Homemade Bread
Experience the warm, comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked homemade bread, perfect for any meal or snack. This simple recipe yields a soft, crusty loaf that’s easy to make from scratch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water; let it stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms; knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a richer flavor, brush the top with melted butter right after baking. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.