Making homemade bread from scratch can be simple and rewarding. Here’s an easy recipe for a basic homemade bread that requires just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time. It has a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crisp crust.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, helps activate yeast)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C, not too hot)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional, for added richness)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar (if using), and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for about 5–10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the flour.
- Add the olive oil or melted butter (if using) and stir with a spoon until a dough starts to form. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough feels too sticky, or a little more water if it’s too dry.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle with a little more flour.
- Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes.
4. First Rise:
- Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the sides toward the center and rolling it tightly.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can place it directly onto a baking sheet for a freeform loaf.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
7. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you like a softer crust, you can brush the top with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
8. Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing to avoid it from being too doughy inside.
Tips:
- Flavor Add-ins: You can add herbs, garlic, or cheese into the dough for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel. It will stay fresh for a few days at room temperature or can be frozen for later use.
- Crustiness: For a crustier loaf, you can place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven during baking to create steam.
This simple, homemade bread is a great go-to recipe for beginners and yields delicious, fresh bread with minimal effort. Enjoy it with butter, jam, or use it for sandwiches!