Homemade Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade bread is a comforting classic, known for its warm, fluffy texture and golden crust. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, this loaf delivers hearty flavor and wholesome satisfaction.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm watergranulated sugarsaltolive oil (or melted butter)

directions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

Add the oil and salt, then gradually mix in the flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.

Cover again and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a denser, more wholesome loaf.

Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for added flavor.

Sprinkle seeds (sesame, poppy, or flax) on top before baking.

Incorporate shredded cheese or garlic for a savory twist.

Make dinner rolls by dividing the dough into small balls and baking in a muffin tin.

storage/reheating

Store homemade bread in a sealed plastic bag or breadbox at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, toast slices or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that the water was warm—not too hot or cold.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, bread flour gives a chewier texture and more structure.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped.

Can I knead the dough with a mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook works well for kneading.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use two loaf pans and increase rising space accordingly.

Do I need to cover the bread while baking?
No, but if the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

How do I get a softer crust?
Brush the top with melted butter as it comes out of the oven.

Can I make this into sandwich bread?
Yes, slice thinly after it’s fully cooled for perfect sandwich slices.

Conclusion

Homemade bread is a timeless recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to any meal. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a loaf that tastes better than anything store-bought. Once you try it, you’ll understand why baking your own bread is such a rewarding experience.

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