Simple Homemade Bread Anyone Can Make
A comforting staple that’s easy to make at home, yielding a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden, crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature.
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (optional) For added flavor.
- Optional: your choice of herbs or seeds for flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (if using) to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Shaping and Second Rise
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf.
- Place it into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a free-form round and place it on a baking sheet.
- Cover the dough again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
Baking
- Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam. Wrap leftover bread in a clean towel to keep it fresh, or slice and freeze for later.