Description
This easy homemade bread recipe produces a soft, golden loaf perfect for sandwiches or toasting. It uses simple pantry ingredients and requires only basic kneading and rising time before baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer texture)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil if using. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or alternatively use a mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a freestanding loaf. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- For extra flavor, add herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese to the dough.
