Making easy homemade bread can be incredibly satisfying, and it doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s a simple recipe for a basic, soft loaf of bread that you can make from scratch, even if you’re a beginner.
Easy Homemade Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast over the top of the water.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam up, the yeast might be expired or the water could have been too hot or too cold—try again with fresh yeast and the correct water temperature.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Once the yeast is frothy, pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together. It will look shaggy at first, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a 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.
- Add small amounts of flour as needed if the dough is too sticky. The dough should become smooth and elastic when it’s ready.
4. First Rise:
- Grease a clean bowl with a bit of oil and place the dough in the bowl. Turn the dough in the bowl so it’s lightly coated with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a 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:
- Punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and gently shape it into a loaf by flattening it slightly, folding the sides in, and rolling it tightly into a log shape.
- Place the dough seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the top of the pan.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer—the bread should register about 190°F (88°C) internally when done.
8. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and prevents it from being too soft and crumbly.
Tips:
- Flour: For a slightly denser loaf, you can replace up to 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Flavor: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough for a flavor boost.
- Crispy Crust: For a crustier finish, you can place a small pan of water at the bottom of the oven during baking to create steam.
- Storing: Once cool, store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
This recipe makes a delicious, soft loaf with minimal effort. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a go!