Here’s a simple recipe for Easy Homemade Bread that’s perfect for beginners. It requires just a few basic ingredients, and the result is a soft, delicious loaf with a golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, showing that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and the olive oil (or melted butter).
- Stir with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a mixer until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes by hand, or knead using a stand mixer for about 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
9. Cool the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Flour Variations: You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of herbs, garlic powder, or shredded cheese to the dough before kneading.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices.
This Easy Homemade Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just eating fresh out of the oven with butter. Enjoy!
