Description
Discover how to make Easy Homemade Bread with simple ingredients and no fuss. Try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 2 teaspoons (12g) salt
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1½ cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing the top)
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (110°F/43°C) and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s active when it becomes foamy and releases a distinct yeasty aroma—this is your bread’s foundation coming to life! If your mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or your water temperature was off, so it’s best to start fresh.
- Step 2: Form the Dough Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate 3 cups of flour and salt, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, gradually adding the remaining flour as needed. The dough should feel elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky. Remember, your **Easy Homemade Bread** will develop better flavor and texture with proper kneading, so don’t rush this step!
- Step 3: First Rise Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough inside, and turn it once to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. The ideal temperature for rising is about 75-80°F (24-27°C). During colder months, create a warm environment by placing the bowl in an oven that’s been heated for just a minute and then turned off.
- Step 4: Shape the Loaf Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release excess air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into your desired loaf form—either a round boule or an oval loaf. For sandwich-style bread, place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. For artisan-style **Easy Homemade Bread**, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until nearly doubled again.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before baking, use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the top of your loaf with a few shallow cuts—this allows for expansion and creates that beautiful artisanal look. Bake for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown. Your bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For an extra-golden crust, brush with melted butter immediately after baking. Allow your freshly baked **Easy Homemade Bread** to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg