Homemade Bread
This homemade bread recipe produces soft, fluffy loaves with a golden, crispy crust. Simple to make with basic pantry ingredients, this easy bread recipe is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish. With just a little patience, you can bake a delicious loaf from scratch that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Warm water
- Salt
- Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Optional: Butter for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 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.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5-7 minutes.
- 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 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release the air, then transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by folding the edges inward and rolling it into a tight cylinder.
- Second rise: Place the dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, until it rises just above the pan’s edge.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing. Optionally, brush with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust.
Notes
- Customize your bread with herbs, garlic, or seeds for different flavors.
- For a crustier loaf, add a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking.
- Make sure to knead the dough well to avoid dense bread.
- Optionally, brush the loaf with melted butter for a glossy finish.
Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/homemade-bread/
