Simple Homemade Bread
Learn how to make homemade bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of creating a delicious loaf of bread right in your own kitchen.
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water-sugar mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir the ingredients together until they form a shaggy dough.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface.
- Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand.
- Fold the dough back towards you and repeat the process for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to remove any excess air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
Final Rise and Preheat the Oven
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread
- Once the dough has finished its final rise, remove the kitchen towel and place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it with your favorite spreads or enjoy it on its own.