Homemade Bread Recipe

This recipe provides a classic method for baking delicious homemade bread. The aroma and taste of freshly baked bread are truly unbeatable!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be old, or the water too hot/cold. Start again with fresh yeast and water.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter (and honey or olive oil, if using). Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour, a little at a time, if the dough is too sticky.

First Rise:

1. Prepare for Rising: Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Second Rise:

1. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer to a floured surface and shape into a loaf. Place the shaped dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a round loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Second Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size again.

Baking the Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature is around 190°F (88°C).
3. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.