Nothing beats the aroma and texture of freshly baked homemade bread. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this simple homemade bread recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the salt. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter) into the bowl with the flour. Add honey if you’re using it. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. - Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour, a teaspoon at a time. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Shape the Loaf:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle, then fold the sides inward and roll it into a loaf shape. Tuck the ends under to seal. - Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan. - Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a small bowl of water at the bottom of the oven for added moisture, which helps develop a soft crust. - Bake the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy fresh with your favorite toppings or use it for sandwiches!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the water with milk or buttermilk.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- Make sure your water is not too hot, as it could kill the yeast. Aim for around 110°F (45°C).
- If you prefer a crustier loaf, bake the bread on a baking stone or sheet instead of in a loaf pan.
Enjoy the comforting, warm sensation of homemade bread fresh out of the oven!