Here’s a simple, reliable homemade bread recipe—soft inside, golden crust, and perfect for beginners 🍞
Easy Homemade Bread (1 Loaf)
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dough: Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.
- Shape: Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover and rise 30–45 minutes, until dough crowns about 1 inch above the pan.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 30–35 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from pan and cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Dough should feel slightly tacky, not sticky.
- For a softer crust, brush with butter right after baking.
- For a crustier loaf, place a pan of hot water on the oven rack below while baking.
Variations
- No-knead: I can give you a 5-minute dough version.
- Whole wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat.
- Garlic or herb bread: Add 1–2 tsp dried herbs.
If you want, tell me what kind of bread you’re aiming for (sandwich, rustic, dinner rolls, or no-yeast), and I’ll tailor it exactly for you.
