homemade bread

Here’s a simple and delicious homemade bread recipe that even beginners can make. It’s soft on the inside with a golden crust on the outside:

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Basic Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose flour or bread flour

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer crumb)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry):
   In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Make the Dough:
   Add flour, salt, and olive oil (if using) to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead:
   Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

4. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

5. Shape and Second Rise:
   Punch down the dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan or onto a baking sheet if making a round loaf. Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

6. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cool:
   Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

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Would you like a whole wheat, no-knead, or sourdough version instead?