There’s something downright magical about pulling a golden, fragrant loaf of Homemade Bread out of your own oven. It fills the kitchen with the cozy scent of fresh-baked goodness, and every slice, whether thick and soft or toasted to crunchy perfection, is a testament to the simple joy of homemade food. This straightforward recipe is one I reach for again and again: it’s unfussy, beginner-friendly, and delivers the kind of tender crumb and satisfying crust that’s impossible not to fall in love with. Whenever you crave a slice smeared with butter or stacked into a dreamy sandwich, Homemade Bread is always the answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking bread from scratch doesn’t mean you need a long shopping list. Each of these ingredients is classic and purposeful, working together to create a loaf with flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma. Here’s what makes every component essential:
- Warm Water (1 ½ cups): Provides moisture and the perfect environment to activate the yeast—just make sure it’s warm, not hot, for best results.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This is what gives Homemade Bread its lift, creating a soft and airy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the flavors.
- Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for flavor, a pinch of salt transforms your loaf from bland to utterly crave-worthy.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps keep the crumb tender—choose butter for extra flavor or oil for a lighter touch.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, plus more for kneading): The backbone of your bread, giving it structure and that soft, sliceable quality we love.
How to Make Homemade Bread
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm water into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the top and give it a quick stir. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes—watch as it transforms into a bubbly, frothy bloom. That’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready to make your bread beautifully airy.
Step 2: Build the Dough
Add the salt and oil into your yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time. You’ll see the dough come together, first sticky and then forming into a soft, shaggy mass. Be patient and resist the temptation to dump all the flour in at once—this step ensures your dough stays light, not dense.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Give it some love—fold, press, and turn. The dough should become smooth and elastic, bouncing back gently when poked. A well-kneaded dough means your loaf will rise evenly and have that beautiful, tear-apart texture.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Pop your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let it rise for about an hour, until it’s puffed up and nearly doubled in size. This is where Homemade Bread gets its tenderness, so be patient!
Step 5: Shape and Proof
Punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and settle it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This second rise gives you a fluffy, tall loaf.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Goodness
Once your dough is standing tall in its pan, slide it into the hot oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for a golden brown top. You can tap the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready! Cool it on a wire rack before slicing for the softest, picture-perfect Homemade Bread slices.
How to Serve Homemade Bread
Garnishes
Sometimes all you need is a swipe of salted butter melting into a fresh slice. But Homemade Bread also shines with garnishes like a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a thin layer of homemade jam. Try fresh herbs or a scatter of toasted seeds on top before baking for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This bread makes a reliable companion to just about anything: soups, stews, or simple salads. Set it alongside a hearty chili, dunk it into tomato soup, or use it as a base for savory sandwiches. An easy loaf like this plays well at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice your Homemade Bread thick and arrange the pieces in a rustic basket, or cut it into cubes for a bread platter with dips. Hosting a brunch? Try a French toast casserole or serve alongside whipped butter and flavored spreads for a DIY bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, Homemade Bread will stay fresh for two to three days at room temperature, wrapped in foil or a clean kitchen towel. Keep it away from the fridge, which can dry it out faster.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. You can also pre-slice before freezing, making it a breeze to thaw just what you need for toast or sandwiches.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster or wrap the loaf in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. The gentle heat brings Homemade Bread back to life, soft and fragrant, as if just baked.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Substitute the same amount of instant yeast and skip the blooming step—just mix it directly with your dry ingredients. You’ll still get a beautiful rise.
How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
Lightly press your finger into the dough; if the indentation slowly fills back in, it’s ready. If it springs back too quickly, give it a bit more time in a warm spot.
Can I make Homemade Bread with whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. The crumb will be denser and nuttier—a delicious variation!
Why did my bread turn out dense?
Dense bread usually means there wasn’t enough kneading, the yeast wasn’t active, or you used too much flour. Make sure to knead well, measure your flour by spooning and leveling, and confirm your yeast is fresh and bubbly.
Can I double this recipe for two loaves?
You bet! Just double all the ingredients and divide the dough between two pans. Keep an eye on rise times, they may take just a little longer for larger batches.
Final Thoughts
Baking Homemade Bread is pure, everyday magic—warm, delicious, and comforting. There’s nothing quite like it, and I truly hope you gather the confidence to try it yourself. Your kitchen (and anyone lucky enough to live with you) will thank you for every fresh, perfect slice!
Print
Homemade Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious homemade bread with this simple recipe. This basic white sandwich loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a fresh loaf of bread right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the salt and oil, then stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place the 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.
- Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, place in a greased loaf pan, let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For whole wheat bread, substitute up to 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add herbs, seeds, or shredded cheese to customize the flavor.
- This recipe also works well shaped into rolls or freeform rounds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
