This fluffy homemade bread recipe is perfect for anyone craving a soft, light, and delicious loaf. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home baker, this recipe guarantees a soft and airy texture with a golden, crisp crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 egg (optional for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This activates the yeast and ensures your bread rises beautifully.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make sure the salt is well distributed to avoid direct contact with the yeast, as it can hinder the yeast’s activation.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture. Add the melted butter and olive oil to the bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour at a time; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges inwards and rolling it tightly. Tuck the ends under to form a smooth loaf.
- Second rise: Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has risen just above the edges of the pan.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, if desired, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy crust. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top 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 in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked fluffy bread!