How to Make Basic Homemade Bread Recipe
This basic bread recipe guides you through making a simple, classic loaf using all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a few essential ingredients. Perfect for beginners, it yields a soft, golden crust bread ideal for sandwiches or to enjoy with butter and jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt evenly to distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil if using. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Let it rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release any trapped air. Shape it into your desired form, such as a loaf or rolls.
- Second rise (optional): Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan and let it rise again, covered, for 30-60 minutes until it puffs up.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), placing your baking sheet or loaf pan inside to warm up.
- Bake: Transfer the shaped dough onto the preheated baking sheet or loaf pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using olive oil is optional but adds moisture and flavor to the bread.
- Ensure the water is warm, about 105°F-110°F (40°C-43°C), to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- For a crisper crust, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam while baking.
- The second rise is optional but helps develop a lighter texture.
- Store leftover bread in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth to maintain freshness.
Keywords: basic bread recipe, homemade bread, easy bread, yeast bread, how to make bread
