Easy Homemade Bread Anyone Can Make at Home

There is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. This easy homemade bread recipe is simple, forgiving, and perfect for beginners. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy soft, warm, and fluffy bread any time. It is perfect for breakfast sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite soups and stews.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Step by Step Instructions for Homemade Bread Recipe

Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir to mix evenly. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Knead the dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes.

First rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the bread

Punch down the dough gently to remove air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or divide into rolls. Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Second rise

Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should puff up slightly but not over rise.

Preheat the oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Bake the bread

Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a crispier crust, brush the top with water before baking.

Cool the bread

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

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

You can make this bread whole wheat by replacing half or all of the flour with whole wheat flour. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. For a slightly sweet bread, mix in 2 tablespoons of honey. You can also add seeds such as sunflower, flax, or sesame on top before baking for added crunch. Adjust water slightly if using whole wheat flour as it absorbs more liquid.

Nutritional Information

This homemade bread is simple, wholesome, and free from preservatives. A typical slice contains about 120 calories with 1.5 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. Using olive oil adds heart healthy fats. Whole wheat variations increase fiber content while keeping the bread satisfying and nutritious. This bread makes a great staple for everyday meals without any artificial ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy homemade bread warm with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast. It is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping into soups and stews. You can also use it as a base for garlic bread or bruschetta for a snack or appetizer. Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast slices as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions