Homemade Bread

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Making homemade bread can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding. This simple, no-fuss recipe for Homemade Bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. It uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and with a little patience, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread ready to enjoy!

Homemade Bread Recipe

Servings: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for greasing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (make sure it’s warm but not hot, around 110°F or 45°C) with sugarand yeast.
  2. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should bubble and foam, which means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of flour and salt.
  2. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour mixture along with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
  3. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. Once it starts to form a shaggy dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. Push the dough down with the heels of your hands, fold it over, and turn it. Continue until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch (but not sticky).
  2. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

Step 4: First Rise

  1. Place the kneaded dough into a clean, lightly greased bowl (you can use butter or oil).
  2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges inward and rolling it up tightly.
  2. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan (around 9×5 inches), seam side down.

Step 6: Second Rise

  1. Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

  1. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Bake the Bread

  1. Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  3. For a softer crust, you can brush the top with melted butter right after baking.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

  1. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Bread

  • Temperature: Be sure the water is the right temperature when activating the yeast. Too hot water will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it.
  • Kneading: Proper kneading helps the bread develop structure. Don’t skip this step—it makes a huge difference in the final result!
  • Rising Time: If your kitchen is a bit chilly, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment for rising.
  • Flour Variations: For a more rustic loaf, feel free to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Crust Preference: If you like a crisper crust, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store the bread in a breadbox or a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Slice the bread and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply toast or warm slices as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike. With its soft, airy texture and rich flavor, it’s an ideal addition to any meal. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven! Whether served alongside soups and stews or enjoyed with butter, you’ll love how easy it is to make this homemade loaf from scratch. Enjoy!

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