Here’s a classic, easy Homemade Bread Recipe — perfect for beginners and delicious for everyday use. It yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust!
Homemade Bread Recipe
Soft, Simple, and Made from Scratch
Yields: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast over the water and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. Add a bit more flour if too sticky.
Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- (Or use a stand mixer with dough hook for ~5 minutes.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes, until puffy.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool
- Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- For a softer crust, brush the top with butter after baking.
- For whole wheat bread, replace up to 2 cups of flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add-ins: You can mix in herbs, garlic, or cheese for variation!
Let me know if you want a no-yeast version, gluten-free option, or a faster 1-hour bread!
Enjoy.