This homemade bread recipe is perfect for those who enjoy baking their own fresh loaves at home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this bread comes out soft, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making sandwiches, serving it alongside soup, or just enjoying it with butter, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Preparation Time

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes

• • Rest Time: 1 hour (for dough to rise)
  • Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• • 100 ml warm water

• • 8 g (1 teaspoon) sugar
  • 8 g (1 teaspoon) dry yeast
  • 50 g (about 3 tablespoons) bread flour

• • 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
  • 8 g (1.5 teaspoons) salt
  • 350 ml warm water

• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the 100 ml warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500 g bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining 350 ml warm water, and the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form.

3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding a little more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.

5. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can shape it into a round or oblong shape depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Second Rise: Cover the dough again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size again. This second rise is essential for creating a light and airy texture.

7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If you’re using a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

8. Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a loaf pan, you can check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer. It should read about 190°F (88°C) when done.

9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy while still warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with butter and jam for a delicious breakfast.
  • Use the bread for making sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
  • Pair it with soups or salads for a hearty meal.

• Toast the slices and top with garlic butter or cheese for a savory snack.

Cooking Tips:

• • Ensure your yeast is fresh to guarantee the dough rises well.

• • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as this can affect the texture.
  • For a crispier crust, place a small bowl of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
  • You can add herbs or seeds to the dough for extra flavor before baking.

Variations to Try:

• • Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute part or all of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, healthier loaf.
  • Garlic and Herb Bread: Add garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough before the first rise for a fragrant loaf.

• Cheese Bread: Fold in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the dough before the second rise for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion:
Making homemade bread is easier than it seems, and with this recipe, you can enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of fresh-baked bread without much effort. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, dinner, or a snack, this bread is versatile, delicious, and perfect for all occasions. Enjoy!