Classic Homemade Bread Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. This classic homemade bread recipe will fill your kitchen with that delightful aroma and provide you with a delicious loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a loaf of bread that rivals those from a bakery.

Ingredients

To make this classic homemade bread, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 cups of all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast

– 2 tablespoons of sugar

– 2 teaspoons of salt

– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

– 1 1/2 cups of warm water

Steps

Follow these steps to make your own classic homemade bread:

Step 1: Proof the yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the bread rise.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Step 3: Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the well in the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a rough dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure.

Step 5: Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the dough

Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either use a loaf pan or shape it free-form on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Second rise

Place the shaped dough back into the greased bowl and cover it again with the kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up slightly.

Step 8: Preheat the oven

While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9: Bake the bread

Once the dough has finished its final rise, remove the towel and place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Variations

While the classic homemade bread recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations:

– Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

– Mix in grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a cheesy bread.

– Sprinkle seeds, such as sesame or poppy seeds, on top of the loaf before baking for added texture and flavor.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your homemade bread turns out perfectly:

– Use warm water, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cold will prevent it from activating.

– Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps to develop the gluten and gives the bread structure.

– Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. The ideal temperature for rising dough is between 75-85°F (24-29°C).

– Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This will help it retain its shape and prevent it from becoming gummy.

Conclusion

With this classic homemade bread recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious loaf of bread. Whether you choose to keep it simple or add your own variations, there’s no denying the joy that comes from pulling a freshly baked loaf out of the oven. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of homemade bread.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will result in a denser, heartier loaf of bread.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A: Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the amount used, as instant yeast is typically more potent than active dry yeast. Consult the packaging instructions for the appropriate conversion.

Q: How should I store the bread?

A: Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you anticipate not finishing the loaf within that time, you can also slice and freeze individual portions for later use.