Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

Introduction

Making your own bread at home is a rewarding and simple process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This basic bread recipe yields a soft, golden loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have fresh bread ready in under an hour of active time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Step 3: Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast along with olive oil if using. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. Step 6: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf or rolls according to your preference.
7. Step 7: (Optional) Let the shaped dough rise again covered for 30-60 minutes to develop a lighter texture.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) along with your baking sheet or loaf pan.
9. Step 9: Transfer the shaped dough to the preheated pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
10. Step 10: Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing to allow it to set properly.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and texture.
• Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough can give your bread a delicious aromatic twist.

Storage

Store the bread at room temperature wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Since it doesn’t require activation, mix it directly with the flour and salt, but reduce the initial warm water slightly to Adjust the dough consistency if needed.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast, water that’s too hot or cold, or a drafty environment. Make sure to use fresh yeast, warm (not hot) water, and let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place.

Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 127 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings (about one standard loaf) 1x

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Description

This basic bread recipe guides you through making a classic homemade loaf using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, water, and salt. Perfect for beginners, the bread has a chewy crust and soft interior, ideal for sandwiches or toast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt evenly.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil if using. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, helping develop gluten.
5. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf or rolls according to preference.
7. Second rise (optional): Allow the shaped dough to rise again, covered, for 30-60 minutes to improve texture and volume.
8. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) along with your baking sheet or loaf pan to ensure even baking.
9. Bake: Transfer the shaped dough onto the preheated pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Notes

• Using olive oil is optional but adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
• Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
• For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to add steam.
• Kneading by hand takes about 8-10 minutes; you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook if preferred.
• Allowing the dough to rise twice enhances flavor and texture, but the second rise is optional.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: basic bread recipe, homemade bread, easy bread, yeast bread, baking bread