Homemade Classic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked homemade bread. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create soft, golden loaves perfect for sandwiches or alongside any meal. With a little patience, you’ll enjoy bakery-quality bread right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (474g)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (85g honey, 50g sugar)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons oil (30 ml)
• 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (500g – 688g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add more flour, about one cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough for 4 to 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
6. Step 6: Grease two loaf pans. Punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, shape each into a loaf, and place them in the pans.
7. Step 7: Cover the loaves and let them rise again until the dough extends about one inch above the pans, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30 to 33 minutes until they turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool completely before slicing and storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
• For a shiny crust, brush the loaves with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Adjust the amount of flour as needed since humidity can affect dough consistency.

Storage

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices directly from frozen or warm whole loaves in the oven wrapped in foil.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use about 25% less than the active dry yeast called for, and add it directly to the flour without proofing in water.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add warm water, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

Homemade Classic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

This homemade bread recipe results in soft, flavorful loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to any meal. Using simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward process, this bread is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers looking to create fresh, warm bread at home.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (474g)
• 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (85g honey or 50g sugar)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 Tablespoons oil (30 ml)
• 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (500g – 688g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add remaining ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
3. Incorporate additional flour: Gradually add more flour, about one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer for 4-5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
6. Prepare the pans: Grease two loaf pans. Divide the dough evenly into two portions, shape each into a loaf, and place them into the pans.
7. Second rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise again until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the pans, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until golden brown on top.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely before slicing, and store properly to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• You can substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness.
• The amount of flour may vary depending on humidity and flour type; add gradually until the dough is manageable.
• Allowing the dough to rise fully develops flavor and texture.
• For a crispier crust, bake on the middle rack and place a pan of water below to create steam.
• Store bread in an airtight container or bread box to keep it fresh longer.

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, soft bread loaf, easy bread recipe, baking bread at home