If you have ever dreamed of the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread filling your kitchen, this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a soft, golden loaf that transforms any meal into a heartfelt occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who bakes often, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of crispy crust and tender crumb every single time. Get ready to experience the magic of baking bread from scratch that tastes far better than store-bought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, let’s gather a few simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in ensuring your bread rises beautifully, tastes delicious, and has a lovely texture.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: This magical ingredient makes your dough rise and become light and airy.
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps bring all the ingredients together smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the taste and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing): Adds moisture and richness, keeping the bread tender and flavorful.
How to Make Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. This step wakes up the yeast, causing it to bubble and foam after 5 to 10 minutes. This bubbly activation is what guarantees a fluffy loaf.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Form Dough
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, stir in the olive oil and salt. Then, add the flour gradually, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough starts to form. This slow addition ensures the flour is fully hydrated and the dough achieves the perfect consistency.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. This process develops the gluten strands, giving your bread that lovely chew and elasticity. Don’t rush—kneading by hand is almost therapeutic and totally worth it!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm spot to rise. In about an hour, it should double in size. This rise time is crucial for the bread’s airy texture and rich flavor.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise produces a fuller, better-shaped loaf.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes. When it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack; patience here means beautiful slices later.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This simple homemade bread shines on its own, but you can elevate it by brushing the crust with melted butter right after baking for a soft, shiny finish. Sprinkle a bit of sea salt or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—it adds a delightful aroma and subtle flavor.
Side Dishes
Homemade bread is a versatile companion to countless meals. Enjoy it alongside hearty soups, fresh salads, or a rich pasta dish. Dipping it into olive oil and balsamic vinegar or serving it with a slather of creamy cheese is a simple joy you don’t want to miss.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your loaf thick for rustic sandwiches or thin for elegant crostini topped with tomatoes and basil. You can even hollow out the center to create a bread bowl for soups or dips. This Simple Homemade Bread Recipe adapts wonderfully to whatever culinary idea you dream up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or a reusable bread bag to keep it fresh for a couple of days at room temperature. This helps maintain its softness without drying out.
Freezing
If you have more bread than you can eat, slice it and freeze slices individually. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag, and you’ll have fresh-tasting bread ready at a moment’s notice. Just pop slices into the toaster or oven straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, reheat it briefly in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or toast slices to your liking. This restores the crispy crust and soft interior, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour in this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create more gluten. If you use it, expect a slightly chewier and more robust texture in your bread.
What if I don’t have a warm spot for rising the dough?
You can place the dough in an oven with just the light on or near a radiator. Alternatively, microwaving a cup of water and placing the bowl of dough beside it creates a warm environment perfect for rising.
Can I add flavors to this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme, minced garlic, or even shredded cheese before the first rise for an extra burst of flavor that makes your loaf uniquely yours.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Certainly. The first rise helps develop flavor and allows the yeast to expand the dough, while the second rise ensures your loaf has a lighter, airier crumb and a better shape.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust and tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If you have a food thermometer, an internal temperature of around 190°F indicates perfectly baked bread.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is not just a guide to baking bread; it’s an invitation to bring warmth and comfort into your home through the art of baking. Once you try it, you’ll never want to buy bread from the store again. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with baking all over again!
Print
Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Homemade Bread recipe delivers a classic, soft, and flavorful loaf with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for beginners, it yields a tender crumb and golden crust, ideal for sandwiches or toast. With just all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and olive oil, you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread anytime without a mixer.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that is no longer sticky but still moist.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but manageable.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up before baking.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Substitute bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
- Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
