If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread, this Homemade Bread Recipe is the perfect starting point. It’s wonderfully simple yet deeply rewarding, yielding a loaf with a crisp crust and a soft, tender crumb that feels just like a cozy hug from the inside out. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply savoring with butter, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something truly special, inviting you to experience baking joy right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe shines by showcasing each element’s essential role in creating that perfect loaf. Every ingredient plays its part in the taste, texture, and lovely golden color of your homemade bread.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your bread structure and chew.
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes your dough rise beautifully.
- 1½ teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for balanced taste.
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour to form the dough.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for a lively rise and adds a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional): Creates a softer crust and adds richness.
How to Make Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining warm water and sugar in a large bowl, stirring just enough to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast evenly on top without stirring. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive with bubbles — this is how you know the yeast is ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix initial dough
Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, stir in the salt and 2 cups of flour until just combined. This forms the watery start of your dough and helps evenly disperse the salt, which is key for flavor and yeast balance.
Step 3: Add remaining flour and knead
Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing as you go until a soft dough forms. Then, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Focus on folding and pushing the dough until it’s smooth, elastic, and a little bouncy to the touch — this kneading develops the gluten that gives bread its wonderful texture.
Step 4: First rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours or until it doubles in size. This first rise is where the dough gains volume and those beloved airy qualities.
Step 5: Shape and second rise
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Transfer it to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30 to 40 minutes, just until the dough peeks over the pan’s rim. This second rise adds lightness and prepares the dough for baking.
Step 6: Bake your bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. For a crispier crust, brush the loaf lightly with water before baking. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust glows a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack to finish off the texture perfectly.
How to Serve Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Just before baking, you can sprinkle your loaf with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even coarse sea salt for a flavorful crunch. After baking, try brushing it with melted butter for a luxuriously soft crust that’s impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This homemade bread pairs fabulously with warm soups, stews, or a colorful salad. It’s also a fantastic companion for cheese boards or simply dipped into olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a quick snack with flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your loaf thick for hearty sandwiches or cut into cubes to make homemade croutons. Toast slices and top with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fresh twist. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever your taste buds crave!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the bread in an airtight container or a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its lovely crust while keeping the inside soft.
Freezing
Slice the loaf before freezing so you can pull out just what you need. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for busy days when you want fresh bread without baking.
Reheating
To revive your bread, pop slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also brush with a little butter for added moisture and flavor on reheating.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour, though the loaf might be a bit denser and have a nuttier flavor. Adjust liquid amounts slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
How do I know if my yeast is still good?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam and bubble during the activation step, it’s likely inactive. Make sure your water is the right temperature and try fresh yeast to get that perfect rise.
Can I make this bread without kneading?
While kneading develops gluten for structure and texture, there are no-knead variations that take longer rise times. For this recipe, kneading helps achieve the classic soft and elastic crumb.
What causes bread to be dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread can come from not enough kneading, insufficient rising time, or old yeast. Make sure to knead well and give the dough enough time to double in size for the best texture.
Can I add flavors like garlic or herbs to this recipe?
Yes! Mix minced garlic, your favorite herbs, or shredded cheese into the dough before the first rise to create delicious flavor variations that make this basic recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Homemade Bread Recipe is such a gratifying kitchen adventure that warms both the heart and the home. It’s simple enough for beginners and versatile enough for anyone ready to explore the magic of baking. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have a loaf that’s genuinely your own — fresh, fragrant, and nothing short of delightful.
Print
Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade bread recipe is a simple and classic loaf perfect for beginners and bread lovers alike. Made with basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, and water, it yields a deliciously soft and golden crusted bread. Optional olive oil or melted butter can be added for a softer texture. The bread is baked to perfection in the oven, making it an ideal staple for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional for softer crust)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the salt and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place this into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until it rises just above the pan’s rim.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the loaf pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing to finish the process.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, brush the loaf with water before baking.
- For softer bread, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or garlic into the dough for added flavor variety.
