Homemade Bread Recipe

Here’s a simple and classic homemade bread recipe that you can make with just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir lightly. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to try with a new packet.

2. Make the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
   • If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit more warm water.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4. First rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size.

5. Shape the dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by folding the sides in and rolling it up, pinching the seams together.
   • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan (or you can free-form it on a baking sheet for a rustic look).

6. Second rise:

   • Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has puffed up.

7. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool and enjoy:

   • Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips:

• If you prefer a crustier bread, place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
• You can also add herbs, garlic, or even cheese to the dough for extra flavor.

Enjoy your fresh homemade bread!