Description
A delightful homemade bread recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a fluffy, delicious loaf perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm water (105-115°F) (474g)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (85g honey or 50g sugar)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) (30ml)
- 4–5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (500g-688g)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
- Once foaming, add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add another cup of flour, mixing well. Continue adding flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky.
- Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes on medium speed or 5-8 minutes by hand on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- For the first rise, grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a dish towel, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Spray two 9×5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles, divide it in half, shape into logs, and place in the prepared pans.
- For the second rise, cover with a lightweight towel and let rise until the dough is about an inch above the pans, about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 30-33 minutes until the tops are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
- Invert the loaves onto a wire cooling rack, brush the tops with butter, and cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Consider adding herbs, garlic, or cheese for unique variations. Adjust water amount if using whole wheat flour due to different liquid absorption.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bread, homemade, baking, family, cooking