This Simple Homemade Bread recipe is an easy and versatile way to make fresh, delicious bread right at home. With just a few basic ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and salt—you can create a soft, crusty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will have you enjoying freshly baked bread in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade bread recipe is simple yet results in a soft, fluffy interior with a beautiful golden-brown crust. The dough is easy to work with and requires minimal ingredients. The long rise time helps develop the bread’s flavor, giving it a rich taste that you won’t get from store-bought bread. Once baked, this loaf will make your home smell incredible and provide a satisfying addition to any meal.

Home Baguette

Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups lukewarm water
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, so you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape and Bake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased bread pan or onto a baking sheet if you prefer a round or oval shape.
  3. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up before baking.
  4. Bake the Bread: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The crust should be golden brown.
  5. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-14 slices
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Rise Time: 2.5-3 hours (including both rises)
  • Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 3-4 hours

Variations

  • Whole Wheat Bread: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious bread.
  • Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Sweet Bread: For a sweeter loaf, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar to the dough, and a dash of cinnamon for a spiced touch.
  • Garlic Bread: Add minced garlic and a bit of olive oil to the dough for a flavorful garlic bread.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a cloth at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast without proofing it in water. Just add it directly to the flour mixture.

2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready for the second rise when it has doubled in size and is slightly soft to the touch. You can also do the “poke test” by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

3. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for mixing and kneading the dough. Just add the ingredients in the order specified by your bread machine’s instructions, and follow the baking cycle.

4. Can I make this bread without a bread pan?

Yes, you can shape the dough into a freeform loaf or round boule and bake it on a baking sheet. Just be sure to shape it tightly and place it on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

5. How do I make the bread crustier?

For a crustier crust, place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven while baking, or spritz the dough with water just before putting it in the oven to create steam.

6. How can I make this bread fluffier?

For fluffier bread, ensure you’re using lukewarm water, not too hot or cold, and give the dough enough time to rise during both stages.

7. Can I add seeds or nuts to this bread?

Yes, you can mix in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or nuts like walnuts, into the dough for added texture and flavor.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. If doing so, you may need to increase the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

9. How can I make the bread sweeter?

To make the bread sweeter, increase the amount of sugar or honey, or add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a warm flavor.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just divide the dough into two portions, shape, and bake accordingly.

Conclusion

This Simple Homemade Bread recipe is the perfect way to bake a delicious, fresh loaf with minimal effort. The soft, fluffy interior, golden crust, and subtle flavor make it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a bowl of soup. With only a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can make a homemade loaf that’s far better than anything you can buy in the store!

 

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Home Baguette

Simple Homemade Bread


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  • Author: Chef MARTHA
  • Total Time: 3-4 hours
  • Yield: 12-14 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple and versatile homemade bread recipe that results in a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden, crusty exterior, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a variety of dishes.


Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups lukewarm water
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need fresh yeast.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent stickiness.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Shape the Dough: Punch the dough down, turn it onto a floured surface, and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet if you prefer a freeform shape.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let rise for 30 minutes.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and the crust is golden brown.
  9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crustier crust, place a pan of water in the oven or spritz the dough with water before baking.
  • To make fluffier bread, ensure the water is lukewarm and give the dough enough rise time.
  • For a sweeter loaf, add a bit more honey or sugar, or add cinnamon for a spiced touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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