Homemade Bread Recipe

Baking homemade bread is both a rewarding and simple process that can bring the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread into your home. This recipe guides you step-by-step to achieve a delicious, soft, and flavorful loaf that will impress both your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or olive oil for added flavor and moisture

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. If the mixture does not froth, either the yeast is old or the water is not at the right temperature. In that case, start again with fresh yeast and correctly heated water.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt.

Combine Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter (add honey or olive oil if desired). Mix everything with a wooden spoon or by hand until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour as needed.

Step 2: First Rise

Prepare for Rising: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping and Second Rise

Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a round loaf and set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size once again.

Step 4: Baking the Bread

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom. For precise results, use a thermometer to ensure the bread’s internal temperature reaches around 190°F (88°C).

Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Proper Kneading: Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, which is essential for giving the bread its texture and structure.
• Rising Time: If your dough isn’t rising as expected, check that your yeast is fresh, and ensure the rising area is warm enough.
• Adding Flavors: You can easily enhance the bread by adding herbs, seeds, or cheese. Simply fold about 1/4 cup of your chosen additions into the dough after kneading.
• Storage: Store your bread in a paper bag or wrap it in a cloth at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to store it longer, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it.

Conclusion

This homemade bread recipe is simple to follow and results in a soft, flavorful loaf that you can be proud of. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can enjoy the unbeatable taste of freshly baked bread right from your own kitchen.

Happy baking and enjoy the warmth and comfort of fresh, homemade bread!