There’s something truly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through my kitchen. This homemade bread recipe is simple, rewarding, and produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. I find it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with just a pat of butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses basic pantry ingredients and doesn't require any special equipment. The dough is easy to handle, and the rising time allows me to multitask while the yeast works its magic. The final product is a loaf that tastes better than store-bought bread and fills my home with warmth.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
Directions
- I start by dissolving the sugar in warm water and then adding the yeast. I let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- I mix in the salt and oil, then gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- I punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- I let it rise again for 30–40 minutes, then bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- I let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving approximately 10 slices. Prep time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes (including rising time), and bake time is 25–30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme gives it an aromatic twist. For a touch of sweetness, I mix in a bit of honey or sprinkle seeds on top before baking.
storage/reheating
I store the bread in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and then in foil. To reheat, I toast slices or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know if the yeast is active?
If the yeast mixture becomes frothy after 5–10 minutes, it means the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired or the water too hot or cold.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, I use instant yeast in the same amount, and I skip the proofing step by mixing it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I keep the bread from being too dense?
I make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough time for both rises. Proper gluten development and sufficient rising are key to light, airy bread.
Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?
Yes, I shape the dough into a round or oval and bake it on a baking sheet. The texture might be slightly different, but it still turns out great.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
This could be due to inactive yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or not enough rising time. I always check the yeast and make sure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place.
Conclusion
Baking homemade bread brings a special sense of accomplishment and joy. This recipe is simple, flexible, and produces a delicious loaf every time. Whether I eat it fresh, toasted, or with a spread, it always hits the spot. Once I tried making my own bread, I never looked back.
Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise time)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade bread recipe is the perfect beginner-friendly guide to baking a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. With simple pantry staples and no special equipment required, this comforting bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter. Discover the joy of making bread from scratch with this foolproof method.
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (approximate)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add salt and oil. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Sprinkle seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Use instant yeast by skipping the proofing step and mixing it directly with dry ingredients.
- Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for later.
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