Homemade Bread
A warm, satisfying staple that transforms a meal with its comforting aroma and flavor. This homemade bread is simple to make and ideal for any occasion.
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
For a crustier loaf, place a small pan of water in the oven while the bread bakes. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.