Simple Homemade Bread
Quick Description
This Simple Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter. With minimal ingredients and just a few easy steps, this bread recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The light, airy texture and golden crust make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one. Plus, the smell of fresh bread baking in your oven is simply irresistible!
Servings & Timing
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add the yeast, stir, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it out into a rectangle and then folding the sides over. Pinch the seams to seal.
6. Bake the Bread
Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Additional Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Add-ins like herbs, garlic, or cheese can be mixed into the dough for extra flavor.
- To make this bread dairy-free, simply use olive oil instead of butter.
Dietary Info
Vegetarian
Contains Gluten
Low in Fat
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Garlic Bread: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and a pinch of dried oregano to the dough for an Italian twist.
- Cheese Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dough before baking for cheesy goodness.
- Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herb-infused loaf.
Ingredient Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour → Bread Flour (for a chewier, stronger texture)
- Olive Oil → Melted Butter or Coconut Oil
- Honey → Maple Syrup or Agave
- Warm Water → Milk or Almond Milk (for a slightly richer dough)
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Bread Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into rolls for homemade dinner rolls.
- Sandwich Loaf: Use this bread for a perfect sandwich base or toasted bread for breakfast.
- Bread Crumbs: Leftover bread can be dried out and processed into breadcrumbs for a pantry staple.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store this homemade bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- To keep the bread fresh longer, slice only what you need and freeze the rest.
- To freeze the dough, shape it and freeze before the final rise. Let it thaw and rise before baking.
FAQ
Can I use a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough cycle, but the baking time may differ. Shape the dough and bake it in a loaf pan.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing it first.
Why is my bread dense?
If the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t rise fully, it can result in a dense loaf. Be sure to knead until smooth and let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
