Homemade bread is a timeless comfort food that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas.
With just a few simple ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—you can create a loaf that’s soft on the inside with a crisp, golden-brown crust on the outside.
This traditional recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a straightforward way to make bread from scratch.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy addition to dinner or a satisfying snack, this homemade bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The best part? It’s customizable! You can add herbs, seeds, or even a touch of butter to make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delightful end result!
Ingredients:
needed to prepare: 20 minutes
Time to cook: 25-30 minutes
Break duration: 2-3 hours
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
List of items needed to make a recipe.
Hot water: 1 and a half cups (370 milliliters)
Yeast in powder form: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
Preparation:
Make the Yeast Work:
In a big bowl, mix together lukewarm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g).
Stir softly and leave it for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbly.
Make the dough:
Put 500 grams of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture.
Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough is made.
Work the dough by kneading it.
Move the dough to a surface with a little flour and work it by hand for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and stretchy.
If the dough is too wet, put in a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time.
Beginning:
Put the dough in a clean bowl with a little oil, cover it with a wet cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Form the dough.
Press the dough that has risen to remove any air bubbles.
Form the dough into a loaf or the shape you want, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan that has been greased.
Second Rise: A New Beginning
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it grow for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Make the bread.
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before using it.
Cook the bread in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown color and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
Chill and serve:
Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before cutting it.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread either warm or at room temperature!
Advice:
To make the crust softer, apply melted butter on top of the bread after it is baked.
Include seeds or herbs in the dough for more taste.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
Simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
Great for people who are just starting.
Smooth and fluffy inside with a crunchy outer layer.
Suitable for various kinds of bread.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use quick-rise yeast. If you use instant yeast, you don’t need to activate it separately.
Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I tell if my yeast is still good to use?
To see if your yeast is working, combine it with lukewarm water and a little bit of sugar.
If it gets bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it is ready to use. If not, it might be old, and you should use a new batch.
ICan I prepare this bread without gluten? I
Yes, but you will have to use a gluten-free flour mix that works well for making bread.
Doughs without gluten may require special care and more time to rise, so make sure to adjust as needed.
How can I make the outer layer less hard?
ITo make the bread crust softer, you can either brush melted butter on top or cover it with a clean, damp cloth right after baking.
To store homemade bread and keep it fresh, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before wrapping it.
For short-term storage, place the bread in a paper bag or wrap it loosely in a kitchen towel to maintain its crust’s texture.
If you plan to keep it for longer, store the bread in an airtight plastic bag or a bread box to prevent it from drying out.
For extended freshness, you can also slice the bread and freeze individual pieces.
To enjoy frozen bread, simply toast or reheat it in the oven.
Proper storage will help maintain the bread’s soft interior and crunchy exterior for several days.
There are plenty of ways to customize your homemade bread to suit your taste.
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic into the dough, or sprinkle seeds like sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds on top before baking.
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can mix in honey, cinnamon, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
For a lighter texture, you could replace a portion of the flour with whole wheat or add a bit of vital wheat gluten to enhance the rise.
If you want a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
Don’t forget that you can experiment with different types of flour, such as rye or oat flour, for unique flavor profiles.
With these variations, you can make each loaf of homemade bread truly your own!
Homemade bread is a wholesome, nutrient-rich option, especially when made with simple, quality ingredients.
A typical serving (one slice) of basic white bread contains around 70-80 calories, with approximately 1-2 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat, and 12-15 grams of carbohydrates.
It also provides small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins (especially niacin and folate) and iron, though the exact nutritional value can vary depending on the type of flour used.
Whole wheat or multigrain variations increase fiber content, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Homemade bread can be a healthier option than store-bought varieties, as it often lacks preservatives and artificial ingredients.
However, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.