Homemade Bread Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the process of baking your own bread. The aroma of freshly baked bread filling the house, the warmth of the loaf straight from the oven, and the soft, tender crumb make homemade bread a treat for both the senses and the soul. While baking bread from scratch may sound intimidating, it’s actually simpler than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a loaf that rivals any store-bought version.

At the heart of homemade bread is the combination of flour, yeast, water, and salt. The yeast acts as the leavening agent, helping the dough rise and creating the airy, light texture that makes bread so irresistible. As the dough rises, it develops flavor and structure, and the act of kneading helps to build the gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture.

Once you mix the ingredients together, the dough needs to rise in a warm place. This is when the magic happens. After about an hour, the dough will double in size. After punching it down, it’s ready to be shaped into a loaf. Placing the dough in a loaf pan helps it hold its shape, and as it bakes, the heat transforms it into a golden, fragrant loaf with a crisp, slightly chewy crust.

The beauty of homemade bread is in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients to get started—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and your hands. The process may take a few hours, but it’s mostly hands-off time where the dough does its work. The result is a warm, comforting loaf that you can enjoy with anything from butter to jam, or as the base for a delicious sandwich.

There’s nothing like the feeling of slicing into a loaf of homemade bread. The warm, soft texture and the taste of the freshly baked crust are unbeatable. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner or simply because you crave that comforting aroma, homemade bread is always a winner.

Homemade Bread Recipe

3.72 from 132 votes

Learn to bake a delicious homemade bread with this simple recipe. Perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

Servings 1 loaf

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1.25 teaspoons salt
• 1.25 cups warm water around 110°F (43°C)

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir together until well mixed.
• Add the yeast and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
• Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Knead for a few minutes until smooth.
• Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan.
• Cover the pan with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 10mg

Calories: 100kcal

Meal Type: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: baking, homemade, recipes

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Vegetarian

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

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