Making homemade bread is a rewarding and delicious experience. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade bread that yields soft, fluffy loaves. This recipe is ideal for beginners and requires basic ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and active.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft but non-sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. To knead, fold the dough over itself, push it down with the heels of your hands, and turn it a quarter turn. Repeat this process until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5 minutes.)
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean 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. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it into a tight log shape.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edges of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, or when a thermometer inserted into the center reads about 190°F (88°C).
9. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Optional Add-ins:
- You can add 1/4 cup of seeds, nuts, or herbs to the dough (such as sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or rosemary) for extra flavor and texture.
- For a slightly sweeter bread, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
Enjoy your homemade bread fresh, or toast slices for a delicious snack or sandwich!