There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this simple and foolproof recipe will guide you to create a perfectly soft and delicious loaf every time. No more store-bought bread—your homemade loaf will be fresher, tastier, and made with love. Let’s get started on your bread-baking journey!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour if unavailable)
- 1½ cups warm water (around 110°F or warm to the touch)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (balances the flavor and feeds the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds flavor and moisture)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Slowly pour in 1½ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the dry mixture.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, using the heel of your hand to push the dough and then folding it back over itself.
- Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticking to your hands).
Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
4. First Rise
- Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Tip: A great place for rising is inside an oven that’s off but has the light on.
5. Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
- Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can roll it into a log to fit your loaf pan or shape it into a round boule if baking on a sheet pan.
6. Second Rise
- Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased loaf pan (9×5-inch works well).
- Cover loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has puffed up slightly.
7. Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread in the center rack for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Optional Tip: For a softer crust, you can brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after baking.
8. Cool Before Slicing
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slicing the bread too early may result in a gummy texture, so patience is key!
Enjoy Your Homemade Bread
This loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying fresh with a swipe of butter or jam. 🍞✨
Let me know if you’d like variations or tips for adding flavors like seeds, herbs, or garlic!
