There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This homemade bread recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for beginners. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a soft and fluffy loaf that’s far better than anything store-bought. Whether you’re making toast, sandwiches, or just slathering a warm slice with butter, this bread is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bread Recipe
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you already have.
Beginner-Friendly – Easy step-by-step instructions for a foolproof bake.
Soft & Fluffy – Perfect texture for sandwiches, toast, or dipping.
No Special Equipment Needed – Just a bowl, a baking pan, and your hands.
Better than Store-Bought – Fresh, preservative-free, and incredibly tasty!
Ingredients You’ll Need For homemade bread recipe
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make the Best Homemade Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar (or honey).
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add melted butter (or olive oil) and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape & Second Rise
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
- Transfer to a greased loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
Use Warm Water – Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it properly.
Don’t Skip the Kneading – Kneading develops gluten, which gives bread its soft and chewy texture.
Let It Rise Properly – A warm, draft-free environment helps the dough double in size.
Check for Doneness – Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
Brush with Butter – For an extra soft crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Bread Recipe
- With Butter & Jam – A classic breakfast favorite.
- For Sandwiches – Perfect for PB&J, grilled cheese, or turkey and avocado.
- Alongside Soup – Pairs wonderfully with tomato soup, chili, or stew.
- As Toast – Top with avocado, eggs, or cinnamon sugar for a delicious treat.
How to Store & Freeze Homemade Bread
- Room Temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Wrap in plastic wrap and store for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Slice the bread, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast slices straight from the freezer!
Final Thoughts
Making your own homemade bread is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it! This recipe creates a soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for everyday use. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking! 🍞😊
PrintHomemade Bread Recipe
This Homemade Bread Recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfect for beginners! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a golden loaf that fills your kitchen with comforting aroma and your plate with fresh, warm slices. Whether served with butter or used for sandwiches, this classic bread is a must-have in any kitchen.
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
½ cup whole milk, warm
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the dough domes slightly over the top of the pan.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool & Serve:
Remove from pan and brush with melted butter if desired. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
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Flour Options: You can swap 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
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Dough Too Sticky? Add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading until it’s manageable.
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Make It Ahead: After shaping the dough, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
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Add-Ins: Stir in herbs, shredded cheese, or seeds before the first rise for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Homemade Bread Recipe
