Easy Homemade Bread

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There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen. This Easy Homemade Bread is soft on the inside, golden and crusty on the outside, and incredibly satisfying to make from scratch. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering a delicious loaf every time.

The best part? You don’t need a stand mixer or fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a little patience. The result is a bakery-worthy loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just tearing apart and dipping in a good olive oil. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started!

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Ingredients for this Easy Homemade Bread

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer texture)
• Extra flour or cornmeal (for dusting the baking surface)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

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Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. If using olive oil, mix that in as well. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Then, use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball.

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Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour—just enough to handle it without it sticking to your hands.

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Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

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Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by folding the edges inward and tucking them under. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined or lightly floured baking sheet.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy. During this time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You can also score the top with a sharp knife for a rustic look.

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Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when tapped. For a crispier crust, place a small pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking.

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Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps set the crumb and prevents the bread from becoming gummy inside.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Easy Homemade Bread fresh and tasty:

• At Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in a clean kitchen towel or store it in a paper bag to maintain the crust. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid plastic bags unless you prefer a softer crust.
• Freezing: Slice the bread and freeze individual slices or the whole loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.
• Reheating: To refresh the crust, sprinkle the loaf with a little water and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slice, based on 12 slices per loaf)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of flour works best for this bread?

All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute bread flour for a chewier texture or mix in whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

This recipe relies on yeast for its rise and texture. For a yeast-free option, try a soda bread recipe instead.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and airy. A gentle poke should leave a dent that slowly springs back.

My bread didn’t rise—what went wrong?

Your yeast may have been expired, or your water too hot or too cold. Always proof your yeast first to make sure it’s active.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes! Simply add the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer and set it to the basic bread cycle.

What makes the crust so golden?

The combination of steam during baking and a high oven temperature gives the loaf its beautiful golden, slightly blistered crust.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! Try kneading in chopped rosemary, garlic powder, shredded cheddar, or even olives for delicious variations.

Is this bread vegan?

Yes! As long as you don’t use milk or butter in place of water or oil, this bread is naturally vegan.

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