Homemade Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy – The perfect balance of tenderness and lightness.
• Golden, crispy crust – A beautiful, crisp exterior that’s irresistible.
• Simple ingredients – You only need a few basic pantry items to make this delicious bread.
• Customizable – Add herbs, seeds, or other ingredients to create your perfect loaf.
• Freshly baked goodness – The satisfaction of baking bread from scratch in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Warm water
• Salt
• Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Optional: butter for brushing

Directions

1. Activate the yeast – In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough – In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough – Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5-7 minutes.
4. First rise – Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Shape the loaf – Punch down the dough to release the air, then transfer it to a floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges inward and rolling it into a tight cylinder.
6. Second rise – Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
7. Preheat the oven – While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the bread – Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and serve – Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Optionally, brush with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)

Variations

• Herb Bread – Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a savory twist.
• Garlic Bread – Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder or finely chopped fresh garlic. You can also brush the finished bread with garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Whole Wheat Bread – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and ½ cup of sugar to the dough, and swirl it into the loaf before the second rise for a sweet variation.
• Seeded Bread – Sprinkle sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds on top of the loaf before baking for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: While bread is best stored at room temperature, it can be kept in the fridge for 4-5 days if necessary.
• Freezer: Slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the slices at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.
• Reheating: To refresh the bread, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or toast individual slices.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Simply skip the step of activating the yeast in water, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes. A stand mixer simply saves time and energy.

Why is my bread dense?

Dense bread can occur if the dough isn’t kneaded enough, if there’s too much flour, or if the yeast was not properly activated. Make sure to follow the rise times and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I add bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps with the bread’s structure and chewiness. If you substitute it, you might need to adjust the amount of water slightly.

Can I make this recipe with a bread machine?

Yes! Simply add the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, and use the dough or bake setting to make the bread.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake two loaves. If doubling, you might need to extend the rising time a bit.

What can I use if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can shape the dough into a round boule and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a rustic round loaf.

How can I make my bread crustier?

For a crustier crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking, or lightly mist the dough with water before baking.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?

Yes! Chopped nuts, dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), or even chocolate chips can be added to the dough after the first rise.

Conclusion

Homemade bread is a simple and satisfying recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. With its soft interior and golden, crispy crust, this bread is the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with butter or use it to make sandwiches, this homemade loaf will become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of freshly baked bread

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