Description
Discover how to bake soft, fluffy homemade bread with this simple step-by-step guide. Using just six basic ingredients, this foolproof recipe is perfect for beginners and produces a golden, delicious loaf every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (100–110°F / 37–43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar (or honey). Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter or oil. Stir until a rough, shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until dough rises about 1 inch above the rim.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For best results, ensure water temperature is between 100–110°F. Too-hot water kills yeast, while too-cold water slows fermentation. Kneading and patience during rising are key to a light, fluffy loaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 24)
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: simple bread recipe, easy homemade bread, beginner bread, white bread loaf, basic bread dough