Making soft homemade bread dough is a rewarding and comforting process! You don’t need to be a bread-making expert to create a simple, fluffy loaf. Here’s a basic recipe that’s easy to follow:
Soft Homemade Bread Dough (Simple Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute some with whole wheat if you prefer)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C—warm, not too hot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, or you can use vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top.
- Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be expired, or the water may have been too hot or too cold. Start over with fresh yeast.
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Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of the flour and the salt.
- Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl, then add the melted butter (or oil). Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing as you go. You might not need all the flour, but you want the dough to come together and not be too sticky.
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Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. To knead, push the dough with the heels of your hands, fold it over, and repeat.
- The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s still sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you can handle it comfortably.
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First Rise:
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn it once to coat the dough with oil, then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size. You can also turn your oven on to the lowest setting for a few minutes, turn it off, and place the bowl inside to help it rise.
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Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it out slightly, folding in the sides, and rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seams to seal.
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Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed up and just about to the top of the pan.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F (88°C).
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Cool:
- Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips:
- Butter the top: For an extra soft, buttery finish, you can brush melted butter on top of the loaf right after baking.
- Flavor: Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for a flavor boost.
- Storage: Store the bread in a breadbox or an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best within the first 2-3 days but can be frozen for longer storage.
What to do with this dough?
- You can also use this dough to make rolls, pizza dough, or even cinnamon rolls if you’re in the mood for something different.
It’s a super simple recipe to follow, and the result is a soft, fluffy loaf of bread that fills your kitchen with amazing smells. Let me know if you try it, and enjoy the homemade goodness!