden, soft crust.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve with butter, jams, or as part of your favorite meal.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Serve fresh slices of this homemade bread with butter, honey, or your favorite jam for a simple and satisfying breakfast.
- For Sandwiches: Use this bread for sandwiches, from classic deli meats to veggie-packed creations.
- With Soup: Pair the bread with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal.
- For Toast: Toast the bread for a crispy treat, perfect with a spread of peanut butter or avocado.
- With Garlic Butter: Make garlic bread by toasting slices and spreading with homemade garlic butter for a delicious side dish.
Cooking Tips
- Warm Environment for Rising: Ensure the dough rises in a warm place, as yeast activates best at temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Avoid placing it in a cold or drafty area.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading the dough develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Don’t skip this step, as it helps the bread rise properly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making rolls or more than one loaf, make sure there’s enough space between the pieces for the dough to expand during the second rise.
- Check the Bread’s Doneness: When the bread is done, it should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Allow to Cool: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure it has the proper texture and isn’t too crumbly.
Nutritional Benefits
- Whole Wheat Flour: If you substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, you’ll get added fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are good for digestion and overall health.
- Olive Oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil contributes to better cholesterol levels and improved heart health.
- Yeast: Yeast is a source of B vitamins, which help with energy production and healthy skin.
- Low Sugar: This recipe uses just a small amount of sugar to activate the yeast, keeping the bread relatively low in sugar compared to many store-bought versions.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Can be Made Vegan: Substitute olive oil for butter and ensure the yeast is vegan-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter or oil instead of butter.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the homemade bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: If you don’t plan to use the bread within a few days, slice the bread and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Toast slices directly from frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys the comforting taste of freshly baked bread without all the preservatives found in store-bought varieties. It’s simple to make, and you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences, whether you like a soft loaf or a crusty bread. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a slice of warm, homemade bread right out of the oven.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread from scratch is a rewarding experience that produces a warm, fluffy loaf you can be proud of. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious bread that’s perfect for a variety of meals. This bread is versatile, simple to make, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re new to baking or have been baking for years, this easy homemade bread recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe? Yes! You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more rustic loaf.
- What should I do if my yeast doesn’t bubble or froth? If the yeast doesn’t froth, it may be expired or the water temperature may be too hot or too cold. Ensure the water is warm (110°F or 43°C) and check the expiration date on the yeast.
- Can I make this bread in a bread machine? Yes! You can use the dough setting on your bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Follow your machine’s instructions for baking.
- How do I store leftover bread? Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
- Can I add seeds or herbs to the bread? Absolutely! You can add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before the first rise for added flavor.
- How can I make the bread crustier? To achieve a crustier crust, you can place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, or brush the bread with water before baking.
- Can I make rolls instead of a loaf? Yes! Simply shape the dough into individual rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Can I substitute olive oil for butter? Yes! You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral oil in place of butter for a dairy-free or lighter option.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be around 190°F (88