Homemade Bread
This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The soft, flavorful bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying homemade bread in no time!
Ingredients:
- water
- white sugar
- active dry yeast
- salt
- vegetable oil
- flour
How To Make This Homemade Bread
Dissolve Sugar and Activate Yeast
In a spacious mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine 2 TBSP of sugar with the warm water. Gently whisk to dissolve the sugar completely. Add the yeast to the mixture and let it sit until it forms a creamy, frothy texture, which should take around 5 minutes.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Incorporate the rest of the sugar, salt, and oil into the yeast mixture. Start mixing with a rubber spatula or the dough hook attachment if using a stand mixer.
Incorporate Flour
Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, keeping the last cup in reserve to see if it’s needed. You might not use all the flour. The dough should detach from the bowl’s sides and cling to the bottom in a small circle about the size of a coin. If the dough achieves this consistency with only 5 cups of flour, don’t add more. If it still sticks to the bowl, add a little more flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until it only sticks to the bottom in a small circle.
Knead the Dough
Work the dough for 7 minutes, using a timer to ensure proper kneading. Transfer the dough to a well-greased bowl, turning it to cover all sides. Place a damp cloth over the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take approximately 1 hour.
Form the Loaves
Deflate the dough by punching it down, then knead it for another minute. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Mold each portion into a loaf shape and position them in two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes or until it has expanded 1 inch above the pan edges.
Bake the Bread
Place the loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes. Once baked, let the bread cool down, brush it with some melted butter, and savor your freshly baked bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply use the same amount and skip the proofing step. Mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this will result in a denser, slightly heavier loaf.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your water temperature is correct (110°F/45°C) to properly activate the yeast.
- Be patient with the rising process. Allowing the dough to properly rise will result in a lighter, fluffier loaf. If your kitchen is colder, it may take longer for the dough to rise. Placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot will help speed up the process.
- To check if your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow when it’s fully baked.
- If you prefer a softer crust, you can cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel while they cool, which will trap steam and soften the crust.
- Experiment with adding herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the dough for a flavored bread.
- Try making rolls instead of loaves. Simply divide the dough into equal portions, shape into balls, and place on a greased baking sheet. Allow to rise and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
With this easy homemade bread recipe, you’ll be able to make delicious, fresh bread anytime you want. Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends! Happy baking!
Homemade Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water 110° F/45° C
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 5-6 cups flour all-purpose flour OR bread flour
Instructions
Dissolve Sugar and Activate Yeast
- In a spacious mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine 2 TBSP of sugar with the warm water. Gently whisk to dissolve the sugar completely. Add the yeast to the mixture and let it sit until it forms a creamy, frothy texture, which should take around 5 minutes.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- Incorporate the rest of the sugar, salt, and oil into the yeast mixture. Start mixing with a rubber spatula or the dough hook attachment if using a stand mixer.
Incorporate Flour
- Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, keeping the last cup in reserve to see if it’s needed. You might not use all the flour. The dough should detach from the bowl’s sides and cling to the bottom in a small circle about the size of a coin. If the dough achieves this consistency with only 5 cups of flour, don’t add more. If it still sticks to the bowl, add a little more flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until it only sticks to the bottom in a small circle.
Knead the Dough
- Work the dough for 7 minutes, using a timer to ensure proper kneading. Transfer the dough to a well-greased bowl, turning it to cover all sides. Place a damp cloth over the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take approximately 1 hour.
Form the Loaves
- Deflate the dough by punching it down, then knead it for another minute. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Mold each portion into a loaf shape and position them in two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes or until it has expanded 1 inch above the pan edges.
Bake the Bread
- Place the loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes. Once baked, let the bread cool down, brush it with some melted butter, and savor your freshly baked bread!
Notes
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
