Homemade Bread
Look no further for the BEST and simplest homemade Bread recipe made with just six simple pantry ingredients! This Homemade Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying fresh out of the oven. Its soft crust and fluffy interior make it a family favorite, suitable for any occasion from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings. Plus, it freezes well, ensuring you always have fresh bread on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just six pantry staples, this recipe is accessible and easy to follow.
- Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the wholesome taste of homemade bread that beats store-bought options every time.
- Versatile Use: Great for sandwiches, toast, or served alongside soups and salads.
- Freezes Well: Make extra loaves to freeze for later use without losing flavor or texture.
- Satisfying Experience: The process of making your own bread can be therapeutic and rewarding.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, it’s important to gather the right tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5 inch loaf pans
- Plastic wrap or dish towel
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort in kneading the dough, ensuring it reaches the right consistency quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to successful baking; they help achieve the perfect texture.
- Loaf pans: Specifically shaped to give your bread its classic shape and ensure even baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients for this delicious Homemade Bread:
- 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees) ((474g))
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar ((85g honey, 50g sugar))
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 Tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) ((30 ml))
- 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour ((500g-688g))
How to Make Homemade Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the yeast, water, and a pinch of the sugar or honey. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This process ensures that your yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Adjust Flour Consistency
Add another cup of flour and mix again. With your mixer running, gradually add more flour by ½ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The final dough should be smooth, elastic, slightly sticky but not overly so. Add more flour if necessary.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Mix the dough on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5-8 minutes.
Step 5: First Rise
Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray and place your dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover it with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1.5 hours.
Step 6: Prepare Loaf Pans
Spray two 9×5 inch loaf pans generously with cooking spray on all sides. Optionally line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 7: Shape Loaves
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide into two equal portions and shape each into logs before placing them in greased loaf pans.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover pans with a lightweight dish towel or spray plastic wrap with cooking spray before laying it over them gently. Let them rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour until they rise about an inch above the pans.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your bread for approximately 30-33 minutes, watching for a golden brown color atop each loaf. A gentle tap should produce a hollow sound.
Step 10: Cool
Invert loaves onto a wire cooling rack. Brush tops with butter and allow to cool for at least ten minutes before slicing.
Step 11: Store
Once cooled, store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five days.
Enjoy your homemade loaves in various ways!
How to Serve Homemade Bread
Homemade bread is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, whether as part of a meal or on its own. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your homemade bread experience.
Toast with Toppings
- Avocado Toast: Smash ripe avocado on toasted bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a quick breakfast.
- Nut Butter Delight: Spread almond or peanut butter on warm slices for a filling snack.
- Tomato and Basil: Top sliced bread with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing appetizer.
Sandwiches
- Classic BLT: Layer crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato between slices for a timeless sandwich.
- Turkey Club: Stack turkey, bacon, lettuce, and mayo for a hearty lunch option.
- Grilled Cheese: Melt your favorite cheese between two slices of homemade bread until golden brown.
Dipping
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Serve chunks of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Hummus Platter: Pair your homemade bread with hummus and veggies for a healthy snack.
Bread Pudding
- Sweet Treat: Use leftover homemade bread to make a delightful bread pudding with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices.
How to Perfect Homemade Bread
Making the perfect homemade bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast; old yeast may not rise properly.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and water to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Knead Properly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
- Control Temperature: Ensure your rising environment is warm but not too hot; ideally around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
- Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow dough to rise until doubled in size; patience yields better results.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool completely before cutting to maintain moisture and structure.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Bread
Homemade bread pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that complement its flavor. Here are some great options you can consider:
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette adds a crisp complement.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast them until tender for an earthy side.
- Soup of the Day: Serve alongside a hearty soup like tomato or chicken noodle for a comforting meal.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with assorted cheeses, nuts, and fruits for an elegant appetizer spread.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with veggies provides a refreshing balance to warm bread.
- Bruschetta Topping: Top slices of homemade bread with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for an Italian flair.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus offers a crunchy contrast to soft homemade bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade bread can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Ignoring yeast proofing: Failing to proof the yeast may result in flat bread. Always check that your yeast is active by letting it foam before mixing with other ingredients.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture and rise of your bread. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements when possible.
- Skipping the kneading step: Insufficient kneading can lead to dense bread. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic to ensure proper gluten development.
- Over or under-rising the dough: Allowing the dough to rise for too long or not long enough will affect its texture. Keep an eye on the dough and follow the recommended rising times closely.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can burn or undercook your bread. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Homemade Bread
- Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for added protection.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy reference.
Reheating Homemade Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap bread in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, add butter if desired, and warm each slice for about 1-2 minutes on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Homemade Bread without a mixer?
You can easily knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. Just mix ingredients in a bowl and then knead until smooth.
What type of flour works best for Homemade Bread?
All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour gives more structure and chewiness due to its higher protein content.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast directly without proofing it first; just add it into your dry ingredients.
How should I store leftover Homemade Bread?
Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This homemade bread recipe is perfect for any occasion! It’s simple, versatile, and customizable. You can add herbs, cheese, or seeds to elevate its flavor. Try this recipe today and enjoy fresh homemade bread right from your kitchen!
Homemade Bread
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of baking with this simple and satisfying homemade bread recipe. Made from just six pantry staples, this bread emerges from the oven with a soft crust and fluffy interior, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have fresh bread ready for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a casual breakfast at home, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable)
- 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of honey or sugar. Let rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining honey/sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix well.
- Gradually add more flour until dough pulls away from sides; it should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- Knead on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes (or by hand for 5-8 minutes).
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1.5 hours).
- Grease two loaf pans and shape dough into logs; place in pans.
- Cover and let rise again until inch above pans (about 45 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); bake for about 30-33 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on wire rack before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
