Making bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread. This simple recipe guides you through the process of proofing yeast, preparing the dough, and baking a soft, flavorful loaf. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade bread recipe is perfect for creating a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly crisp crust. The combination of warm water, olive oil, and bread flour ensures the dough rises beautifully, while the proofed yeast gives the bread a light texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re making sandwiches, serving it alongside soups, or enjoying it with butter, this bread is versatile and delicious.

Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients

To Proof the Yeast:

1 packet Active dry yeast
2 1/4 tsp (7g) Active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 tsp granulated sugar

For the Dough:

1 cup hot water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
3 1/4 cups bread flour (divided)

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

Directions

Proof the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the hot water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Add the proofed yeast mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of bread flour, stirring to combine. The dough will start to come together.
Slowly add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but comes away from the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-14 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5-3 hours

Variations

Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Garlic Bread: Mix minced garlic and a little Parmesan cheese into the dough or brush the baked loaf with garlic butter for a savory touch.
Whole Wheat Bread: Swap out half or all of the bread flour for whole wheat flour to make a heartier, more nutritious bread.
Sweet Bread: Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the dough for a slightly sweet flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Freezing: To freeze, let the bread cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: To reheat slices of bread, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives the bread a better texture and chew. If using all-purpose flour, the bread might be slightly softer.

2. How can I make the bread more flavorful?

Adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough will infuse it with more flavor. You can also experiment with different oils, like using butter instead of olive oil.

3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached around 190°F (88°C).

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

Yes, you can shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and bake it directly on a baking sheet for a rustic-style bread.

5. What if my yeast doesn’t proof?

If the yeast doesn’t bubble or foam after proofing, it could be expired or the water temperature may have been too hot or too cold. Start with fresh yeast and ensure the water temperature is between 100°F-110°F (37°C-43°C).

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

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, and it doesn’t need to be proofed in warm water. Simply add it directly to the flour mixture.

7. How can I make this bread softer?

For a softer loaf, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or use a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves of bread. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed, as larger loaves may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

9. Why is my bread dense?

If your bread is dense, it may not have risen enough, or the dough could have been overworked. Be sure to give the dough enough time to rise and gently knead it to avoid deflating the air pockets.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with texture. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Conclusion

This homemade bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or enjoying with butter. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake their own bread at home. Once you taste the fresh, warm bread, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!