Making homemade bread is a rewarding and comforting experience. The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven and the taste of warm, crusty slices are hard to beat. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own bread from scratch:
Basic Homemade Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and stir gently. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is frothy and bubbles up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead for about 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is a good indicator that the bread is done.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially for the flour.
- Check Water Temperature: The water should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its structure.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and testing it in warm water.
- Let Dough Rise Properly: Allowing enough time for the dough to rise is crucial for a light and airy texture.
- Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the bread to prevent it from becoming too dark.
Variations
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the flour mixture.
- Cheese Bread: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar) into the dough.
Enjoy the process of making your own bread and savor the delicious results!