Classic Homemade Bread: Simple, Soft, and Delicious

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Classic Homemade Bread: Simple, Soft, and Delicious

Introduction:

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This Classic Homemade Bread recipe delivers a simple yet satisfying loaf with a soft, fluffy interior and a golden-brown crust. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter, this bread is a testament to the joy of homemade baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Basic Ingredients: This recipe calls for pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
  • Easy to Follow: The instructions are clear and simple, making it suitable for bakers of all levels.
  • Versatile: This bread is perfect for a variety of uses, from breakfast toast to dinner rolls.
  • Rewarding: The satisfaction of baking your own bread is unmatched, and the delicious results will leave you wanting more.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

  • For the Dough:
    • Warm water (105-115°F / 40-45°C)
    • Active dry yeast
    • Granulated sugar
    • Bread flour
    • All-purpose flour
    • Salt
    • Olive oil or unsalted butter, melted

HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC HOMEMADE BREAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Activate the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar.
    • Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy and bubbly.

  2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.

  3. Make the Dough:

    • Add the activated yeast mixture and melted olive oil (or butter) to the dry ingredients.
    • Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. Knead the Dough:

    • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
    • You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.

  5. First Rise:

    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.

  6. Shape the Dough:

    • Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
    • Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

  7. Second Rise:

    • Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

  8. Bake the Bread:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
    • If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

  9. Cool and Enjoy:

    • Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Use the Right Water Temperature: The water should be warm to the touch, but not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Knead Thoroughly: Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure and texture.
  • Warm Rising Environment: A warm, draft-free place is ideal for the dough to rise. You can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in a slightly warmed oven or near a sunny window.
  • Check for Doneness: The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

DETAILS:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

  • You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or rye flour, for a variation in flavor and texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of honey or molasses to the dough for a slightly sweeter bread.
  • Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or milk before baking for a softer crust.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you can skip the activation step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
  • My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong? Several factors can affect the rise of the dough, including the temperature of the water, the freshness of the yeast, and the rising environment. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, and that the yeast is fresh and active.
  • How do I store homemade bread? Store the cooled bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Room Temperature: Store the bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this Classic Homemade Bread recipe, you might also enjoy these other bread recipes:

  • No-Knead Bread
  • Whole Wheat Bread
  • French Baguette

CONCLUSION:

Baking your own bread is a rewarding experience, and this Classic Homemade Bread recipe is the perfect place to start. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread in no time. Happy baking!

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