Name: Homemade Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2½ cup warm water; ¼ cup sugar; 1¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp yeast; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp oil

Baking homemade bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, offering a simple yet effective way to create delicious, fresh bread right in your kitchen. Follow these steps to achieve a soft, golden-brown loaf that is sure to become a family favorite.

Photos of Homemade Bread Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples except for yeast, which some may not have readily available. Yeast is essential for the bread to rise, so ensure you pick up a fresh packet from the supermarket. Additionally, make sure to use all-purpose flour for the best results.

Ingredients For Homemade Bread Recipe

Warm water: Helps activate the yeast for proper proofing.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Yeast: The leavening agent responsible for making the bread rise.

All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that forms the bread structure.

Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.

One reader, Cary Thatcher says:

This homemade bread recipe is fantastic! The steps are easy to follow, and the result is deliciously soft and fluffy bread. Perfect for sandwiches or just enjoying with butter. Highly recommend!

Cary Thatcher

Techniques for Making Perfect Homemade Bread

How to proof yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast, then let it sit until it bubbles, about 5 minutes. How to knead dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then form it into a ball. How to punch dough: After the first rise, punch the dough to release the air before shaping it into loaves. How to shape loaves: Lay the dough onto a flat surface, cut it into 2 loaves, roll each loaf up, and place them into loaf pans.

How To Make Homemade Bread

Skip the store and whip up your own homemade bread with this foolproof and easy-to-make recipe! It creates a completely satisfying bread everyone will love!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Rise Time: 3 hours

Total: 3 hours 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½cupwarm water
¼cupsugar
1¼tspsalt
1tbspyeast
5cupsall-purpose flour
2tbspoil,such as olive oil

Instructions

In a stand mixer add the warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Let the yeast proof until it bubbles for about 5 minutes.
Using the dough hook, start adding the flour 1 cup at a time until the dough combines and forms a soft dough.
On a floured surface knead the dough until smooth and elastic and form a ball.
Add the oil to the large bowl and add the dough to the bowl and cover.
Let rise for 1 to 1½ hours until it has doubled.
Grease and flour 2 9×5-inch pans.
Punch the dough to release the air. Lay the dough onto a flat surface and cut into 2 loaves.
Roll each loaf up and place it into the loaf pans.
Let it rise until it doubles for another 1 to 1½ hours.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown on the tops.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Notes

If there’s no stand mixer, add the ingredients to a large bowl and combine until the dough has formed and is smooth. Then proceed to knead it on a floured surface.

Nutrition

Calories: 172.19kcal
Fat: 2.19g
Saturated Fat: 0.20g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
Carbohydrates: 33.24g
Fiber: 1.26g
Sugar: 3.22g
Protein: 4.34g
Sodium: 184.35mg
Calcium: 7.34mg
Potassium: 49.06mg
Iron: 1.83mg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Crucial Technique for Successful Bread Baking

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a better texture for your bread.

Time-Saving Tips for Baking Bread at Home

Use instant yeast: Instant yeast doesn't require proofing, saving you about 5 minutes.

Pre-measure ingredients: Have all ingredients ready before starting to streamline the process.

Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place to speed up the rising time.

Stand mixer efficiency: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough faster and more efficiently.

Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later use, saving time on future baking.

Preheat oven early: Preheat the oven while the dough is rising to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Bread Recipe

warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and a softer texture to the bread.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and can help keep the bread moist.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is often less processed.
yeast - Substitute with sourdough starter: Sourdough starter can be used for a more complex flavor and natural leavening.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser bread.
oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a richer flavor and a softer crumb to the bread.

Presenting Your Freshly Baked Bread

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the bread into elegant, uniform pieces, ensuring each slice is about 1 inch thick. This allows for a refined presentation and easy handling.
Use decoration: Garnish the bread slices with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Add a few fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a touch of color and aroma.
Pair with accompaniments: Serve the bread alongside a small dish of whipped butter infused with honey and sea salt. Alternatively, offer a selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie for a more sophisticated touch.
Use high-quality ingredients: Highlight the use of premium all-purpose flour, yeast, and oil in the recipe. Mention the importance of warm water and sugar in activating the yeast for a perfect rise.
Highlight the baking process: Emphasize the golden brown crust achieved by baking at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Mention the importance of letting the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its structure and flavor.
Create a rustic presentation: Place the bread slices on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving platter. Add a few whole wheat grains or flour dusting around the board for an artisanal look.
Incorporate texture: Highlight the smooth and elastic texture of the dough achieved through proper kneading. Mention the importance of the second rise to ensure a light and airy crumb.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the bread on fine china or a sleek, modern serving tray. Use high-quality bread knives for slicing and serving to maintain the integrity of each piece.
Add a touch of luxury: Offer a small bowl of truffle butter or herb-infused olive oil for dipping. This adds an element of indulgence and elevates the overall dining experience.
Focus on aroma: Serve the bread warm to enhance its inviting aroma. The scent of freshly baked bread will captivate the senses and set the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Essential Tools for Baking Bread at Home

Stand mixer: Essential for mixing the dough ingredients together efficiently and ensuring a smooth, consistent texture.
Dough hook: An attachment for the stand mixer that kneads the dough, saving you time and effort.
Large bowl: Used for letting the dough rise. It provides enough space for the dough to double in size.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the water, sugar, and flour to ensure the recipe turns out correctly.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like salt and yeast.
Floured surface: A clean, flat area dusted with flour where you can knead the dough without it sticking.
Loaf pans: Two 9x5-inch pans where the dough will be placed to rise and bake into loaves.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, this is where the bread will be baked to perfection.
Cooling rack: Allows the bread to cool evenly after baking, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Knife: Used to cut the dough into two loaves before placing them in the loaf pans.
Plastic wrap or towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises, keeping it from drying out.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Bread

Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for homemade bread:

Allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture from forming, which can lead to mold growth.
Store the bread at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Place the bread in a bread box, paper bag, or an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out too quickly.
- Plastic bags can cause the crust to soften and become soggy, so avoid using them for storage.
Homemade bread typically lasts for 3-4 days at room temperature when stored properly.
To extend the shelf life of your homemade bread, you can also freeze it:
- Slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of when the bread was frozen.
- Frozen bread can last for up to 3 months when stored properly in the freezer.
To thaw frozen bread, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- You can also toast frozen bread slices directly in a toaster or toaster oven for a quick and easy option.
If you prefer to thaw the entire loaf, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, the bread can be stored at room temperature and consumed within 2-3 days.

How To Reheat Leftover Homemade Bread

The best way to reheat leftover homemade bread is to wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crispy again. This method helps to restore the bread's original texture and flavor.
Another option is to slice the bread and toast it in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes. This is a quick and easy way to reheat smaller portions of bread and get a crispy texture.
For a softer texture, you can wrap the bread in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave it for 10-20 seconds. This method is best for small portions or individual slices.
If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, you can use it to reheat slices of bread while giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
To add extra flavor to your reheated bread, try brushing it with some melted butter, olive oil, or garlic butter before heating it in the oven or toasting it.
If you have a lot of leftover bread, consider cutting it into cubes and making croutons, breadcrumbs, or a bread pudding. These recipes allow you to repurpose the bread and give it new life.

Interesting Fact About Homemade Bread

A random fact about this homemade bread recipe is that the process of letting the dough rise twice helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread.

Is Baking Bread at Home Cost-Effective?

This homemade bread recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and sugar, the total cost is minimal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $2-$3, making it an affordable option compared to store-bought bread. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is Homemade Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?

The homemade bread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high content of refined flour and sugar. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:

Refined flour: All-purpose flour is stripped of its bran and germ, which removes many of the nutrients and fiber. This can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Sugar: The recipe contains a significant amount of added sugar, which provides empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Lack of whole grains: The recipe does not include any whole grain flour, which would provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
High calorie density: Due to the refined flour and added sugar, the bread is likely to be calorie-dense without providing a high level of satiety or nutrition.

To make this bread recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:

Replace half or more of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, or consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in smaller quantities.
Add some seeds, such as chia, flax, or sunflower seeds, to the dough for an extra boost of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Experiment with adding other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to increase the vegetable content and moisture in the bread.
Consider reducing the overall portion size when consuming the bread, and pair it with balanced meals that include lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Bread Recipe

This homemade bread recipe is straightforward and ideal for beginners. The use of warm water and sugar helps activate the yeast effectively, ensuring a good rise. Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is crucial for texture. The two rises allow for a light, airy loaf. Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes ensures a golden crust. Overall, it's a reliable recipe that yields delicious, fresh bread with a soft interior and a crisp exterior.

Enhance Your Homemade Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter: Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter: Elevate your homemade bread with a luscious spread of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. The creamy butter, infused with aromatic flavors, will melt perfectly into the warm slices, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

Tomato Basil Soup: Tomato Basil Soup: Pair your freshly baked bread with a velvety tomato basil soup. The rich, tangy flavors of ripe tomatoes combined with the fragrant notes of basil create a comforting bowl of goodness. Dip your bread into the soup for an explosion of flavors that complement each other beautifully.

Caprese Salad: Caprese Salad: A vibrant Caprese Salad is the perfect companion to your homemade bread. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with a balsamic reduction will add a burst of freshness and color to your meal. The simplicity of this salad highlights the quality of your bread.

Grilled Chicken and Avocado: Grilled Chicken and Avocado: Create a delightful open-faced sandwich with slices of grilled chicken and creamy avocado. The smoky, savory chicken paired with the smooth, buttery avocado atop your homemade bread makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Berry Compote: Berry Compote: For a sweet twist, serve your bread with a homemade berry compote. A medley of berries cooked down to a thick, syrupy consistency will add a burst of sweetness and tartness. Spread it generously over your bread for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Similar Recipes to Try Besides Homemade Bread

Garlic Herb Focaccia: Dive into the aromatic world of garlic and herbs with this delightful focaccia. Perfect for pairing with soups or enjoying on its own, this bread is a flavorful twist on your traditional loaf. The crispy exterior and soft, airy interior make it a crowd-pleaser.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Indulge in the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon and raisins with this comforting bread. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, this loaf is a delightful way to start your day. The swirls of cinnamon and bursts of juicy raisins make each slice a treat.

Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread: For a healthier alternative, try making whole wheat sandwich bread. Packed with the goodness of whole grains, this bread is perfect for making nutritious sandwiches. Its hearty texture and rich flavor will make it a staple in your kitchen.

Cheddar Jalapeño Bread: Spice up your bread game with this cheddar jalapeño bread. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños creates a savory loaf that's perfect for adding a kick to your meals. Enjoy it with soups, stews, or as a standalone snack.

Banana Nut Bread: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic banana nut bread. Made with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, this moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each bite is a delicious blend of sweetness and nuttiness.

Why trust this Homemade Bread Recipe:

This homemade bread recipe is a tried-and-true classic that guarantees delicious results. With simple ingredients like warm water, sugar, salt, yeast, all-purpose flour, and oil, it’s easy to follow and perfect for beginners. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve a soft, fluffy loaf. Plus, the satisfaction of baking your own bread at home is unmatched. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, reliability, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this homemade bread recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Let's discuss any variations or tips you might have to make this bread even better!

FAQ:

How do I know if the yeast is properly proofed?

If the yeast is properly proofed, you'll see bubbles or a foamy layer on the surface of the water mixture after about 5 minutes. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different. Whole wheat flour tends to make the bread denser, so you might need to adjust the amount of water or add a bit of vital wheat gluten to help with the rise.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the rising periods. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation stays, it's ready. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand in a large bowl and then knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. It might take a bit more effort, but it works just as well.

How should I store the bread after baking?

Once the bread has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.