Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of baking bread that fills your kitchen with that irresistible, warm aroma and yields a soft, golden crust, this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is here to turn that dream into reality. It is straightforward enough for beginners yet rewarding enough to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with a bit of butter. Let’s dive into how you can make this beautiful bread that tastes like it came straight from your favorite bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe plays an essential role, combining to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple yet vital pantry staples ensure you get a delicious loaf every time.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the bread, crucial for that soft yet chewy crumb.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magical ingredient that makes your dough rise and become light and airy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Balances flavor and controls yeast activity for the perfect rise.
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing): Adds richness to the dough and keeps the crust tender.
How to Make Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This foaming action tells you that your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your bread that perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is bubbly, stir in the olive oil to add moisture and tenderness. Gradually add the salt and flour, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. This step lays the foundation for the texture you’ll love in the finished bread.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for a chewy, airy bread crumb and that satisfying chew.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is when all the hard work pays off as the yeast works to make your loaf light and fluffy.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough to release any large air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and allow it to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until it’s puffy and ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your loaf pan on the middle rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when you gently tap the bottom.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling prevents the bread from turning gummy inside and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe, brushing the top with melted butter right after baking creates a soft, shiny crust that’s simply irresistible. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt or herbs before baking to add flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and salads, acting as the perfect vehicle to soak up sauces or add a comforting carb side. It also shines alongside cheese platters or dolloped with creamy butter and homemade jam for breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it thick and toast for delicious breakfast avocado toast, or cube it to make savory bread pudding or homemade croutons. You can even transform this bread into artistic garlic knots or mini sliders by shaping the dough before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bread has fully cooled, keep it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to maintain its freshness. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to savor the tender crumb and soft texture.
Freezing
Your Simple Homemade Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. This way, it will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever you need fresh bread.
Reheating
To bring your frozen bread back to life, thaw it at room temperature and then warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives the crust’s crispness and refreshes the soft interior.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! While whole wheat flour will give your loaf a denser texture and nuttier flavor, consider substituting only half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to maintain a lighter crumb.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Several factors can interfere with rising: the yeast might be old or inactive, the water temperature could be too hot or cold, or the dough was not kept in a warm enough environment during rising.
Can I make this bread without a loaf pan?
Yes! You can shape the dough into a free-form round loaf, often called a boule, and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Just watch the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
How do I get a softer crust on the bread?
For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking while it is still warm. Covering the cooled bread with a clean towel helps retain moisture as well.
Is it okay to add herbs or other flavorings?
Definitely! Adding dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough can infuse delightful flavors. Just mix them in with the flour during step two of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe makes it wonderfully easy to achieve. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned home baker, this recipe writes its own love letter to those who enjoy fresh, homemade goodness. Give it a try and watch how the aroma alone brings warmth and joy to your kitchen.
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Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Homemade Bread recipe yields a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for beginners. Made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, it features a tender crumb and a golden crust. The process involves mixing, kneading, rising, and baking to create a classic loaf ideal for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Make Dough: Stir in olive oil into the yeast mixture, then gradually add the salt and flour while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, enhancing gluten development for a good texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until it becomes puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.
- This dough can be shaped into rolls or a round loaf instead of a loaf pan shape.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour 30 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
