Created on November 10th, 2025 at 09:11 am
The simplest way
….to embrace comforting aromas and flavors in your kitchen
Homemade bread is a warm, satisfying staple that can transform a meal into something truly special. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home is both inviting and nostalgic, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. Each loaf offers a golden crust that gives way to a soft, airy interior full of flavor. It is the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from melting butter to rich spreads. The beauty of homemade bread lies in its simplicity – with just a few basic ingredients, you can achieve results that rival any bakery.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about kneading dough and watching it rise, leading to a rewarding experience. Each slice, with its tender crumb and slightly chewy crust, invites you to enjoy it at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade bread recipe delivers on all fronts – flavor, aroma, and versatility. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, resulting in a loaf that is both hearty and comforting. The dough is easy to handle, and the kneading process provides a wonderful tactile experience. As the bread bakes, your kitchen will fill with an inviting scent that makes it nearly impossible to resist a warm slice fresh from the oven.
Not only is this bread enjoyable on the day it’s baked, but it also improves in flavor the next day, making it ideal for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. A homemade loaf can elevate any meal and bring your family together around the table.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients List
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional for a richer flavor)
Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools at your disposal makes the bread-making process both efficient and enjoyable. Simplicity is key, and these essentials will ensure a smooth experience in your kitchen.
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step confirms that your yeast is alive and ready to provide the rise in the dough.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until it starts to come together. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly normal.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn out the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to avoid sticking. The dough should become smooth and elastic, soft to the touch, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. The dough is done rising when it feels light and airy.
- Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it tightly. Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover again and let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time so that it’s ready when your dough is fully risen.
- Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, until it turns a golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The warm aroma will envelop your kitchen as it bakes, inviting everyone to gather around.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft texture.
Pro Tips
- To achieve a crustier loaf, place a small pan of water in the oven while the bread bakes.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements if possible.
- Experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or grains for variety.
- For a more rustic look, you can score the top of the loaf before baking.
- Enjoy fresh bread within a couple of days or freeze it for longer storage.
Bread, Made Simple
Homemade bread is a simple pleasure with the power to create comforting moments. The process brings warmth to your kitchen and satisfaction to your palate. Each loaf carries with it the essence of home, making it more than just a food item; it becomes a centerpiece for gatherings and a staple for daily meals. This recipe proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Homemade Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional for a richer flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until it starts to come together. The dough will be sticky.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn out the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed to avoid sticking. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Rising
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release excess air.
- Shape it into a loaf and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover again and let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Notes
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