Print

Homemade Bread Recipe

Homemade Bread Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

This homemade bread recipe yields two soft, golden loaves with a slightly crispy crust and tender crumb. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying plain with butter, this easy-to-follow method uses simple ingredients and involves two rises for ideal texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2¼ cups warm water
  • 1 pinch sugar

Dough

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5½ – 6½ cups bread flour

Topping (Optional)

  • Butter for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or the stand mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to become bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: Add the ¼ cup sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and 4 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth and incorporated.
  3. Add Remaining Flour & Knead: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms a soft, smooth ball that sticks only slightly to your finger. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough gently and divide in half. Roll each piece into a long rectangle about 8 inches wide. Starting at the short edge, roll the dough up into a cylinder approximately 8 inches wide.
  6. Second Rise: Place each cylinder seam side down into lightly greased bread pans. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another hour, until dough rises ½ to 1 inch above the top of the pan.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool & Serve: Optionally brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Remove breads from pans and cool on a rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For best results, use bread flour to achieve a chewier texture and better rise.
  • Water should be warm (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually, but avoid adding too much to keep bread soft.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Ensure dough is covered during rises to prevent drying out.
  • Check bread doneness by tapping the bottom to hear a hollow sound.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean towel or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, bread recipe, yeast bread, soft bread, basic bread recipe

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/homemade-bread-recipe/