Making bread at home is easier than you think! This simple recipe creates soft, fluffy bread with a golden crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a pat of butter. With just a few pantry staples, you can bake fresh, delicious bread your whole family will love.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Proofing Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Directions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it rises slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spread with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast.
- Use for sandwiches, toast, or grilled cheese.
- Pair with soups or stews for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.
- Make French toast or bread pudding with leftovers.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the water is warm enough to activate the yeast but not too hot to kill it.
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking.
- Add seeds, herbs, or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
- If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in an oven preheated to 100°F (37°C) and then turned off.
- For crustier bread, bake with a pan of water on the oven’s lower rack.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Lower in preservatives compared to store-bought bread.
- Provides energy and dietary fiber.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten.
- Vegan-friendly if made with olive oil.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, based on 12 slices):
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week (though refrigeration may dry out the bread).
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy portioning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make with basic ingredients.
- Soft, fluffy texture with a deliciously golden crust.
- Customizable with herbs, seeds, or spices.
- Perfect for any meal or occasion.
Conclusion:
Homemade bread is a simple and rewarding recipe that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy recipe will help you create a loaf that’s as tasty as it is satisfying. Try it today and enjoy the warmth of homemade bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the activation step. Add it directly to the dry ingredients. - Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Adjust water as needed. - What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is correct. - Can I knead the dough by hand?
Yes, kneading by hand works well. It takes about 8-10 minutes. - How do I make the crust softer?
Brush the bread with melted butter after baking. - Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter. - Can I add seeds or nuts?
Absolutely! Mix them into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking. - How do I know the bread is done baking?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. - Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?
Yes, shape the dough into a round loaf and bake on a baking sheet. - What’s the best way to reheat bread?
Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.