If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s a warm, comforting loaf made with straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that bring out the best in every bite. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home baker, this recipe guarantees soft, golden crust and an airy crumb that feels like a gentle hug with every slice. Trust me, once you try this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe, you’ll never want to buy bread from the store again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe comes down to a handful of humble ingredients, each playing an essential role. From the yeast that makes the bread rise to the olive oil that lends a subtle richness and softness, these components combine to create a loaf that’s both classic and delightfully satisfying.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and body, making the bread chewy yet soft inside.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: The living ingredient responsible for that wonderful rise and airy texture.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast for a better rise and adds a hint of subtle sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness and strengthening the dough.
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour to form the perfect dough.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing): Adds moisture and tenderness, keeping the bread soft longer.
How to Make Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy. This foaming means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, creating air pockets that will make your bread wonderfully fluffy.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Form Dough
Once your yeast is foamy, add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Stir everything together until just combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. This process helps you control the dough’s consistency, ensuring it’s moist but not sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where the gluten develops, giving your bread its elastic texture. Kneading by hand is incredibly soothing and connects you to the bread-making tradition in the best way!
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This rise is crucial — it allows the yeast to ferment and create those airy pockets that make the bread so light and soft.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf and Second Rise
Punch down the dough gently to release excess air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise ensures your bread will have a great shape and lovely volume once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap it. This sound is your signal that the bread is perfectly baked — crusty on the outside with a soft, tender crumb inside.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
After letting your bread cool on a wire rack, consider brushing the top with melted butter for an irresistibly soft crust that shines and tastes rich. You can also sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the bread’s mild flavor.
Side Dishes
This Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is a wonderful companion to almost any meal. Serve it alongside fresh soups, stews, or salads. It also makes an excellent foundation for sandwiches, letting the ingredients shine while providing a soft, satisfying bite every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your homemade loaf and toast the pieces for bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil, or create a mouthwatering garlic bread by spreading with herb butter and broiling just until golden. You could even cube it to make croutons that elevate any salad or soup, turning ordinary dishes into something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature to keep it soft for 2 to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread quickly, robbing it of that fresh-baked tenderness you love.
Freezing
If you want to keep your homemade bread fresh longer, freezing is the way to go. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its delightful texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature, then warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This will refresh the crust and crumb, giving you that “just-baked” sensation and aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier texture and a higher rise. Your bread might turn out a bit denser but still delicious.
What if I don’t have olive oil? Can I use something else?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but your bread will still come out wonderfully soft.
How do I know if my yeast is still good?
If your yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with warm water and sugar within 10 minutes, it might be expired or inactive. Using fresh yeast is essential for a good rise in this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Definitely! This Simple Homemade Bread Recipe serves as a fantastic base for customization. Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme, shredded cheese, or even whole grains to add extra flavor and texture to your loaf.
Is there a way to make a softer crust?
Brushing the top of the bread with melted butter right after baking will create a softer, richer crust, which some people prefer over a crusty finish.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own bread with this Simple Homemade Bread Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort straight into your home. It’s straightforward enough for beginners, yet rewarding enough to impress anyone. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to the joy of fresh, homemade bread. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Simple Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and easy homemade bread recipe that yields a soft and tender loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with basic pantry ingredients and requires no special equipment, this bread is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Form dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape loaf: Punch down the dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
- Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or whole grains to customize this basic loaf.
