This simple homemade bread is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. With a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, it’s versatile enough for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to soups and salads.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (370 ml)
- Dry Yeast: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
- Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
Directions
Activate the Yeast
- Combine the warm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g) in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and foamy.
Prepare the Dough
- Add the flour (500 g) and salt (1 teaspoon) to the yeast mixture.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If sticky, add extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
- Shape it into a loaf or your desired form and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade bread warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast.
- Use for sandwiches or paninis.
- Pair with soups or stews for a hearty meal.
- Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Toast and top with avocado, eggs, or your favorite spreads.
Cooking Tips
- Use warm water (around 38°C or 100°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a light and airy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm area for the best results.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water on the oven’s bottom rack while baking.
- Brush the top of the dough with milk or egg wash for a glossy crust.
Nutritional Benefits
- Carbohydrates: Provides energy for daily activities.
- Low in Fat: This basic recipe uses no added fats, making it lighter.
- Customizable: Enrich with seeds, herbs, or whole-grain flour for added nutrients.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Vegan: Naturally vegan-friendly.
- Low in Sugar: Contains no added sugar.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Based on 12 Slices)
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in a breadbox or airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast before serving.
- Reheating: Refresh in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Minimal ingredients and easy steps.
- Versatile: Perfect for a variety of meals and snacks.
- Homemade Comfort: Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples, saving you money.
- Customizable: Add seeds, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Conclusion
This homemade bread recipe delivers a classic loaf with minimal effort. Its soft interior and crisp crust make it a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread will elevate your meals with its wholesome goodness.
Try it today and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious loaf!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf.
- Can I make this bread without yeast? No, yeast is essential for leavening in this recipe. Consider a quick bread recipe if avoiding yeast.
- What if my dough is too sticky? Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Can I add seeds or herbs? Absolutely! Mix them into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- How do I know if my yeast is active? It will foam and bubble after 5–10 minutes in warm water. If not, replace your yeast.
- Can I bake this bread in a bread machine? Yes, follow the machine’s instructions for ingredient order and baking.
- How can I make the crust softer? Brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, adjust ingredient quantities and use a larger mixing bowl.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze after the first rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then shape, let rise, and bake.
- How do I achieve a crisp crust? Place a pan of hot water in the oven during baking to create steam.